Category: Articles

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MARCH 2026

Omada Meal Map — a new way to track what you eat

There’s no one “perfect” diet. But if you want to eat healthier, try the Omada Meal Map. It’s not about perfection, just progress.

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Get real-time meal insights

Snap photos of your meals and the Omada app will give you instant feedback and personalized nutrition guidance. It makes it easier to:

  • Focus on nutrients, not calories
  • See how balanced your meals are with quick feedback
  • Track eating habits without calorie counting
  • Get tips and recipes that fit your taste
  • View weekly summaries of your eating patterns

Meal Map helps you build healthy habits that last — boosting energy, supporting immunity and lowering your risk of heart disease, diabetes and more. You can also discuss your goals and progress with your Health Coach.

Get more support from Omada

Omada for Diabetes, Hypertension and Prevention Weight Health offers care between doctor visits with personalized coaching, smart tools and proven strategies.


Diabetes

Eat well, move more and manage stress to support healthy glucose levels

  • Smart scale, glucose meter and strips

Hypertension

Lower blood pressure

  • Blood pressure monitor and/or smart scale

Prevention & Weight Health

Reduce health risks through small but powerful changes, including weight loss

  • Smart scale

OmadaHealth.com/Costco | 888-409-8687 | Age 18+ | No cost

Take charge: Tips to help prevent and manage diabetes

Managing blood sugar doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small changes can make a big difference.

Build a balanced plate
  • Half: Non-starchy vegetables — broccoli, spinach, peppers
  • One-quarter: Lean protein — chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, beans
  • One-quarter: Nutrient-rich carbs — whole grains, beans, corn, potatoes, peas

Make smart carb choices

Pick high-fiber, low-sugar carbs (beans, fruit and whole grains) over refined carbs (white bread and pasta, pastries and chips).

Avoid hidden sugars in drinks

Choose water or unsweetened options like seltzer or tea instead of sugary sports drinks and sodas.

Choose the right fats

Opt for unsaturated fats, like olive oil, nuts and avocado, and omega-3s like salmon instead of foods high in saturated fat.

Watch sodium

Choose more fresh foods. Canned soups, deli meats, prepackaged snacks and frozen entrées are often very high in sodium.

Check your risk of diabetes

Take a 60-second quiz to learn more about your risk.

Take the quiz
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MARCH 2026

Benefits to help with weight management

Does it feel like everything you eat upsets your stomach — and you’ve been dealing with this discomfort for years? You’re not alone. Nearly 40,000 Costco employees and their family members deal with gut issues like bloating, cramping and constipation.

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Access health programs built just for you

Omada can help you lose weight, manage diabetes and lower blood pressure with one-on-one coaching, smart device and specialist support (if needed). Programs are available to employees and dependents age 18+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan.

Diabetes —
Keep glucose levels in check. Includes a glucose meter and test strips.
Hypertension —
Take control of your blood pressure. Includes a pressure monitor and/or smart scale.
Prevention —
Lower your health risks through small but powerful changes, including weight loss. Includes a wireless smart scale.


Is it just a snore or something more?


Snoring, grogginess and headaches are just three symptoms of sleep apnea. Having extra weight can put pressure on your airways and increase your risk of this condition.

GEM Sleep, now available through Sleepio, makes it easy to get tested and treated for sleep apnea from the comfort of your own bed, without an overnight stay at a sleep clinic. Aetna medical plan benefits apply.

Let a registered dietitian weigh in

The Aetna Live Healthy Team offers dedicated support to Costco employees and their family members. They can connect you with registered dietitians who can build a meal plan that fits your needs — whether that’s eating more protein, losing weight, or lowering your cholesterol or blood sugar.

Make eating healthy simpler and more fun

Costco employees and their families get discounted rates for WeightWatchers, a points-based weight-loss program with recipes and resources to help you stay motivated — and keep the weight off.

