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Learn more: Reimbursement Accounts

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date September 21, 2023

LEARN MORE

NOVEMBER 2023

More money in your pocket

For Mainland and Hawaii only.

Taking care of yourself and your family can have a big impact on your budget. There are the everyday expenses, including medications and first aid supplies and larger ones, like day care and orthodontia. But here’s some good news: You can set aside pretax money to help pay for these items with reimbursement accounts, administered by PayFlex^®. Even better news: You’ll also spend less on taxes.

Costco offers two reimbursement accounts. You can choose to enroll in one or both of them. The Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) is for health care expenses, and the Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) is for dependent care expenses. You must enroll or re-enroll in these accounts every year, so make your elections for 2024 during Annual Enrollment, November 1–21.

Watch the Reimbursement Accounts video below to learn more about the HCRA and DCAP.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Show transcript

♪ ♪ NARRATOR: Your health and the health of your family is a top priority at Costco. That’s why we are committed to providing you and your family with affordable benefits that help you receive quality care whenever needed.

One of those benefits are the reimbursement accounts available through PayFlex. Here’s everything you need to know about reimbursement accounts. There are two types of reimbursement accounts available to you as a Costco employee through PayFlex, the HCRA and the DCAP.

The HCRA or Health Care Reimbursement Account, allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to reimburse yourself for eligible medical expenses, such as: Copays, Coinsurance and deductibles, Dental and vision expenses, Prescriptions, and over-the-counter items.

Annual Enrollment is the only time you can enroll in an HCRA account, and the HCRA must be re-elected every year if you want to continue your account. The DCAP, or Dependent Care Assistance Plan, allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to reimburse yourself for qualified child and elder care expenses necessary for you and your spouse to work.

Funds can be used to pay for childcare for your dependents age 12 and younger, or for a spouse or dependent incapable of self-care. Examples of DCAP expenses are things like day care, before and after school care, nursery and pre-school, and in-home aids.

Please note that the DCAP cannot be used for dependent health care expenses. You need to enroll in the DCAP every year to continue your account, however, you can unenroll, change, or stop your enrollment whenever there is a change to your dependent care needs throughout the year.

Both types of accounts are funded by automatic pre-taxed payroll deductions from every paycheck. If you choose to enroll in one or both of the reimbursement accounts during Annual Enrollment, you will be prompted to choose how much money you would like to contribute for the plan year.

Funds will then be deducted pre-tax from your paychecks and deposited into these reimbursement accounts. While you can access the full amount of your annual HCRA election beginning January 1st, with the DCAP, you can only access the amount currently in your account at the time of your reimbursement request.

Each account has a funding limit set by the IRS. Before you enroll, take a look at your health care and dependent care expenses for the previous year, and think about needs in the coming year to get a sense of how much you would like to contribute.

Your needs may vary from year to year, so think carefully about the coming year’s needs before selecting your contribution level. It is important to remember that funds in both accounts are “use it or lose it” per IRS rules.

Only a small portion of your HCRA balance can roll over into the next plan year. This amount is determined annually by the IRS. Only participants who have an active HCRA as of December 31st are eligible for this rollover.

Any funds beyond the rollover amount are forfeited after the claim filing deadline. This is why it’s so important to consider your anticipated expenses for the coming year before selecting a contribution level for each account.

If you have a larger amount in your DCAP account than you expected as the end of the plan year approaches, you can take advantage of the grace period. The DCAP offers a grace period at the beginning of the following year where funds from the previous year can still be used.

Don’t forget to submit all your reimbursement claims by the filing deadline as any funds left over after this period will be forfeited. Be sure to calculate your contributions carefully. And that’s the basics.

If you have any questions or need more information, just visit Costcobenefits.com. Thanks for watching, and remember, we’re in this together.

The smart way to pay for health care and dependent care expenses

The Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) and Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) allow you to pay for qualified expenses with money automatically deducted from your paycheck before taxes are calculated, lowering your taxable income. Here are answers to some common questions about these accounts.

What do they cover?

You can use your HCRA for eligible health care expenses that are not covered by your medical plan for you and your covered spouse and dependents. These expenses can include your plan deductible and copays, and many health care items and services, for example:

Dental and vision expenses
LASIK laser eye surgery
Orthotics
Reading glasses
Sunscreen

See a complete list of eligible HCRA expenses.

