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OCTOBER 2024

Beating the costs of braces

A beautiful smile is priceless. But the money you spend to keep smiles beautiful can add up when you or a family member needs braces. The average cost of traditional metal braces is in the $5,000 – $6,000 range.1 Adults and some teens may be able to use clear aligners, plastic trays that snap onto teeth and gently push them into alignment. Since they’re nearly invisible, aligners are less obvious than metal braces but also can be expensive, from $2,000 – $5,000 on average. 

And then there’s the emotional cost, especially for kids and teens. The fear of looking different can be stressful for young people and may lead some of them to resist treatment.   

Your Costco benefits can help. Read on to learn about the resources available to help bring a new smile to your (or your kid’s) face.

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Braces and kids’ mental health

Wearing braces can be tough on kids and teens. They may be bullied or teased about their appearance or avoid social situations because they’re self-conscious about the way they look. Fortunately, the boost in self-esteem and confidence they feel when they see their new smile emerging can often overtake any negative feelings.  

If your child could use someone to talk to, Resource for Living offers emotional well-being support to parents and children. Teens age 13+ can also access Talkspace for video chat or text  therapy. 

Three ways to budget for braces

Check out these benefit programs to help finance orthodontia treatment. 

Use your dental plan benefits

Orthodontia benefits through your Costco dental plan help make braces more affordable. You and each of your enrolled family members can access orthodontic services up to the lifetime maximum benefit of your dental plan. Visit Costcobenefits.com to find your plan’s orthodontia benefit information.

Plan ahead with a reimbursement account

You can use a Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA)* from Inspira FinancialTM to set aside pre-tax dollars for orthodontia or other eligible health care expenses. You can enroll in an HCRA during Annual Enrollment, coming in November. Only a small portion of your HCRA balance can roll over to the next plan year, so you’ll want to think about when you plan to use your HCRA funds.

Improve your budgeting skills

SmartDollar, a free financial well-being program for all employees, offers tools, advice and coaching to help you save for what’s important to you. Create your free SmartDollar account here. Then, follow these three steps:

Step 1: Find Your Why 

What’s your reason for getting braces? Are you looking to correct your kid’s overbite? Straighten crooked teeth? Or just feel more confident in your smile? Every goal needs a why—something that’ll keep you motivated. Try to keep your why front and center.  

Step 2: Know Your Numbers 

Making a budget is a lot easier when you know what numbers you’re working with. Look at your most recent bank statements. Note how much you’re bringing in every month and what’s going out. Prioritize these essentials: food, utilities, shelter, transportation. This gives you a clear view of what money is left over to put toward your goal. 

Step 3: Write It Down 

It’s super important to write down your budget. You can use pen and paper or download SmartDollar’s free EveryDollar budgeting app. A plan, on paper and on purpose, is a great tool to set you up for success. 

Need help getting started? Set up a coaching session with a financial expert at SmartDollar today.

Your new smile, or one for your kids, is within reach with the help of your Costco benefits. Use the resources below to help you make it happen.

1Consumer Affairs. Cost of braces in 2024.
2 Forbes Health. How much does Invisalign cost in 2024?
*Not available in Puerto Rico.

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OCTOBER 2024

Are you feeling election stress?

Current events can be a source of stress and anxiety for many people. These feelings can impact both your emotional and physical health. One example? Grinding your teeth. This common symptom of stress can cause tension headaches and damage your teeth and jaw.   

Finding healthy ways to cope during these times is extremely important. These ideas from RethinkCare might inspire you. Keep them in mind when interacting with the news or with people you disagree with to help you manage your emotions and support your well-being. 

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4 tips to help you destress

number 1

Develop curiosity and build strength 

Think about how a person’s culture and experience shape their views. What can you learn from them even if you disagree? Relationships can be built on more than just political views. By being curious and open, you can understand other people’s perspectives and build stronger connections despite differences.

number 2

Cultivate empathy 

Build empathy by remembering times when you changed your own beliefs. Acknowledge that your views are a part of you but don’t define you. When you learn to both understand different perspectives and maintain your own, you can respect the diversity of thought and experience in others. 

number 3

Manage difficult conversations 

Difficult conversations are to be expected during election season. To have more productive and respectful discussions, work to develop a deeper understanding of yourself. That way, you can communicate with more ease, trust and confidence. 

number 4

Step back if you feel overwhelmed

Non-stop news and social media can be taxing. If you’re feeling fatigued, take a day or a few days to disconnect. Try setting specific times to engage in news and dedicate the rest to self-care. You can also practice mindfulness or meditation to clear away mental clutter and help you focus on what truly matters.