Well-being coaching can help you meet your goals

Resources for Living® (RFL®) offers free, confidential well-being coaching to help you work toward almost any goal, like weight loss or meal planning. It’s all about you and what you want to achieve. Check out the RFL Healthy Living Guidebook for actionable guidance on nutrition, movement, mindset and more to support your health on and off the scale.

Source(s): 


WebMd. What is body composition? 


Sleep Foundation. How weight affects sleep apnea


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MARCH 2026

Tired of stomachaches after you eat?

Does it feel like everything you eat upsets your stomach — and you’ve been dealing with this discomfort for years? You’re not alone. Nearly 40,000 Costco employees and their family members deal with gut issues like bloating, cramping and constipation.

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Figure out what’s going on with your gut

Cylinder, your free digestive health program, starts with an at-home gut health test to measure good and bad bacteria. Then experts and registered dietitians help you spot triggers and build a gut-friendly meal plan.

Registered dietitian: One-on-one support for symptom triggers, meal planning, nutrition tips, weight management and overall gut health.

Health coach: Help managing stress, setting goals, navigating health care, making exercise plans, managing medications and making lasting changes.

On-call nurse: On-demand support — anytime, anywhere.

You can also access recipes, self-paced courses, smart food and symptom tracking, and more.

What’s your poop trying to tell you?

Get answers from Cylinder’s new Stool Tracker. How it works:

  • Snap a photo of your stool and upload it to the app
  • Get an analysis based on the Bristol Stool Chart
  • See helpful insights on what’s going on inside you

You can also track meals, symptoms (like bloating and pain), stress levels and other digestive factors in a diary. The app helps build a custom care plan, with support from a coach and registered dietitian to help you identify trigger foods and ease your symptoms.

Gut health is more than just a bellyache

That’s why it’s important to know what’s going on. Your gut is home to trillions of tiny organisms that affect more than just digestion. From immune health to mood and even sleep, your gut plays a big role in how you feel every day.

Immune health — About 70% of your immune system lives in your gut.1 A healthy gut fights germs and keeps inflammation in check.

Mental health — Your gut and brain are closely connected. Most of your body’s serotonin — the “feel-good chemical” — is made in your gut.

Sleep — Your gut helps produce melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep. When your gut is out of balance, sleep can suffer.2

Get better rest with Sleepio, an online sleep improvement program. And don’t ignore the snore and grogginess no matter how much sleep you get — GEM Sleep (now available through Sleepio) offers at-home sleep tests and treatments for sleep apnea. Available to mainland employees only.

Source(s): 

1Nutrients. The interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system in the context of infectious diseases throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimizing treatment strategies

2Open Life Sciences. Gut microbiota and sleep: Interaction mechanisms and therapeutic processes


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MARCH 2026

Build meal plans with a registered dietitian

Planning healthy meals can feel hard when you’re busy with work and life. A registered dietitian can take the mystery out of meal planning, guide you on nutrition and grocery lists, and help you reach your goals.

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Connect with a dietitian at no cost

The Live Healthy Team can connect you with registered dietitians to help build a meal plan and healthier eating habits. Connect with a Live Healthy registered dietitian by calling the Live Healthy Team at 800-814-3543, Monday–Friday, 7 am–7 pm CT, or completing the Registered Dietitian Form. Available to mainland employees only.

Another resource that supports healthier eating habits is Omada for Diabetes, Hypertension and Prevention & Weight Health. If you’re age 18+, get programs and one-on-one support for weight loss, plus help managing and preventing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Visit OmadaHealth.com/Costco or call 888-409-8687 to get started.

Meal planning can also help you lose weight and improve gut health. Cylinder, a digestive health program for those age 18+, also offers nutrition support. Work one-on-one with a dietitian on food choices, meal planning, weight management and more. Visit Go.CylinderHealth.com/Costco or call 888-246-5019 to learn more. Available to mainland and Hawaii employees only.

SSS Contigo connects you with a team of health experts, including nutritionists and health educators. They can help you plan nutritious meals while keeping in mind your health, social and nutritional needs. Head to SSSPR.com to learn more or call 787-706-2552 or 800-981-3241. Available to Puerto Rico employees only.