Your DCAP can be used to reimburse yourself for eligible dependent care expenses necessary for you and your spouse to work. Funds can be used to pay for childcare for your dependents age 12 and under, or to care for another family member incapable of self-care who lives in your home, such as a spouse, a child age 13 or older or a parent. Here are a few examples of eligible expenses:

Before- and after-school care
Care for a disabled family member
Child daycare
In-home aide
Nanny
Preschool tuition

See a complete list of eligible DCAP expenses.

Note: Your DCAP cannot be used to pay for dependent health care expenses.

How do they work?

When you enroll in an HCRA or DCAP, you choose an amount of money to put aside for the year based on what you think you’ll need to cover your expenses. This money is automatically taken out of each paycheck and deposited into your reimbursement account before payroll taxes are calculated.

You don’t pay taxes on this money. That means you save an amount equal to the taxes you would have paid on the money you set aside.

With an HCRA, you can pay for certain expenses directly from your account with the AutoPay function if you’re enrolled in a Costco medical plan. You can also use the HCRA debit card for eligible expenses, or pay upfront and submit a claim for reimbursement. See below for more details.

Autopay

HCRA

The HCRA will automatically reimburse certain medical, dental and vision plan expenses, including copays, coinsurance and deductibles.

debit card

HCRA

Use for eligible expenses at Costco Pharmacy or Online Pharmacy, Costco Optical Department and Costco Hearing Aid Center.

Claim form

HCRA & DCAP

Use for other eligible expenses, such as prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs or items.

With a DCAP, you’ll need to pay upfront for an eligible item or service, then you’ll submit your receipt and a claim form through PayFlex to get reimbursed from your account.

Each reimbursement account has different rules and restrictions, as follows:

HCRA

Contribution amounts

You can contribute between $120 and $3,050 per year.

Enrollment

To enroll or re-enroll in an HCRA for 2024, you must make your election during Annual Enrollment.

Access

You can access the full amount of your annual HCRA election on January 1.

Rollover

Only a small portion of your HCRA balance can roll over to the next plan year. If you are enrolled in an HCRA for 2023, your rollover amount to use in 2024 is $610. This amount is determined each year by the IRS.

Use it or lose it

All expenses must occur during 2024. You forfeit any balance over the rollover limit that remains in your account after the claim filing deadline of April 30, 2025.

DCAP

Contribution amounts

You can contribute up to $5,000 per year ($2,500 if married and filing separately).

Enrollment

To enroll or re-enroll in a DCAP for 2024, you must make your election during Annual Enrollment. You can unenroll or change your DCAP election at any time during the year if there is a change in your dependent care needs.

Access

Access is limited to the amount currently in your account. You can get reimbursed up to the amount of your year-to-date contributions, not the entire annual amount you selected.

Grace period

You can use the funds you contributed for any services through March 15, 2024.

Use it or lose it

You can submit claims until April 30, 2025. Any funds remaining after the deadline will be forfeited.

How do I know how much to contribute?

Be very thoughtful when choosing how much money to contribute to your reimbursement accounts. Look at what you spent this year on health care and/or dependent care, and consider how that amount may change in 2024. Money left in reimbursement accounts (except for the allowed rollover amount for the HCRA and the grace period for the DCAP) will be forfeited after the claim filing deadlines.

How do I get started?

If you wish to participate in a reimbursement account for 2024, you must enroll during Annual Enrollment, which ends on November 21, 2023. Important note: If you enrolled in a reimbursement account for 2023, you will need to re-enroll in order to have a reimbursement account for 2024.

Visit the Enrollment Website located on Costcobenefits.com to make your reimbursement account elections. See the resources below for more information.

Tags Annual Enrollment, Benefits, financial-well-being, Inspira

Articles

Check it out

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date September 21, 2023

CHECK IT OUT

NOVEMBER 2023

Audio: Feeling worried? Try grounding

Worrying can bring your day to a halt. When you’re focused on past experiences or anxiety about the future, it can be hard to concentrate and think clearly. And when that happens, you can miss what’s going on in the here and now.