You can get through election season and beyond. The resources below can help.

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OCTOBER 2024

Mood-boosting ideas for World Mental Health Day

IMPORTANT NOTE: ABLETO IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. For free, confidential support navigating life’s challenges, reach out to Resources for Living®, your employee assistance program. Learn more below.

Sometimes, it’s hard to smile, especially if you’re feeling sick, tired or blue. But research shows that the physical act of smiling — and the release of feel-good chemicals it generates — can do your body good. It can lift your mood, lower stress, strengthen your immune system and possibly help you live longer. 

In honor of World Mental Health Day on October 10, we invite you to put a smile on your face (even if it’s hard) and take charge of your emotional fitness. For starters, try a technique to help you let go of anxious thoughts, described in the short video below from AbleTo.  

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Check out the resource below to build up your emotional well-being and feel more happiness, peace and empowerment. 

*Not available in Puerto Rico.

Sources:
NBCnews.com. Smiling can trick your brain into happiness — and boost your health.

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SEPTEMBER 2024

It’s time for Safety Week,
beginning September 9

Things can happen at a Costco warehouse. Fruit spills on the floor, creating a slipping hazard. A loose load drops off a forklift. Cars back up within inches of an employee collecting carts in the parking lot. Cardboard cuts split open a finger.  

Luckily, many of these hazards can be avoided if you know how to reduce workplace risks. That’s exactly what Safety Week is about. Hosted by the Costco Safety Department, Safety Week is a time to become familiar with safety practices at Costco to prevent injury, illness and the stress that goes along with them. You’ll also receive tips and information from Employee Benefits to safely navigate the world outside of work.

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During Safety Week, you’ll learn how to:

  • Prevent slips, trips, falls and near misses 
  • Prepare for emergencies 
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times 
  • Reduce stress and improve your emotional wellness 
  • Achieve food and fire safety 
  • Get your free annual flu shot

Join in for safety activities, tips and giveaways from some of our Costco benefits partners. And remember, safety is everyone’s job.

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SEPTEMBER 2024

Why chronic pain causes fatigue and depression

Are you suffering from chronic pain? Do you feel too tired to get things done? Is not being as efficient as you like getting you down? 

Chronic pain can be a stubborn and complex condition to treat, since it can create problems beyond the obvious physical discomfort. Your Costco benefits offer a variety of programs to help you manage chronic pain (and the stress that can come with it) and get back to living your life.

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What is chronic pain?

According to the National Institutes of Health, 25.3 million U.S. adults live with chronic pain (pain that lasts three months or longer).1 This persistent pain can result from an injury, illness, infection or medical condition such as arthritis or migraine headaches. It can range from an annoyance to a source of severe suffering.

Chronic pain and fatigue

When chronic pain persists, the discomfort can make it difficult to get restorative sleep. Pain can trigger feelings of sadness and despair, which can make getting a good night’s sleep even harder. At the same time, a lack of quality sleep can decrease your pain tolerance and intensify your experience of pain.

Chronic pain and depression

Chronic pain can make it difficult to exercise, socialize, work and enjoy even the simplest things in life. Thoughts about the pain and reduced physical activity can lead to feelings of sadness and loss.  

The stress of putting all your efforts into managing your pain while still trying to keep up with life’s demands can be stressful and deepen feelings of depression. It’s a common predicament — between one-third and three-quarters of people with chronic pain experience moderate to severe depression.

4 ways to manage the mental health effects of chronic pain

No matter the location, source or intensity of the pain, if left untreated, it’s likely to affect your ability to live a healthy, happy life. Here are some approaches you can take to reduce the fatigue and depression from chronic pain.

number 1

Get counseling.

Therapy can help you identify and change the negative thoughts and feelings that can make pain worse. Get free, confidential support through Resources for Living® (RFL®) to help you deal with anger, frustration, depression and anxiety that can come with chronic pain. 

number 2

Participate in physical therapy.

A physical therapist will work with you to identify areas of weakness or stiffness that may be adding to the pain and treat those areas with targeted exercises. Take advantage of free virtual physical therapy through Omada for Joint & Muscle Health and work one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist in the comfort of your home to get the help you need. 

number 3

Try meditation.

Studies show that meditation can lessen pain and stress by retraining the brain to better deal with pain. Keep it simple to start out — just allow yourself to focus on the present moment, letting go of any judgement. For help, turn to RFL and their library of videos and podcasts that can get you started with a meditation practice.

number 4

Cut back on unhealthy substances.

