Category: Articles

This is used for the article content displayed in the “Work on my goals” section of the WittPledge website.

Categories
Articles

Take the pledge

TAKE THE PLEDGE

JANUARY 2024

Let’s get this party started

It’s a new year, full of lots to celebrate. Will you reach your weight-loss goal? Pay off your credit card debt? Watch your children thrive at school? You can set yourself up for 12 months of success by taking the 2024 We’re in This Together pledge — and inviting your spouse or domestic partner to join you.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Pledging gives you power

When you take the pledge, you commit to learning about the benefits available to support the well-being of you and your family. That means you’ll know where to go for help and how to use your benefits to make real changes in your life. You’ll find resources to help you reduce stress, improve relationships, reach your financial goals, stay healthy and much more.

It’s a new year, with new goals to strive for, so renewing your pledge is important. Explore your benefits and resources with fresh eyes – and check out what’s new for 2024.

Small victories add up

With help from your Costco benefits, there’s a lot you can do to make a difference in your life. Big goals are great, but small ones can also leave a lasting impact on your emotional, financial and physical well-being. For example, if you invest $100 per month in your 401(k) instead of spending it, you could end up with over $40,000 in 20 years. Or, if you swap soda for flavored or carbonated water, you’ll take in between 550 and 1,250* fewer calories per week — and reduce your risk for obesity and type 2 diabetes over your lifetime.

These small wins also improve your confidence. Any accomplishment releases dopamine, which boosts your mood, motivation and attention. And it signals you to keep at the activity again and again.

Big or small, whatever changes you decide to make in 2024, stick with them. Be sure to celebrate each success along the way.

Get the most out of your benefits and take the pledge! Make this the year to celebrate you.

*Based on drinking one 12-ounce can of soda per day.

Sources:
UCLA Health. Drinking soda linked to many adverse health conditions.
Investopedia. Investing $100 a month in stocks for 20 years.
University of Minnesota Extension. Celebrate the small stuff.

Categories
Articles

Explore your benefits

manager supporting employee

EXPLORE YOUR BENEFITS

JANUARY 2024

We’ve got your back

No one can do it all themselves. Each of us needs help and community, especially when we’re making changes in our lives. That’s why Costco offers a wide range of benefits resources to help you with all areas of your well-being — so you always feel supported and never feel like you have to do it on your own.

As you gear up to pursue your goals for the year, commit to getting to know your benefits and, if you haven’t already, take the pledge. Encourage your spouse or domestic partner to take it, too. And prepare to celebrate each accomplishment you make along the way.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

manager supporting employee

A strong foundation for emotional, financial and physical well-being

Your Costco benefits provide the care you need to flourish. They can help you:

Live a longer, healthier life

Costco medical and dental plans cover preventive care at 100% when you see an in-network provider. Preventive care includes physical exams, dental checkups and cleanings, some cancer screenings and certain age-appropriate immunizations. This routine care can help you stay well and catch health concerns early, lowering your risk for disease and disability.

Get help for a serious health challenge

Live Healthy Team* Coaches can help employees and their families enrolled in an Aetna® medical plan create an action plan, connect to the right resources and coordinate care when you’re diagnosed with a serious health condition. You can also use 2nd.MD to get a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment plan, and connect with Resources For Living (RFL) to get emotional support services, including counseling and daily life assistance.

Manage a chronic condition

Omada for Diabetes, Hypertension & Prevention provides personalized online programs to help you make healthy choices when living with a chronic condition. You’ll work with a dedicated health coach and a clinical specialist to get the support and tools you need to make simple changes for a healthier life.

Find mental health support

RFL has a team of care partners that can help with challenges such as stress management, work-life balance, relationships, grief, depression, anxiety, substance misuse, self-esteem and personal development. They offer in-person or virtual counseling, daily life assistance, disaster relief, help with child or elder care, and more. You can also use Supportiv for online peer-to-peer support and AbleTo** for help building skills to better cope with life’s challenges.

Deal with parenting challenges

RethinkCare gives your family 24/7 access to tools, webinars and resources to help you understand, teach and better communicate with your children, including those with developmental or learning challenges. You can also try Supportiv for peer-to-peer parenting support.

Quit tobacco or get support for drug and alcohol misuse

Costco Tobacco Cessation Program pairs you with personal support to design a plan to help you quit tobacco for good. And if you or someone in your family is struggling with drugs or alcohol, RFL can help you find in-network rehabilitation facilities and provide behavioral health support services.