Grounding can help anyone, at any age. This mindfulness technique works to redirect your thoughts back to the present with the help of your five senses. Grounding is simple, powerful and only takes a few minutes. And it’s as easy as counting down 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Listen below to get started. Grounding is a great tool to have anytime, but especially as we enter the holiday hustle.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Podcast — Mental Health Fitness: Grounding technique

Show transcript

Hey, folks. I’m Alex, a licensed social worker and trauma coach.

You know, after a period of acute, or prolonged stress – which many might consider traumatic – it’s normal, perfectly normal, to experience flashbacks of our traumas or the stressors we’ve endured. It’s common to experience depression as a result of our thoughts about the past, or even anxiety due to racing thoughts about the future.

And sometimes we can even get stuck in a loop of constant worry and fear, which prevent us from being present in the moment. We can sometimes get stuck in our past or spend too much time worrying about the future that we miss what’s going on around us in the present moments.

Today, I’m going to take you through a grounding technique. Grounding techniques are practices that we can do for ourselves which help control symptoms, like worry, and bring one’s focus back to present moments.

So the grounding technique I’m going to talk to you about today is simply known as the 5,4,3,2,1 technique – and it’s very simple: If you catch yourself thinking too much about the past or future, you can bring your focus back to the present by engaging your senses.

And specifically, you want to look for 5 things that you can see,

4 things that you can touch or feel,

3 things you can hear,

2 things you can smell,

And 1 thing that you can taste.

So, if I were doing this exercise, it might be because I’m noticing myself struggling to concentrate – maybe I’m starting to worry about several upcoming deadlines that I have. I might try this exercise to reset my focus a little and increase my awareness to the tasks that are present in front of me.

First, I’d identify 5 things that I could see – I might look around my office for small objects or details. Or I might notice the way the light is coming through my window. I also keep a diffuser on my desk, so I might focus on the vapor coming from the diffuser.

Once it feels like you’ve started to really engage with your sense of sight, you want to move on to things that you can touch or feel. And this can be noticing the sensation of the clothing on your body, if there is any sun coming through your window that may be touching your skin, if you can feel that warmth, the feeling of the chair you may be sitting in. Or if you’ve got objects on your desk or near to you, you could pick these things up and notice the weight of them, or the texture, or any other physical aspects.

Next, we engage our hearing – you want to pay attention to the sounds that your mind may have tuned out. It could just be white noise, or maybe the subtle ticking of a clock, or if you could hear the wind outside, or maybe a car passing by your home.

Second to last is our sense of smell, and here’s where I have some examples on things that you can actually double down on. For example, the diffuser I mentioned earlier. These are things that I can reflect on in multiple ways, and just as I might notice their appearance, I can also take a moment notice their aroma.

Lastly is our sense of taste, and this too can be duplicated, such as a warm cup of coffee – this is something that you can hold and feel the warmth of it, you can smell the aroma of it, but you can also sip and taste it. Some other good ideas are simply keeping some chewing gum on you, or mints or candy.

Now I know this was a very simple exercise – but it’s meant to be. And it’s also a powerful exercise. With practice, you may not even need to do the full list. You might just engage with one sense or another and find that that was enough to get your mind refocused. Or if you’re just starting out, you might need to do the exercise a couple of times. Or maybe do the exercise in a different location or while going for a walk.

It’s easy to sometimes get lost in our thoughts and struggle to focus on our present moments. But if or when you find yourself lost in your thoughts, just remember you can always ground yourself by engaging your senses to bring yourself back to the present. And it’s as easy as counting 5,4,3,2,1.

Source: Resources For Living^®. Mental health fitness: Grounding technique.

Check out the resources below to learn how your Costco benefits can help you care for your mental health.

Tags Behavioral health, emotional-well-being, Stress, Therapy

Articles

Learn more

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date August 16, 2023

LEARN MORE

OCTOBER 2023

Dental health and mental health

Did you know that when you brush your teeth, you’re also supporting your mental health?

“People are often surprised that their mental health is connected with their oral health, and their oral health, in turn, with their mental health,” says Cleveland Clinic Psychologist Susan Albers. “But they’re really interconnected.”

