TAKE ACTION
JUNE 2022
Make preventive care a habit
Getting routine care, like annual physicals, screenings and vaccines, can help you stay healthy or catch health issues early, when they’re most treatable. Your Costco medical plan covers routine care at 100% when you see an in-network doctor — and that helps keep your wallet healthy, too.
According to a study published in PubMed, US adults who have a primary care physician have 33% lower health care costs and 19% lower odds of dying than those who see only a specialist.1
Preventive care starts with a yearly physical. Honest talks with your doctor about a healthy lifestyle, including eating better, exercising or quitting smoking, are part of your visit, too. Depending upon your age, sex, and personal and family medical history, your doctor will also recommend the appropriate screenings and vaccines to protect your health.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
Stay current with vaccines and screenings
The following chart shows what’s generally recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not all tests and screenings are needed annually. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
PHYSICAL EXAM
Age: All
Frequency: Ask your doctor
Cholesterol test
Age: 18+
Frequency: Every 5 years from age 20
Flu shot
Age: 6 months and older
Frequency: Annually
Colorectal cancer screening
Age: 45+
Frequency: Every 10 years
Routine OB/GYN exam
Age: 21+
Frequency: Annually
Cervical cancer screening (pap smear)
Age: 21+
Frequency: Every 3 years
Breast cancer screening (mammogram)
Age: 40+
Frequency: Varies by age & risk
Prostate cancer screening
Age: 50+
Frequency: Every 2 years
Dental exams
Age: N/A
Frequency: Twice per year
1Bhat, Samidha S., MD. Health benefits of primary care. Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.
Want to be more proactive about your health? Your Costco benefits include preventive health care resources that can make a difference.