Go through a life change

Your Costco benefits are there for you when you’re building a family, buying a home, going through a divorce or coping with the loss of a loved one. Resources to help with these transitions include the Adoption Assistance Program, the Aetna Maternity Program* for help with infertility and postpartum challenges, and RFL for legal and financial consultations and grief counseling.

Create a stable financial future

T. Rowe Price manages the Costco Retirement Plan that helps you save for your future. Costco will make contributions to your account even if you don’t. You can also use SmartDollar® to take control of your finances and pay off your debt, and spend less on taxes with a Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA)** and a Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP).**

Whatever you’re looking to achieve, use your Costco benefits to help you get there. Learn more about some of the resources available to you below.

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

Categories
Articles

Learn more

physical well-being icon

LEARN MORE

JANUARY 2024

Stay healthy with these foods

If you’ve long believed that Grandma’s chicken soup is a cure-all, you may not be far off: Research has shown that what you eat plays a role in keeping your immune system healthy. Here are some foods to turn to if you’re hoping to fend off or better cope with a cold or the flu this season.

And remember, the best protection is prevention. Make sure to get your flu shot and other vaccines your primary care provider recommends. They’re free if you’re enrolled in a Costco medical plan.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

5 foods to help support a healthy immune system

number 1

Chicken soup

Tend to reach for a bowl of chicken soup whenever you feel run down? It’s no wonder: Chicken soup may provide a mild anti-inflammatory effect that appears to lessen the severity of cold symptoms.1 Researchers credit ingredients like veggies, which are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

Although the jury is out on the ideal soup recipe and exactly how much soup to eat, simply sipping the warm liquid can help improve upper respiratory tract symptoms. Plus, chicken soup provides fluids and satisfying protein to help you meet your nutrient needs when you’re under the weather, says Registered Dietitian Jackie London.

number 2

Citrus fruits 

Oranges, grapefruits, lemons and limes are a great source of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that plays a role in immune cell functioning.2 That said, peeling a single orange won’t do much to prevent you from getting sick or shorten the length of a cold. Developing a habit of eating a range of foods that contain vitamin C and a variety of antioxidants can support overall health.3

And take note: Eating an orange is better than drinking a glass of orange juice. Fruit is higher than juice in fiber, antioxidants and prebiotics, all of which support health.

number 3

Yogurt and other probiotics

The gastrointestinal tract and the trillions of bacteria that live there account for up to 60% of the entire immune system, says Gastroenterologist Brittany Seminara, MD. But medications, infections, illness and other environmental factors (such as what you eat) can disturb the balance of gut bacteria — one reason why it may be smart to consume beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. You’ll find probiotics in foods like yogurt and fermented items like kefir, kimchi, miso and sauerkraut.

Don’t feel you need to stay away from probiotic-containing dairy products. While a common myth suggests that dairy increases mucus production and can do more harm than good when you’re already feeling unwell, research suggests this isn’t true.4

number 4

Beans, onions, garlic and other foods with prebiotic fiber

Eating prebiotic fiber, a type of carbohydrate that helps to feed the healthy bacteria found in your gut, may play a role in supporting immune functioning.5 Foods containing prebiotic fiber include beans, onions, leeks, garlic, whole grains (including oats), cashews, soy and fruits such as bananas.

Garlic also contains alliin, a compound linked to stimulating white blood cells that fight the cold and flu virus. So add garlic to soups, salad dressing or roasted veggies to give your immune system an extra boost.

number 5

Shellfish and other foods high in zinc

Zinc is an essential nutrient for proper immune system functioning — and it’s found in a whole bunch of delicious foods. Oysters are the best source of dietary zinc you can find, with 32 mg in a three-ounce serving. But you can also find the nutrient in mussels, crab and shrimp, as well as in yogurt, milk, poultry, red meat, beans, nuts and whole grains.

While most people can get enough zinc through their diet, evidence shows that taking a zinc supplement (at least 75 mg per day) throughout the duration of a cold can help you get better faster.6

The bottom line

Maintaining a diet rich in essential nutrients can boost your immunity to protect you from getting sick and help you bounce back more quickly. Pair that with good hygiene — washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and keeping them away from your face, avoiding others who are sick, and wearing a face mask in public — and you have a much better chance of staying well during cold and flu season.

Want another boost for your new year?

People tend to think that making changes to how they eat requires a lot of motivation. So what happens when you’re not feeling motivated? Here’s an idea: Rather than relying on motivation, focus on building momentum. To learn more, check out the WeightWatchers webinar “Momentum: The secret to maintaining your healthy habits” on Thursday, February 29 at 10:00 am EST/1:00 pm PT. Claim your free ticket here.