A dental checkup can be an opportunity for a mental health tune-up. That makes seeing your dentist twice a year even more important. Make sure to get your visits in before the end of the year. Your Costco dental plans cover preventive care at 100% when you see an in-network provider.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

How dental health affects mental health (and vice versa)

In a 2015 American Dental Association study, 1 in 5 adults reported experiencing anxiety because of the condition of their mouth and teeth. This is especially significant for young adults, whose oral health concerns led 22% of them to reduce participation in social activities.

“When your oral health is suffering, it can decrease your quality of life,” explains Dr. Albers. “If you feel embarrassed about the health of your teeth, it can trigger social anxiety. You may withdraw. Or it may hurt your self-esteem. This can lead to an increase in some of your mental health symptoms.”

The opposite is also true — your mental health can affect your dental health. The health of your teeth can give clues to your stress level, your anxiety, your mood and the presence of chronic eating problems.

For example, worn enamel can be a big red flag that you’re experiencing high levels of anxiety or stress. Stress can also increase the level of cortisol in your body, weakening your immune system and making you more susceptible to canker sores, gingivitis and gum disease. In addition, if you’re struggling with depression, you may not have the motivation or energy for dental care.

Managing your dental and mental health

Because your mental health and dental health are interconnected, things you do for one also benefit the other. These small changes in your day-to-day life can have a lasting impact.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a wide variety of nutritious foods, like veggies, fruit and lean proteins, boosts your mood and protects your teeth and gums.

Watch out for dry mouth

Certain antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and mood stabilizers can reduce the saliva in your mouth and cause dry mouth. Since saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and germs, this could be a concern. If you think you might have dry mouth from your medication, talk with your dentist, doctor and therapist to make sure it’s not hurting your teeth.

Practice stress-reduction techniques

Deep breathing, meditation or using an app to help you relax are some of the techniques you can try to reduce stress and anxiety. If you notice you have worn enamel, or that you clench or grind your teeth at night, you may want to try wearing a mouth guard when you sleep. You can get a custom-fitted mouth guard from your dentist, or, for a shorter-term solution, you can look for an over-the-counter option.

See your dentist

Dentists aren’t just there to polish up your pearly whites. They can also detect when other things are going on in your life. Dr. Albers notes that dentists are often the first professionals to identify and diagnose a mental health issue. And that many referrals to counselors and therapists come from dentists.

“Dentists are very willing to help,” says Dr. Albers. “They’ve seen signs and symptoms of conditions before. And a dentist and therapist working together can help you work through your mental health issues and protect your oral and overall health.”

Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. The link between dental health and mental health: what you need to know.
American Dental Association. Oral health and well-being in the United States.

Use your Costco benefits to support your dental health and mental health. See the resources below to learn more.

Tags Behavioral health, Dental, emotional-well-being, Stress

Articles

Learn the basics

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date August 15, 2023

LEARN THE BASICS

OCTOBER 2023

Video: How to floss your teeth

Do you floss every day? If you answered “no,” you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 32% of adults said they flossed daily.¹

But the benefits of flossing are real. Flossing removes plaque, a sticky film of bacteria and saliva that can collect at the gum line. If the bacteria builds and causes inflammation, you get periodontal disease. And that can lead to receding gums, tooth decay and tooth loss.

Flossing, along with brushing, can help prevent periodontal disease. But it’s important that you floss correctly. To learn how, check out this short video. Once you learn the steps, you may find it easier to make flossing a routine part of your day.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Show transcript

¹NIH. Prevalence of daily flossing among adults by selected risk factors for periodontal disease—United States, 2009–2014.

Sources:
Dr. Mark Nieh. Flossing.
NPR. Are you flossing or just lying about flossing? The dentist knows.

Check out the resources below to learn how your Costco benefits can help you care for your mouth and teeth.

Tags Dental, physical-well-being, Preventive care, Videos

Articles

Take action

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date August 14, 2023

TAKE ACTION

OCTOBER 2023

Keep your teeth in tip-top shape

Baby boomers are the first generation in which most people will keep their natural teeth for life. This is largely thanks to fluoride in public water and fluoride toothpaste. But we’re not totally out of the woods.

Threats to oral health, like cavities and gum disease, can still lead to tooth loss, especially as we age. Receding gums and decreased saliva production can expose teeth to decay-causing bacteria. It’s also common for other age-related health issues to take precedence over oral health.

