Month: January 2026

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Articles

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1 MIN READ

FEBRUARY 2026

Skin checks help catch cancer early 

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers among Costco employees, affecting more than 6,000 employees and family members. In the U.S., 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.1 It’s also become increasingly common among young adults.2

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5-year survival rates for melanoma3 — the most serious type of skin cancer

Stage 0: about 100% when it’s caught before it spreads deeper into the skin

Stage 1–2 (localized): 97% once it grows deeper into the skin

Stage 3 (regional): 60% once it spreads to the lymph nodes

Stage 4 (distant): 16% once it spreads to other organs

Skin checks can help you catch skin cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.


Concerned about a new or changing mole? 

Get on-demand care via text from 98point6® for a $0 copay. In just a few minutes, you can start an appointment and get a diagnosis and treatment for skin issues, allergies and more.

Take a photo and upload it to your doctor or describe what you’re seeing. Clinicians can tell you if it looks concerning or recommend following up with a specialist, such as a dermatologist or oncologist, for biopsies or treatment. 

Need help finding a dermatologist? Get tips on how to find an in-network doctor.

Start with a self-exam

Doctors recommend a skin cancer self-check once a month, ideally after a shower or bath. Be on the lookout for any new, changing or unusual moles or spots. If anything seems off, you’ll want to get it checked by a dermatologist right away.

Here’s how to do a self-exam:

Check your whole body in a full-length mirror — front, back and sides with arms raised.

Look at underarms, forearms and palms — bend elbows for a closer view.

Check your legs and feet — including backs of legs, between toes and soles.

Use a hand mirror for your neck and scalp — part your hair to see your skin.

Finish with your backside — use a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas.


Your primary care provider may recommend annual skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist if you have a:

  • History of skin cancer in your family
  • History of blistering sunburns or tanning bed use
  • Large number of moles or a history of atypical moles
  • History of regular sun exposure

Source(s):

1 Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin cancer facts & statistics.

2 Journal of Cancer Education. Increasing skin cancer prevention in young adults: The cumulative impact of personalized UV photography and MC1R genetic testing.

3 National Cancer Institute. Melanoma: Five-year survival rates.

Categories
Recipes

1 min read

1 MIN READ

FEBRUARY 2026

Heart-healthy pasta e fagioli

It’s soup season! When colds and flus start making the rounds, nothing beats a quick, heart-healthy bowl of soup. This Italian classic is a hearty, veggie-packed soup with beans, pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s comfort in a bowl.

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Heart health in every bite

Olive oil

Healthy fats to help lower bad cholesterol

Veggies

Fiber and antioxidants for blood pressure

Vegetable broth

Flavor without saturated fat

Beans and spinach

Plant protein and minerals for heart health

Pasta

Energy in a small portion

Parmesan

Flavor with minimal saturated fat

Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min
Serves: 6
Ingredients:

2 tsp. Kirkland Signature Olive Oil

1 rib celery, finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

1 plum tomato, coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

4 cups vegetable broth

1/2 cup uncooked macaroni (ditalini or elbows)

15 1/2 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

5 oz. baby spinach, coarsely chopped

2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

 

Directions:
Step 1

Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high. Cook celery, carrot and onion until tender (about 8 minutes), stirring often.

Step 2

Add tomato and garlic. Cook until tomato softens (about 6 minutes).

Step 3

Stir in broth and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook uncovered until pasta is tender (about 8 minutes).

Step 4

Add beans and spinach. Cook until heated through and spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).

Step 5

Divide into bowls and top with Parmesan.

Nutrition facts

Serving size: 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tsp. cheese  | Calories: 177 | Total fat: 3 g | Saturated fat: 1 g | Sodium: 638 mg | Carbs: 24 g | Sugar: 4 g | Fiber: 6 g | Protein: 7 g

Source: WeightWatchers

With WeightWatchers you can lose weight, eat healthier, move more and develop a more positive mindset. Costco employees can join now for as low as $9 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependents can join for as low as $14.50 each per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up at WW.com/Costco or call 866-204-2885.

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Articles

2 min read

1 MIN READ

FEBRUARY 2026

Get answers to claims and coverage questions 

Health care can be confusing. It’s normal to have questions — especially when you’re trying to figure out what’s covered or how your claim was processed.

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If you’re enrolled in the Aetna® medical plan, the Aetna Health℠ app is like an on-call personal assistant who helps make health care simpler.

Here are new tools that make it easier to access your plan info

New! Understand claims at a glance

Snap a photo of your provider bill to match it with the right claim. Then you’ll get a clear breakdown of what your plan covers and what you owe.


Ask away, get quick answers

Tap the smart chat icon for quick answers to questions, 24/7. Try “What’s my deductible?” You can also chat with a live agent Monday–Friday, 8 am–6 pm.

Use the search bar to get more detailed answers — but without medical terms or complex language. Type “What’s my chiro benefit?” and you’ll get your copay, visit limit and other coverage info.


Track your costs

Tap into tools to track your spending, deductible, coinsurance, claims and Health Care Reimbursement Account expenses. That way, you can stay on top of your health care costs.

What else can you do on the Aetna Health app?

Access your ID card
Check coverage
Find care
Compare costs and more

New! Get personalized care recommendations

Get started with Aetna Care Paths for personalized condition support, tailored care recommendations and more — all powered by technology to simplify your health care experience.

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Articles

2 min read

2 MIN READ

FEBRUARY 2026

Has health taken a back seat to your to-do list?

Between work, family and everything else, it’s easy to put health on the back burner — especially if you’re not feeling sick. When you’re caring for others, it’s easy to overlook preventive care and other ways to stay healthy. But when you take care of yourself, you’re in a better position to support those around you. Your well-being matters — and taking time for it is important.