1National Library of Medicine. Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro.
2Chemistry Central Journal. Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health.
3National Library of Medicine. Vitamin C and immune function.
4Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Milk consumption does not lead to mucus production or occurrence of asthma.
5National Library of Medicine. Fiber and prebiotics: mechanisms and health benefits.
6JRSM Open. Zinc lozenges and the common cold: a meta-analysis comparing zinc acetate and zinc gluconate, and the role of zinc dosage.

Sources:
WeightWatchers. 5 foods to help support a healthy immune system.
Healthline. How garlic fights colds and the flu.

To learn more about eating healthy or how to get help if you do get sick, refer to the resources below.

Categories
Articles

Take action

person planking on an exercise ball
physical well-being icon

TAKE ACTION

JANUARY 2024

How to make exercise a habit

Raise your hand if you know exercise is good for you but you still don’t do it. If that’s you, you’re not alone. Almost 80% of people don’t exercise as much as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends.1

Getting started can be more than half the battle. Once your body is used to working out, exercise can feel easy and enjoyable. Use these tips to help you create a lasting exercise habit.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

person planking on an exercise ball

Tips to get you moving

Start small and build up

Small changes can add up to big impacts. Did you know that doing four push-ups a day will lead to over 1,000 push-ups a year? Or that running four miles a week means you’ll run about 208 miles a year — the approximate distance between Boston and New York City?

Sometimes we set our expectations so high that just getting started takes a lot of effort. Choose a workout that’s simple and small so that you’re still likely to do it, even when your willpower is low.

Use the two-minute rule

It’s easy to put off exercise until tomorrow or next week. But you just need to get started — even if it’s only for two minutes. Once you’ve started, it’s a lot easier to keep going.

For just two minutes, get moving. Put on your shoes and go for a walk. Make yourself do two minutes of weightlifting or running or dancing — or whatever activity you like. Chances are that two minutes will turn into more.

Stack your habits

Creating a habit comes from consistency. Routines and rituals can help this practice feel more natural.

You likely already have some habits in place. It can be easier to start a new habit by linking it to an old one. Try this formula: “Before/During/After (current habit), I will now (new habit).” For example, “Before I wash my hair, I will go to the gym.” “During my favorite show, I will get on the treadmill.” “After dinner, I will walk around the block.” See what works for you.

Remove barriers

Take a moment to think about the things that prevent you from exercising. Do you have too little time? Do you need support? Are you lacking self-confidence? What hasn’t worked for you in the past?

When you recognize your barriers to health, you can make a plan to overcome them. For example:

  • Feel self-conscious at the gym? Work out at home. Search for a free online workout or buy some hand weights to strength train.
  • Find exercise boring? Try an activity you enjoy, such as dancing, bird watching or pickleball.
  • Need someone to watch the kids? Join a gym with child care, or go for a walk with your family.
  • Don’t know what to do? Meet with a trainer, go to a class or find a fitness buddy and brainstorm ideas.
  • Need support? Join an online activity group based on your interests or enlist family and friends to help you.

Be patient

It’s normal to want results right here, right now. And when you’re starting a new habit, the need for immediate gratification can be pretty strong. But this can lead to frustration and giving up. It helps to focus more on what you can control: your actions.

Developing an exercise habit is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. You can do it. And the other benefits will come on their own.

1CBS News. CDC: 80 percent of American adults don’t get recommended exercise.

Source:
Resources For Living. Exercising and beyond: establishing a healthy habit.

Consider talking to your primary care provider before starting any new fitness plan. Your Costco benefits can help you prepare, both physically and mentally. See the resources below for more information.

Categories
Articles

Kudos to you!

a banner that reads "thank you" with festive lights

KUDOS TO YOU!

DECEMBER 2023

Thanks for a great year

It’s hard to believe another year is ending. But what a year it has been! Your dedication, resilience and unique talents played a major role in Costco’s success. We’re grateful for all that you do.

Another thing we appreciate — your commitment to your emotional, financial and physical well-being. Over 100,000 of you took the We’re in This Together pledge this year, and many of your spouses and domestic partners joined in, too. An increasing number of you used Resources For Living® to support your mental health. And in one month alone, your enrollment in Omada for Joint & Muscle Health nearly tripled — a sign that you know the value of keeping your body healthy.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

a banner that reads "thank you" with festive lights

What will you celebrate?