Alcohol can make sleep problems worse and increase depressive symptoms. Smoking restricts blood flow, which prevents healing. If you have chronic pain, drink less or no alcohol. Work with the Costco Tobacco Cessation Program to help you quit nicotine products for good.

These strategies can help ease your pain, promote relaxation and improve your outlook. Check out the resources below to get started. 

1National Institutes of Health. NIH analysis shows Americans are in pain.

Sources:
Cleveland Clinic. Chronic pain.
Mayo Clinic Health System.Pathways through persistent pain: tips for managing chronic pain.
Healthline.Meditating for chronic pain management.

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SEPTEMBER 2024

Virtual physical therapy at no cost

Did you know Costco has a free program to treat nearly all muscle and joint issues, such as low back pain and osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis can be a very painful condition that occurs when cartilage, the flexible tissue at the end of bones, wears down over time. You can get relief from pain, as well as improve physical function and fitness, with virtual physical therapy.

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Physical therapy from the comfort of your home

Virtual physical therapy through Omada for Joint & Muscle Health can be an easy and convenient way to build strength and flexibility when recovering from an injury, living with chronic pain or starting a new exercise routine.  

From your desktop or mobile device, you’ll work one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist who will assess your condition and create a personalized plan to help you reduce your pain and even live pain-free. They’ll guide you through each exercise so you can start moving with more ease. If equipment, such as resistance bands, is needed for your exercises, it will be delivered right to your home. Check out this short video for a program overview. 

Conditions treated include: 

Surgery and 2nd opinions

If you’ve already tried physical therapy and are at the point where your doctor has recommended surgery, you can get an expert second opinion through 2nd.MD. This no-cost program connects you to leading specialists who can gather and review your records and give you guidance via video or phone.  

2nd.MD doctors can address questions about: 

  • An upcoming surgery
  • A chronic condition or chronic pain
  • A new diagnosis
  • Your treatment plan

You can download the 2nd.MD mobile app to make accessing the program even more convenient. Learn how to use the app with this one-minute video. 

Your Costco benefits provide these programs and more to help you stay safe and healthy and give you peace of mind about your medical treatment. For more information, see below.

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SEPTEMBER 2024

Video: Warning signs of suicide 

Suicide affects people of all ages. It’s the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 – 14 and for adults ages 20 – 34, and among the top 9 leading causes of death for all people up to age 64.1

Suicide Prevention Month, happening this September, is a time to acknowledge the pain and suffering of those struggling with suicidal thoughts and the impact on their families, friends and communities. It’s also a time of hope. Suicide can often be prevented. Knowing the warning signs for suicide, and how to get help, can save lives.

Please take time to watch the video below from Resources for Living. You’ll learn what thoughts, feelings and behavioral changes may signify that someone is thinking about suicide.  

If these warning signs apply to you or anyone you know, get help as soon as possible by calling or texting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

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1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Facts about suicide.

Sources:
Resources for Living. Video: Warning signs of suicide.
National Institute of Mental Health. Warning signs of suicide.

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AUGUST 2024

The superpowers of ADHD

NOTE: With more than 14,000 Costco employees or their family members diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), many of us are familiar with the struggles of ADHD. Being easily distracted, forgetful or fidgety are just a few. The condition can be challenging for kids, teens and adults, and may look different for everyone. But did you know that ADHD often comes with superpowers?

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ADHD is not the same for everyone

ADHD is a variety of symptoms that can be grouped into two main types:

ADHD in males

Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females, often because the combined type symptoms are more visible at school, at home or at work.

ADHD in females

Women may go undiagnosed for decades as their symptoms may be less noticeable. Girls with ADHD are often good at masking or flying under the radar by hiding their condition.

ADHD superpowers

In a recent employee podcast, Costco Director of Employee Benefits Celeste Parker spoke about her family’s challenges with ADHD and anxiety, as well as the “superpowers” she sees in her son, who was diagnosed with ADHD.

Here are some of the many strengths and talents that can be found in those with ADHD: 

  • Lots of energy: Enthusiasm for life can bring drive, motivation and lots of activities to enjoy. This extra energy can also help kids with ADHD excel at sports, which can be a source of pride for them.
  • Strong problem-solving skills: Most kids with ADHD are very good at thinking on their feet. 
  • Creative thinking: Thinking outside the box means different ideas and perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.  
  • Ability to zone in and focus: Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration, which can be very helpful when a big project is due the next day, or if there’s a topic your child wants to learn more about.  
  • Multi-tasking and flexibility: The ADHD brain can jump quickly from one topic to another, allowing for adaptability and the ability to thrive in chaos.  