Luckily, there’s one tool that can help you maintain strong teeth for the long term — regular preventive care. And your Costco benefits are here to help, with 100% coverage for two annual dental exams and cleanings when you see an in-network provider. If you haven’t had a cleaning in the last six months, you still have time to schedule a preventive dental visit before the end of the year. And if you are enrolled in the Costco medical plan, don’t forget to take advantage of the annual vision exam included in your benefits too.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Tips for a healthy mouth

Men, in particular, are more vulnerable to dental issues. Men develop gum disease more often than women, due to their hormone differences, immune system factors, differences in oral hygiene behaviors and greater tobacco use.¹ They also tend to visit dentists less frequently, and when they do, it’s more often for a longstanding problem than disease prevention.

Fortunately, there are small steps everyone can take to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Schedule your annual dental checkups and cleanings. Two checkups per year are recommended.
Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss daily. This removes the plaque that causes cavities.
Limit sugary foods and drinks. The sugar and carbonation in these products can strip away enamel and cause tooth decay.
Avoid tobacco. Not only do tobacco products stain your teeth, but they can also increase your risk of gum disease, bone loss and oral cancer. If you smoke or use tobacco products, there are resources available to help you quit. The Costco Tobacco Cessation program can help.
Drink plenty of water. The dehydrating effects of alcohol and some medications can reduce the saliva flow in your mouth, making you more susceptible to gum disease and tooth decay.
See your doctor or dentist if you have sudden changes in taste or smell. These could be a sign of gum disease or infection.

When surgery is necessary

Even if you practice good dental hygiene, you may still need oral surgery. The most common is tooth removal, or extraction. This is recommended if you experience pain due to severe tooth decay or gum disease. Wisdom teeth may also be candidates for extraction if your dentist determines that they’re likely to cause issues in the future. Other types of oral surgery include root canals, periodontal surgery, dental implants and corrective jaw surgery.

It’s often confusing to know whether oral surgery procedures fall under your dental or medical benefits. A general rule of thumb is that dental insurance covers any procedure directly related to the teeth, while medical insurance covers procedures related to the bones and tissue structures of the face and oral cavity. If your doctor or dentist recommends oral surgery, visit Costcobenefits.com to find information on coverage.

Relief from dental pain

Your care team wants you to be as comfortable as possible when you’re undergoing dental treatment. That may involve prescribing pain relievers, including opioids, which are highly addictive. Ask your dentist about safer pain-management alternatives.

For example, EXPAREL^®, a nonaddictive one-time injection, helps to relieve pain for the first few days after a procedure and may reduce the need to take opioids at all. This medicine is covered by all Costco dental plans at 100%. You can also try a combination of ibuprofen (Advil^®, MOTRIN^®) and acetaminophen (TYLENOL^®), which has been shown to be more effective than opioids with fewer side effects.² Talk to your dentist about your options.

Save more when you stay in network

To keep your teeth and gums healthy, prevention is the best medicine. All Costco dental plans fully cover preventive care, including two annual checkups and cleanings when you see an in-network dentist. Using an in-network dentist usually keeps your out-of-pocket expenses lower and offers a higher annual maximum benefit. You can review your dental plan choices and make changes during Annual Enrollment, starting November 1.

¹American Journal of Men’s Health. Men and oral health: a review of sex and gender differences.
²Modern Healthcare. OTC meds more effective for post-surgery pain than opioids, study shows.

Sources:
CDC. Facts about adult oral health.
Cleveland Clinic. Oral surgery.

Be sure to schedule your dental exam and cleaning before the end of the year. For resources to help you review your coverage, find a dentist, or quit tobacco products for good, see below.

Tags Dental, dental-cleanings, physical-well-being, Preventive care, Substance misuse

Articles

Explore more

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date August 13, 2023

EXPLORE MORE

OCTOBER 2023

Transform your smile — for less

Smile! Or would you rather not? With virtual visits, FaceTime, and selfie-friendly apps like Snapchat and Instagram, we’re all spending more time staring at our faces, and, in turn, our teeth. According to Dentistry Today, that behavior has intensified self-esteem issues regarding crooked teeth. And it’s driven more adults to seek orthodontic care.