Next year is full of opportunities to make changes for the better. You can start by pledging to continue to work toward your emotional, financial and physical well-being goals, beginning in January, 2024.

If you enrolled in the quarterly Well-being Challenges this year, thanks for participating. Challenge #4, our final challenge of 2024, focuses on your emotional, financial and physical welll-being. Why not give it a try? The challenges are a great way to take small steps toward your larger goals and celebrate your progress.

As always, your well-being portal will be full of news and information about a variety of health topics each month to support you emotionally, financially and physically. Check back often so you don’t miss a thing.

4 podcast guests' profile photos

A year of Your Stories

Our 2023 podcast series featured inspiring stories from four of your co-workers. Each shared their well-being struggles and highlighted the important role Costco benefits played in their journey to better health. This month, Costco employee Reese Schmelling tells his story and how the Live Healthy Team* played a critical role in his recovery.

You can listen to all four podcasts now. Their stories might help you in your own well-being journey.

quotes

Costco continues to be committed to prioritizing the health and well-being of our employees. That’s why we work hard to provide you and your family with valuable and affordable benefits to help you receive quality care whenever needed.

We want you to be familiar with these benefits and resources so that you can get the most out of them. And the best way to do that is by participating in the We’re in This Together pledge. By participating, you’ll receive information specific to your needs.

Thank you for the important role you play in making Costco a great company. And best wishes to you and your family for a healthy 2024!

Craig Jelinek signature

Craig Jelinek,
CEO

Ron Vachris signature

Ron Vachris,
President

profile photo of Craig Jelinik
Ron Vachris headshot

*Available on the Mainland only.

Categories
Articles

Take action

a hand holds up a tool in front of a pegboard of tools

LEARN MORE

DECEMBER 2023

Well-being toolkit

By learning about and using your Costco benefits this past year, you’ve worked hard to improve emotional, financial and physical well-being for you and your family. Studies show that higher levels of well-being are associated with a lower risk of disease and injury, better immune function, increased longevity, heightened personal development and greater social connectedness. This well-being toolkit will help you keep up the good work you started.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

a hand holds up a tool in front of a pegboard of tools

How to use your toolkit

Your well-being toolkit provides simple ideas to help you live healthier, improve your quality of life and realize your full potential. To get started, choose the aspect of your emotional, financial or physical well-being you’d like to work on, and then try one or more of the suggested activities. Use the toolkit whenever you need support to be your best self.

Keep the well-being toolkit as a handy checklist to use anywhere, at any time.

emotional well-being icon

Take an emotional breather

Build resilience

  • Create a list of things you’re grateful for, such as a great friend or warm cup of coffee.
  • Look at a difficult situation from different angles to find another solution.
  • Go to a park or greenspace and soak up nature.

Strengthen connections

  • Spend time with your kids, friends or family members doing something you all enjoy.
  • Ask for help when you’re tired or overwhelmed.
  • Volunteer for causes you care about in your community.

Be mindful

  • Take slow, deep breaths through your nose and out through your mouth.
  • Go on a stroll and engage all your senses.
  • Do a mental scan of your body to feel more connected to your physical and emotional self.
financial well-being icon

Take a financial time-out

Know where you stand

  • Track your spending to see where your money is going.
  • Check your FICO credit score (the number used to predict how likely you are to pay back a loan) through your bank or online service.
  • Set up a budget to make sure you can cover your expenses.

Tackle debt

  • Create a debt pay-off plan.
  • Cut down on expenses that aren’t necessary.
  • Reduce your credit card use.

Save for the future

  • Save money for an emergency fund.
  • Increase your Costco 401(k) contribution.
  • Set up automatic recurring deposits into a savings account.
physical well-being icon

Take a physical break

Get active

  • Set specific goals for your physical activity, like “walk a mile every day.”
  • Try a free 20-minute online workout — there are lots to choose from on YouTube.
  • Take the stairs or walk whenever possible.

Mind your metabolism

  • Stand or walk regularly to reduce your time sitting down.
  • Drink water before grabbing a snack to help fill you up.
  • Sleep at least seven hours a night to keep metabolism steady.

Maintain your muscle

  • Walk with small hand weights to work your arms and your core.
  • Do pushups, squats or lunges when watching TV.
  • Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein.

Your Costco benefits can help you on your well-being journey. See the resources below for more information.

Sources:
Forbes. How to create a financial wellness checklist.
National Institutes of Health. Emotional wellness toolkit.
National Institutes of Health. Physical wellness toolkit.
Ramsey Solutions. The 7 baby steps.