How to help develop your child’s superpowers

The challenging behaviors naturally get a lot of attention. Some of the qualities that come along with neurodiversity have a positive side, too — including instincts and skills that can be nurtured to help your child grow steady, confident and strong. You can help your child identify and focus on their strengths and build their self-esteem.

Positive reinforcement

Acknowledging when your child does something right can be a powerful motivator. Tell your child when they’ve done something they should be proud of.

Structured environment

Kids with ADHD don’t always love routines, but they thrive when routines are in place. Schedules that your child can see and follow, or a distraction-free homework area can help them feel in control.

Open communication

Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings so you can work on challenges together.

Advocate for your child

RethinkCare can help you talk to your child’s teacher and support you through the process of setting up an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 when needed. Section 504 is the federal requirement for public schools to provide a free and appropriate education. Click here to register for your free account, available to all employees with children of any age.

Therapy

Learning to control impulses and emotions can improve life at school and at home. Telemynd* offers therapy for kids age 5+ with flexible scheduling and the ability to complete the first session in less than a week. This program is available to those enrolled in the Aetna® medical plan. 

Medication

Your child’s therapist can help you decide if medication is appropriate for your child. Sometimes it’s a short-term fix that helps a child build long-term habits, while others may need it longer.

Wondering if you or your child has ADHD?

We all experience some of these symptoms from time to time. But if they’re affecting your daily life, support is available. Your Costco benefits can help you and your child flourish. This includes coping strategies, therapy and medication if needed. 
 
Call Resources for Living at 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) or visit RFL.com/Costco to access six free counseling sessions per issue yearly, for you, each of your household members regardless of age, and each of your dependent children up to age 26 who may live away from home. 

You can also visit Telemynd.com/Costco to get started with virtual therapy or psychiatric treatment for kids age 5+, teens and adults. 

*Available on the mainland only.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Symptoms and causes
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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AUGUST 2024

When a loved one reaches end-of-life

The loss of a parent or loved one can be one of the most difficult events in a person’s life. The months leading up to their death, and the grief that follows, can be extremely painful, no matter what your relationship with your loved one has been. Your Costco benefits can help with support and guidance throughout this challenging time.

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Palliative or hospice care?

When your family member has a serious illness, they may talk with their doctor about what direction they want their treatment to take. They often can’t have these conversations as they get more ill and may need you to make healthcare decisions for them.

Resources for Living’s legal services can help you and your family member set up a healthcare proxy so that you can legally make decisions about their treatment on their behalf. Your family member may also want to talk to their doctor about a do-not-resuscitate order (DNR) if they don’t want CPR attempted if their heart stops beating or their breathing stops. 

Treatment options to consider include palliative care or hospice care. These are explained below. 

Palliative care can transfer to hospice care if the medical team believes treatment is no longer helping and the person is likely to die within six months. Alternately, hospice care can be stopped if the person wants to restart medical treatment or if they get better unexpectedly.

Grieving the loss of loved one

There is no one way to feel when a parent or loved one dies. In fact, most people rarely experience one emotion — one moment, you might be flooded with sadness, then the next moment, feel anger or anxiety. It’s also normal to feel relief that your loved one is no longer suffering or that the grueling caregiving is over. Every emotion is valid. 

Understand that grief has no timeline. Resist the idea that there are certain stages you need to go through. Be patient, allow yourself to feel all your feelings and try the following strategies to find some peace.

5 strategies to cope with grief

number 1

Lean on others

Find one or two trusted friends or family members who you can call whenever you’re struggling. To feel less alone, join a support group for people who have lost a parent. Resources for Living’s care partners can guide you to resources in your area. You can also find peer support with Supportiv, a program that connects you via anonymous small group chats with people struggling with the same things you are. 

number 2

Find time for exercise

Take a daily walk to keep your energy up and release feel-good endorphins. Studies show that physical activity can help people who are grieving feel less depressed and anxious.

number 3

Reconnect through stories and activities

Talk to family about what your family member meant to you and look at old photos to bring back happy memories. Engage in activities they loved, such as cooking their favorite meal, as another way to connect.

number 4

Do something in their memory

Honor your loved one by planting a tree, running a race in their name, or donating to or volunteering at their favorite charity. These actions can raise your spirits and give you a sense of comfort.

number 5

Try therapy

A therapist can help you process your grief. Therapy is also a safe space to work through any difficulties you had with your loved one, find forgiveness and achieve a level of closure. Get started with 8 yearly free counseling sessions via in-person, televideo or chat through Resources for Living.