All Costco employees and their family members age 18+ can join WeightWatchers at a discounted rate. Learn how to eat healthier, move more and reach your weight-loss goals. Find recipes, track your food and activity, and monitor your progress as you go. You can learn more by visiting WW.com/Costco or calling 866-204-2885.

Check out this month’s healthy WITT recipe.
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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.

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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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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.

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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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JANUARY 2026

Your new benefits are live — take a look

During Annual Enrollment, we shared the changes for 2026. Now it’s time to get to know them better — like more counseling sessions through Resources for Living® (RFL®) and a bigger allowance for prescription eyewear.

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Here’s what’s new for this year

  • Get more free counseling sessions. You now have 8 free sessions per issue, per year through RFL®, up from 6. Use your sessions with in-person, virtual or chat therapy. Sessions can be used for individual, family or couples counseling.
  • Enjoy a bigger vision hardware allowance. The annual allowance for prescribed glasses and contacts increased from $175 to $200. Remember: These funds need to be used by the end of each year.
  • Earn a $50 credit for an in-network dental cleaning. You and your enrolled family members can each earn a $50 credit toward your medical deductible and coinsurance when you get your first in-network dental cleaning each year.
  • Sleep better with GEM Sleep’s sleep apnea support. If you’re enrolled in the Aetna® medical plan, you can use GEM Sleep through Sleepio to get a diagnosis from home. Plus, get treatment options based on your evaluation. GEM Sleep is available to mainland employees only.
  • Watch the mail for your new Navitus pharmacy ID card.  Your coverage is still the same, but Navitus Health Solutions replaced Costco Health Solutions as your pharmacy benefits administrator. You can use your new pharmacy card at any network pharmacy. You can also use your employee ID to fill prescriptions at a Costco Pharmacy. Navitus is for mainland and Hawaii employees only.

Know before you go — ER visits cost more in 2026

The copay for an emergency room (ER) visit on the Aetna medical plan is now $200 (up from $150). Deductible and coinsurance still apply. If it’s not a true emergency, you have other options for care, such as urgent care and  98point6 virtual care for a $0 copay. For all the changes, check your 2026 Benefit Plan Changes booklet.

Watch the Benefits Changes video
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JANUARY 2026

Benefits employees asked to learn more about

Your benefits aren’t just for checkups and health concerns. They’re here to support your health, your family and your peace of mind — no matter what life brings. We’ve heard your feedback — here are some of the benefits employees have asked to learn more about.

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Get help for aches and pains

Working at Costco can be physically demanding. Your benefits can help.

  • Explore virtual physical therapy from Omada for joint and muscle pain.
  • Get chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage therapy services for employees enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
    – Need help finding an in-network provider? Have questions about visit limits, claims or coverage?
    – Download the Aetna Health℠ app, use the Aetna Chat feature or call your Aetna Health Concierge at 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711).
  • Join a gym and take advantage of discounted gym memberships from LifeMart to keep your body and mind strong.

Improve your sleep

Sleepio can help you clear your mind and get better sleep in just 6 weeks. Also available through Sleepio, GEM Sleep makes it easy to get a sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment from home. Your medical plan benefits apply. GEM Sleep is available to mainland employees only.

Make a will and file your taxes for free

With SmartDollar®, you have access to Mama Bear Legal Forms to help you make a will or trust for free. You can also file your taxes for free with Ramsey SmartTax®. Plus, work with a financial coach to pay off debt, save and be more intentional with money.

Find support for life’s challenges

Whether you need help managing bills, finding childcare or elder care, or managing stress — your benefits are here for you. From childcare solutions to mental health support for tough situations, Resources for Living® (RFL®) can help. All members of your household can also use RFL, including children up to age 26 whether they live at home or not. Services are free and confidential.

Complete the 2026 Benefits Survey by January 31
Tell us what you value most about your Costco benefits. Take this short survey at Costcobenefits.com.