Categories
Articles

Learn more

broken gingerbread man
physical well-being icon

LEARN MORE

DECEMBER 2023

Handling holiday mishaps

The holiday season is often called “the most wonderful time of the year.” But from December into the new year, emergency rooms tend to see a sharp increase in accidents and injuries associated with the holidays.

The good news is that you don’t have to roll yourself in bubble wrap to stay safe this season. With some awareness, preparation and safety measures, you improve the chances that you and your loved ones will enter the new year injury free.

When things happen that you can’t prevent and you need help, turn to your Costco benefits. You’ll find the care you need when you need it to get back to good health.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

broken gingerbread man

6 common holiday injuries and accidents (and how to avoid them)

number 1

Fall-related injuries during holiday decorating

Everyone wants to deck the halls, but at what cost? According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), approximately 160 decorating injuries occur each day in the U.S. during the holiday season. Almost half of those accidents involve falls that often lead to broken bones, concussions and pulled muscles.

Avoid the injury: If you’re using a ladder to hang your decorations, check for broken or worn parts, especially if you haven’t gotten it out since last year. And when using the ladder, always work with another person. A good rule of thumb from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: For every four feet of height you have to climb, move the base of the ladder one foot away from the wall.

number 2

Fall-related injuries on ice or snow

A winter wonderland, though beautiful, can also be a risky place. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 1 million Americans are injured annually from falling on ice or snow. These injuries can range from minor sprains to broken bones and concussions.

Avoid the injury: Taking slow, short steps and wearing footwear with non-slip rubber soles can go a long way in preventing falls. Stay on designated paths that have been cleared (if possible), and don’t take shortcuts. And avoid walking on a particularly dark area — it could be black ice.

number 3

Toy-related injuries

Toys are supposed to bring smiles, not tears. But in 2021, emergency rooms across the country treated almost 152,000 toy-related injuries among children aged 14 and younger.

Avoid the injury: Make sure to read all the instructions for new toys, and follow age guidance and safety information listed on the package. If you or your children are using new riding toys (e.g., bikes, scooters, skateboards), wear protective gear and helmets. And remember to keep small parts and packaging away from young children.

number 4

Cutting injuries from unwrapping gifts

Opening holiday presents can be a whirlwind, especially with kids, as bows, ribbons and torn paper fly through the air. It can also be dangerous. Using tools like scissors or knives when you’re in a hurry, distracted or overly excited can cause lacerations or puncture wounds that require a trip to the emergency room. On average, 6,000 people a year are treated for package-related injuries, according to the CPSC.

Avoid the injury: When using scissors or a knife, always cut away from yourself and away from anyone else. Help children who are struggling to open a gift. Stay away from using tools like razor blades, box cutters or pocketknives. Have a first aid kit nearby. And keep ribbons and bows away from pets. They can cause intestinal blockages that often require surgery.

number 5

Cooking and electrical accidents

Whenever there’s extra cooking, baking and deep fried turkeys happening, an increase in fires or minor burns is inevitable. When you add candles, overloaded electrical outlets and a Christmas tree into the mix, the chance of a fire goes up from there. The American Red Cross estimates that holiday fires cause more than 2,000 injuries each year.

Avoid the injury: Never leave the stove unattended, especially if there are children around. Turn off the oven as soon as food is done cooking. Use your deep fryer outdoors, away from trees and wooden structures, and turn it off immediately if oil starts to smoke. If you have a live tree, keep it watered, or look for a fire-resistant artificial one. Keep all trees at least three feet away from heat vents, radiators or other heat sources. Blow out candles when you leave a room.

number 6

Food-related concerns

It’s easy to get caught up in holiday celebrations, but all too often, people get sick from the food and drink they enjoy. Two food-related concerns to be aware of are food poisoning — which can occur when food is left out too long at parties and buffets — and allergic reactions, as more people eat away from home and sample unfamiliar food.

Avoid the injury: If you know you have food allergies, be cautious about trying food that’s new to you or if you don’t know the ingredients. At parties, eat early, when the food is first put out. If you’re the host, wash your hands frequently and prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and produce. Refrigerate any leftovers within two hours of serving.

If you do sustain an injury over the holidays, your Costco benefits are there to support you. Check out the resources below for more information.

Sources:
UCLA Health. 7 common holiday injuries and accidents and how to avoid them.
Cleveland Clinic. How to walk in snow and avoid winter hazards.