Luckily, orthodontia is increasingly affordable. There are innovative orthodontic solutions to help you get the smile you want. And your Costco dental plans are here to help, with orthodontia benefits* for you and your covered family members.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Braces or aligners?

Braces have been the traditional form of treatment used by orthodontists for decades. Today’s streamlined braces come in a variety of models — stainless steel, tooth-colored ceramic and those that attach behind the teeth.

Clear aligners are plastic replicas of your teeth. Wearing them puts gentle pressure on your teeth, ever so slightly repositioning them. Aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed when you eat, brush and floss. Invisalign^® was the only clear aligner treatment available for years. But today, there are many options.

While braces are often better for kids and teens, especially if they have a severe crossbite, overbite or underbite, neither option is necessarily better than the other. The choice is based on your goals and your lifestyle. But some clear aligner options do present advantages, both in terms of their convenience and cost.

At-home treatment

These days, monthly appointments to adjust your braces aren’t a requirement to get a better smile. New online clear aligner services allow people to complete treatment in the comfort of their homes. These options work best for people with simpler corrections.

Some of these services supply you with materials to do at-home impressions of your bite. Once done, you send them in to be reviewed by a licensed dentist or orthodontist. Others work through a certified dentist who creates a 3D image of the inside of your mouth. After your impressions are reviewed, you’re sent a customized set of aligners that will gradually shift your teeth into place.

This do-it-yourself option is a huge advantage for many people, especially those living in the 60% of U.S. counties with limited access to an orthodontist’s offices. But there are other advantages, including:

Cost. Traditional teeth-straitening solutions typically cost between $5,000–$9,000. These new orthodontic options, on average, cost between $2,000 and $3,000.
Duration. Depending on complexity and your lifestyle choices, these treatments can last, on average, 4–5 months. Treatments using metal braces can take years.
Support. Licensed dentists and orthodontists provide virtual support and oversight from beginning to end through dedicated, user-friendly apps.
Convenience. Supplies are delivered directly to your home.

Contact your dental plan to find out which options are available to you.

Save more with an HCRA

Only available on the Mainland and in Hawaii

With your Costco benefits, you can open a Health Care Reimbursement Account, or HCRA. This account, administered by PayFlex^®, allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to reimburse yourself for expenses your plan doesn’t cover. You can use your HCRA to pay eligible orthodontic expenses for yourself and your covered dependents. You can also download the PayFlex Mobile^® app to manage your expenses on the go.

Budget for your dental costs

Costco offers additional financial well-being tools for all locations, such as SmartDollar^®, a free digital program that can help you plan for major dental expenses. This program also offers one-on-one financial coaching to talk you through the process.

*Review your plan documents for benefit details.

Sources:
Dentistry Today. 2022 trends to watch in oral & orthodontic care.
American Association of Orthodontists. Braces vs. clear aligners?

Your Costco dental plan and HCRA (where available) can make orthodontic treatment accessible for you and your covered family members. For resources to help, see below.

Tags Budgeting, Dental, financial-well-being, Inspira

Articles

Take action

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date July 31, 2023

TAKE ACTION

SEPTEMBER 2023

Safety Week is coming:
September 18–24

Do you know how to prevent injury and illness? Are you doing everything you can to keep yourself and others safe? Each year, the Costco Safety Department hosts Safety Week to help Costco employees answer these questions and feel safe and protected in the workplace. Employee Benefits provides tips and information you can use to stay safe at home and everywhere else.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

During Safety Week, you’ll learn about:

Safe workplace practices
Costco’s emergency procedures
How you can be a safety advocate everyday

And be on the lookout for the Safety Week content, arriving at your locations. This content will include information about benefit programs and resources available to you, plus giveaways from some of our Costco suppliers.

Tags physical-well-being, Safety

Articles

Explore more

Post author By Walter Franks
Post date July 31, 2023

EXPLORE MORE

SEPTEMBER 2023

10 Reasons to get moving

Though many Costco employees are on the move throughout their workday, an increasing number of us spend far too much time sitting. And that can be disastrous for long-term health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), not getting enough physical activity can lead to heart disease — even for people who have no other risk factors. It can also increase the likelihood of developing other heart disease risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and type 2 diabetes.