Grieving is normal, natural and different for everyone. Be kind to yourself and take the time you need to work through your loss. And remember, help is available. Turn to the resources below to get the support you need.

Sources:
National Institute on Aging. What are palliative care and hospice care?
WebMD. What is hospice care?
Forbes Health. Losing a parent: expert tips for coping with the grief.

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AUGUST 2024

Resources for raising a healthy family

Maybe you’re just starting out on your parenting journey. Or maybe you’re in the thick of it. Either way, you can probably use all the help you can get. That’s why your Costco benefits offer a variety of free or low-cost programs to support the well-being of you and your children as they grow and mature.

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Baby on the way or planning for kids?

Whether you’re planning for your first child or adding to your family, the Aetna Maternity Program* provides expert guidance and support before, during and after pregnancy. If you’re having a hard time conceiving, the program offers help for infertility, including coverage for treatments and access to a fertility advocate. 

Planning to adopt? Adoption Assistance from Costco provides up to $5,000 per child (maximum of two adoptions) to help cover adoption expenses, such as agency fees, attorney fees and transportation.  

Emotional health support

It’s never too early to help your child learn the social and emotional skills they need to have a happy life. Use your benefits to educate yourself on the best way to support your kids and to access the mental health services they may need throughout their childhood.

RethinkCare provides training, tools and resources at no cost to help parents, caregivers and children of any age manage challenges at home and school. The program also provides support for children with developmental delays or disabilities and can help parents navigate special education services.  

Families with children who struggle with ADHD, anxiety and other behavioral conditions can get access to therapy and psychiatry through Telemynd*, a program for employees and their dependents enrolled in an Aetna medical plan. Telemynd can support age 5+. Virtual therapy and psychiatry appointments are available with wait times under one week. Your plan copays apply. In addition, all employees can access 24/7 text-based or video therapy through Talkspace, available for teens age 13+ and adults. You can get six free sessions when you access the program through RFL.com/Costco.

Benefit choices that can save you money

Raising a child isn’t cheap. But your Costco benefits can help lower your family’s health and wellness expenses and make a big difference in your budget.

Costco medical plans

In-network providers save you money on doctor’s visits, dental procedures and more. These providers have contracted with your medical plan provider Aetna®, Triple-S or HMSA to provide services at a certain rate — usually much lower than what they would charge someone outside of the network. In-network preventive care, such as well-child checkups, recommended vaccines and dental cleanings, is covered at 100%. 

Institutes of Quality*

Through your Aetna medical plan, you have access to top-rated hospitals and facilities known as Institutes of Quality (IOQ). These providers meet your needs by offering excellent care and commitment to your recovery. When you choose an IOQ for certain bariatric (weight loss), cardiac (heart) or orthopedic (bone or muscle) procedures, Costco pays 100% of the cost of the hospital or surgical facility charges. You will still pay your cost shares for your surgeon, anesthesiologist and other non-facility charges. 

On-demand support

Unnecessary trips to the emergency room can be costly. If you need help finding an in-network urgent care facility on an evening or weekend, call the 24-Hour Nurse Line* at 800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) to find one near you. HMSA’s Online Care, for employees in Hawaii, and TeleConsultaMD, for employees in Puerto Rico, also provide employees and their dependents enrolled in a Costco medical plan on-demand access to care.

98point6** 

Save the cost of a doctor’s visit with on-demand text-based care through 98point6. You’ll be connected to a board-certified doctor who can diagnose and treat colds, the flu, rashes, allergies and many more common conditions. No appointments, no waiting rooms and no travel necessary.

Inspira Financial** 

A Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) or Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) offered by Inspira Financial is another good way to save. These accounts allow you to lower your taxes by setting aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care and dependent care expenses. Use an HCRA for things such as over-the counter medications, Band-Aids, copays and deductibles. A DCAP can help cover childcare, preschool tuition, before- and after-school care and more. Enroll in an HCRA or DCAP during Annual Enrollment in November. You can also enroll in DCAP during the year if your dependent care needs change. 

Remember, as a parent, you have the most important job in the world. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Take advantage of the resources below to save money and make your life easier.

*Available on the mainland only.
**Not available in Puerto Rico.