Categories
Articles

Explore more

person looking off into the distance of nature
emotional well-being icon

EXPLORE MORE

DECEMBER 2023

Audio: Setting intentions

Setting goals or resolutions for the new year is the easy part. Keeping them? That’s another story. So maybe this year, try something different: intention setting.

Intention setting shifts your focus away from concrete goals and toward the bigger picture. The practice asks you to decide how you want to be, live and show up in the world, no matter where you are or what you’re doing. It’s a powerful tool to build inner strength and give you more clarity about your needs.

Listen and learn how to set your own intention. It only takes a few minutes, but its impact can last throughout your life.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

person looking off into the distance of nature

Audio — Setting intentions

+

Show transcript

Sources:
Resources For Living®. Setting intentions.
Yoga Journal. I’m a goal-setting expert. Here’s how to set — and keep — your new year intentions.

Categories
Articles

2024 Annual Enrollment: November 1-21

LET’S GET COOKING

NOVEMBER 2023

Annual Enrollment is served!

November 1–21, 2023 

Annual Enrollment is your opportunity to review and make changes to your benefits plan elections for the upcoming year. It’s also the time to confirm eligibility for any enrolled family members to continue their coverage through 2024.

In late October, an Annual Enrollment letter and the 2024 Benefit Plan Changes booklet were mailed to you to help you with the enrollment process. If you didn’t receive these materials, or if you prefer to review online, you’ll find everything you need at Costcobenefits.com.

Want to make sure you don’t miss any steps? Watch this quick Annual Enrollment video.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

+

Show transcript

The recipe for a healthy, happy 2024

Follow this checklist to ensure a successful Annual Enrollment. You must complete these steps by November 21, 2023.

  1. Sign up for text reminders on the Enrollment Website at Costcobenefits.com.
  2. Watch the Annual Enrollment video to make sure you don’t miss any steps.
  3. Review your 2024 Benefit Plan Changes booklet.
  4. Complete your Dependent Verification to continue coverage for your eligible family members. This must be completed every year, even if you don’t make any changes to your benefits.
  5. Review your current benefits plan elections on the Enrollment Website. This includes confirming your life insurance beneficiaries.
  6. Enroll or re-enroll in your Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) and/or Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) for 2024.* Remember, even if you’re already enrolled, you must re-enroll to participate in 2024.

To complete your Annual Enrollment, use your ESS user name and password to log in at Costcobenefits.com.

*Not available in Puerto Rico.

Categories
Articles

Enhanced benefits

physical well-being icon

ENHANCED BENEFITS

NOVEMBER 2023

Here’s what’s new for 2024

Costco takes your health and well-being very seriously. That’s why your Costco benefits are continually evolving to provide affordable, quality care for you and your family. You’ll find exciting new benefits plan enhancements for 2024 to help with hypertension management, mental health support and vision coverage — all at no cost to you or your covered family members.

Watch the Benefit Changes video to learn more about these enhancements.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

+

Show transcript

Explore your enhanced benefits

Help for hypertension

A new virtual blood pressure management program from Omada is coming in 2024. Omada for Hypertension provides one-on-one support and guidance from a personal health coach and clinical specialist, as well as the tools you need to track and monitor your progress. In addition, you’ll get a personalized care plan, weekly lessons and membership in an online support group.

Employees who are enrolled in a Costco medical plan and their covered dependents age 18 or older can participate in Omada for Hypertension at no cost, starting January 1. If you’re enrolled in Omada for Diabetes or Prevention, your health coach can also assist you with this service.

supportiv logo

Peer support when you need it

Beginning January 1, all Costco employees, their household members and dependent children age 13 or older will have free access to Supportiv. This online peer-to-peer support program matches you with other people going through the same struggles you are, such as emotional challenges, parenting concerns, relationship issues and much more. The conversations are through live small group chat sessions that are professionally moderated and fully anonymous. It’s your place to de-stress and feel supported 24/7, 365 days a year – no appointment necessary.

Use your vision benefit throughout the year

Starting in 2024, your vision and hearing aid* benefits will be supplied through EyeMed. With this change, you no longer have to use your vision benefit in a single purchase — it’s available to use throughout the year. For example, if you buy a pair of glasses in January for $100, then lose them three months later, you’ll still have $75 to put toward a replacement pair. You must use your full benefit by December 31, 2024.

To learn more about these benefits plan enhancements, visit Costcobenefits.com.

*Hearing aid and eye exam benefits in Puerto Rico will continue to be supplied by Triple-S.