So what can you do to keep moving? Any activity works, especially those you enjoy doing. Whether it’s yoga, Zumba, a pick-up basketball game or simply walking around your neighborhood, the benefits of moving can improve your long-term health, your mental outlook and your quality of life.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

What’s so important about moving?

According to the CDC, physical activity is one of the best things you can do to improve your health. Here are 10 benefits of physical activity to get you moving today!

Better mood

Adding more movement to your life can immediately reduce feelings of anxiety and help you sleep better. One possible explanation is that physical activity produces endorphins, or “feel good” chemicals in the brain, helping you deal with stress. Try taking a walk during your work breaks to give your mood a quick boost, and forming or joining a walking group to help you stay socially connected to your neighbors and friends.

Better brain function

Physical activity helps to increase blood flow to the brain, improving concentration and mental clarity. Staying physically active can keep your thinking, learning and judgment skills sharp and delay their decline as you age.

More money in your wallet

In the U.S., $117 billion in health care costs each year are related to low physical activity. Not getting enough physical activity can increase your risk of developing a chronic disease, which comes with higher health care costs. Staying active is good for your health and your wallet, too.

Lower risk of heart disease and stroke

Heart disease and stroke are two of the leading causes of death in the United States. About 110,000 deaths per year could be prevented if U.S. adults age 40 and older increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity by even 10 minutes a day.

Being regularly active strengthens your heart muscle and lowers your blood pressure to help reduce your risk of developing these diseases. Regular physical activity can also improve your cholesterol levels.

Lower risk of type 2 diabetes or diabetes complications

More than 34 million Americans have diabetes, including approximately 18,000 Costco employees and their enrolled dependents. Another 88 million U.S. adults have a condition called prediabetes, which puts them at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. Regular physical activity makes your body more sensitive to insulin, the hormone that controls levels of sugar in your blood. This can help prevent type 2 diabetes. If you already have diabetes (type 1 or type 2), you can help control your blood sugar levels by staying active.

Lower risk of some cancers

Getting the recommended amount of physical activity can help keep the immune system healthy and regulate some hormones that contribute to the development of cancer. Being active can lower risks of cancers of the bladder, breast, colon, esophagus, kidney, lung and stomach.

Stronger bones and muscles

Aging can cause bones to become weak and fragile over time. We also tend to lose muscle as we age. Doing aerobic, muscle-strengthening and bone-strengthening physical activities of at least moderate intensity can increase muscle mass and slow the loss of bone density. Being physically active also strengthens muscles around joints to ease arthritis pain, and improves balance and coordination to reduce the risk of hip fracture.

Less time away from work

People who are not physically active tend to miss work unexpectedly. Want to add some activity to your workday? Try talking on the go, physical activity breaks during long meetings or taking a walk during your lunch break.

Better grades in school

For kids, school physical activity programs can improve attention and some measures of academic performance. Students who are physically active tend to have better grades, school attendance, brain function and classroom behaviors. For kids with ADHD, exercise can also be a big help in managing their symptoms.

Improved relationships

In addition to producing “feel good” endorphins, physical activity reduces levels of your body’s stress hormones. And with less stress comes more patience, positivity and empathy. Make physical activity part of your family’s daily routine by taking family walks or playing active games together.

If you’re wondering how to add physical activity to your life, start by picking activities that are enjoyable and a good fit for you — and your kids. This will help everyone stay in the game! Also, if you have a chronic health condition, such as heart disease or arthritis, talk with your doctor first about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 10 reasons to get moving today!
Aetna. How mind and body fitness can improve your mood.
Hopkins Medicine. Exercise and the heart.
CDC. Get active.
American Cancer Society. How exercise can lower cancer risk.
Orthoinfo. Exercise and bone health.

Tags Cancer prevention, Exercise & nutrition, physical-well-being, Stress, Weight management

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Post author By Walter Franks
Post date July 31, 2023

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SEPTEMBER 2023

Video: Living with chronic pain

Do you live with chronic pain? Whether it’s from an old injury, a surgery or an undiagnosed condition, chronic pain can affect more than your physical well-being. It can prevent you from doing the things you love — from playing with your kids to taking a road trip. Chronic pain can be isolating and lead to anxiety and depression. It can make you feel helpless and like you have no control over your life.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with chronic pain, this video can provide you with information on how to better manage it — and enjoy your life again.