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Here are 3 ways to stay on top of your health and your family’s — and make the most of your benefits

1. Save time and money when you need care right away

The ER is for emergencies
Using the emergency room (ER) for nonemergency care can lead to longer wait times and higher costs. When your situation isn’t life-threatening, you have other in-network options for care.


Got a sick kid? Dealing with a cold or the flu?
Get urgent virtual care for a $0 copay through 98point6® — text-based care, 24/7, at home or on the go. It’s available to employees and dependents age 1+ enrolled in the Aetna® or HMSA medical plan. Visit 98point6/Costco or download the app so you’re ready when you need care.


Wondering where to go for care? Not sure if you need the ER or if it can wait until morning?
Call the Aetna 24-Hour Nurse Line for guidance from a registered nurse. They’re available 24/7 at 800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) to answer health questions and help you find urgent in-network care when you need it. 

You can also download the Aetna Health℠ app to find in-network urgent care and walk-in clinics. (Text AETNA to 90156 to download the app. Note that message and data rates may apply.)


In case of emergency
For a true emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. True emergencies are always covered — even out of network.


2. Get your annual checkups on the calendar

It may take weeks — sometimes months — to get in for your routine checkup. Schedule yours early and build a healthy habit.


Preventive care is key, even if you’re healthy. It includes your yearly physical, recommended screenings and vaccines. Your provider can use these tools to help catch health issues early, like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers. They can also recommend heart-healthy lifestyle habits to reduce your risk of serious conditions down the road.


Don’t forget: You pay $0 when you use in-network providers. Having trouble finding an in-network doctor accepting new patients? Your Aetna Health Concierge can help you find providers and schedule appointments.



3. Book dental and vision exams early

Planning ahead helps prevent you from competing for appointments during the end-of-year rush.

Dental exams and cleanings protect your teeth, mouth and overall health. Plus, you and your enrolled dependents can each earn a $50 credit toward your medical deductible and coinsurance when you get your first dental cleaning each year with an in-network dentist.

Eye exams check vision and can spot early signs of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Your plan pays up to $80 for your annual eye exam and $200 toward prescribed eyewear from Costco Optical every year.

If you’re unsure about your hearing, consider scheduling a hearing exam at a Costco Hearing Aid Center. If you need medically necessary hearing aids, your plan pays up to $1,750 every 4 years. Your plan also pays up to $3,000 every 4 years for enrolled dependents under age 18.

Categories
Articles

2 min read

1 MIN READ

FEBRUARY 2026

How to find an in-network doctor 

Finding a provider who’s taking new patients can take time, and appointments may be weeks or even months out. Staying in-network helps you get the care you need and make the most of your benefits. Your health plan covers medically necessary care when you choose in-network doctors or providers. Keep in mind that out-of-network care isn’t covered — except for emergencies.

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Need help finding the right provider?

You have a few different ways to find in-network providers accepting new patients and who are also a good fit for your needs and health conditions.

If you’re enrolled in the Costco medical plan:

Costcobenefits.com — Go to Costcobenefits.com and select “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness. 


If you’re enrolled in the Aetna medical plan:

Aetna Health℠ app — If you haven’t already, download the Aetna Health app to try out some of its new features. The app now has a dark mode for easier viewing in low light.

Aetna Smart Compare® Intelligent Matching — Get a “Picked for You” list of providers based on your needs. Each one meets the highest standards for quality and effective care. Use “Find Care & Pricing” to search or ask Aetna Smart Chat to give you a list of options near you.

Accepting new patients — Click on a provider to see how many new Aetna patients they’ve seen in the past 6 months. This helps you gauge if they’re taking new patients before you call.

Aetna ID card — Your Aetna ID card gives you an option for a primary care provider (PCP) that you can use, but you can see any provider in the network.

Aetna Health Concierge — Your Aetna Health Concierge can help you find in-network providers accepting new patients and even help you schedule appointments. Connect through Aetna Chat or call 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711).


If you’re enrolled in the Costco medical plan, you have access to virtual care:

Mainland and Hawaii: 98point6® app offers on-demand primary and urgent care via text for a $0 copay.

Hawaii: HMSA’s Online Care lets you see a doctor online for physical and mental health care at any time.

Puerto Rico: TeleConsulta MD lets you see a doctor online in minutes. Get a diagnosis or prescription medication, review test results and more.

Puerto Rico: TeleConsulta connects you with a registered nurse, 24/7/365, for any health-related questions and where to go for care.

Preventive care can be a lifesaver

You deserve to feel your best — and routine preventive care is part of that. Regular checkups give you and your PCP a clearer picture of your overall health.

Mammograms, for example, are a key part of annual preventive care for women. They help detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Right now, about 1,800 Costco employees and their family members are receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Your free annual physical can also help you find out if your blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol are higher than they should be. High levels can increase your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke.1

While an ER doctor can help treat symptoms you’re experiencing in the moment, your PCP knows your medical history and how best to manage your health conditions for the long term. They can also prescribe and refill prescriptions when needed.

You have support to make small changes that can have a big impact on your health.

Reminder icon
If you have a PCP, you’re 19% less likely to end up in the ER.

Get support between visits with Omada

Imagine this: You see your PCP and find out your blood sugar is too high — you have diabetes.

Your doctor tells you to change your diet and exercise more. But how? Your Costco benefits include Omada® for care between visits for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol management, for those who qualify.

You’ll get support from a health coach, nutrition guidance and free tools to track your progress. The next time you see your doctor, you’ll hear, “Great job — your numbers are under control!”

Visit OmadaHealth.com/Costco or call 888-409-8687 to get started.

Source(s): 

1Mayo Clinic. Metabolic syndrome

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