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Source: Resources For Living^®. Living with chronic pain.

Tags Behavioral health, emotional-well-being, Health care

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Post author By Walter Franks
Post date July 31, 2023

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SEPTEMBER 2023

Save money with virtual physical therapy

According to Scientific American, “Joint disorders and low back pain consistently rate among the most common reasons U.S. adults visit their doctors.”¹ Although physical therapy is an effective treatment for these conditions, many patients have difficulty getting the care they need.

The cost and inconvenience of multiple appointments over weeks and months can make in-office physical therapy challenging for people seeking treatment. So what’s the solution? Virtual physical therapy.

Not only is virtual physical therapy convenient. It’s a bargain for patients. You can save time, money on gas and parking and the cost of your care. There’s even better news for Costco employees. You and your family members (age 13+) who are enrolled in a Costco medical plan can get virtual physical therapy at no cost through Omada for Joint & Muscle Health.

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Is virtual as good as in-office physical therapy?

In a pioneering study, researchers at Duke Clinical Research Institute used virtual therapy with 143 patients who underwent total knee replacement at four different providers. A second group of 144 patients was prescribed traditional physical therapy.

The researchers found an average cost savings of $2,745 per patient treated using virtual physical therapy.*

Janet Bettger, Ph.D., associate professor with the Duke Department of Orthopedic Surgery and the study’s lead author, said the patient experience was also positive. Study participants who underwent a second knee replacement and who had virtual physical therapy the first time requested virtual physical therapy on their second surgery, she said.² 

Virtual therapy with Omada for Joint & Muscle Health

If you’re recovering from an injury, virtual physical therapy with Omada for Joint & Muscle Health could be right for you.

Here’s how it works:

Visit Omada Joint & Muscle Health on your phone or other digital device. Click “Apply today,” complete the application, then click on “Treating pain and injury,” and enroll. Within 48 hours, you’ll receive a call from your licensed physical therapist. You’ll have the same dedicated physical therapist throughout your treatment.
Your physical therapist will carefully assess your condition by guiding you through a series of movements and performing a full musculoskeletal evaluation.**
They’ll recommend your best care option — whether you choose Omada’s virtual physical therapy or prefer to see a local, in-person physical therapist.
Your virtual physical therapist will partner with you to provide:
- A personalized recovery plan designed to treat the source of your pain
- App-guided exercises with 3D animations and voice narration to ensure proper pacing and form
- Step-by-step guidance with support, adjustments, education and more
- An exercise kit, complete with elastic bands, door anchor and a phone stand

Concerned about preventing injury?

Omada also offers an injury prevention program for people who want to avoid joint or muscle pain in the future. Whether you’re starting new work responsibilities, taking up a new sport or just looking for an overall physical tune-up, it’s easy for your body to get out of balance. This program can be tailored to your changing needs, helping you focus on your flexibility and strength so you can guard against future pain and injury.

*Outcomes and costs were measured three months after the procedure, according to the study.

**This evaluation will not satisfy the requirement for spine surgery pre-authorization. This type of surgery generally requires the following: In-person physical therapy for at least 6 weeks within the last 12 months. Your plan offers access to an expert second opinion by 2nd.MD. If you would like to call them the contact number is 833-579-2509.  

¹Scientific American. Virtual physical therapy could help fill gaps in treating all too real pain.

²Fierce Healthcare. Study: Virtual physical therapy could significantly reduce postsurgical costs.

Source: Scientific American. Virtual physical therapy could help fill gaps in treating all too real pain.

Tags Exercise & nutrition, financial-well-being, Health care, Savings

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10 Reasons to get moving

What’s so important about moving?

Better mood

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More money in your wallet

Lower risk of heart disease and stroke

Lower risk of type 2 diabetes or diabetes complications

Lower risk of some cancers

Stronger bones and muscles

Less time away from work

Better grades in school

Improved relationships

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Video: Living with chronic pain

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Save money with virtual physical therapy

Is virtual as good as in-office physical therapy?

Virtual therapy with Omada for Joint & Muscle Health

Concerned about preventing injury?

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