2 MIN READ
FEBRUARY 2026
Has health taken a back seat to your to-do list?
Between work, family and everything else, it’s easy to put health on the back burner — especially if you’re not feeling sick. When you’re caring for others, it’s easy to overlook preventive care and other ways to stay healthy. But when you take care of yourself, you’re in a better position to support those around you. Your well-being matters — and taking time for it is important.
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Here are 3 ways to stay on top of your health and your family’s — and make the most of your benefits
1. Save time and money when you need care right away
The ER is for emergencies
Using the emergency room (ER) for nonemergency care can lead to longer wait times and higher costs. When your situation isn’t life-threatening, you have other in-network options for care.
Got a sick kid? Dealing with a cold or the flu?
Get urgent virtual care for a $0 copay through 98point6® — text-based care, 24/7, at home or on the go. It’s available to employees and dependents age 1+ enrolled in the Aetna® or HMSA medical plan. Visit 98point6/Costco or download the app so you’re ready when you need care.
Wondering where to go for care? Not sure if you need the ER or if it can wait until morning?
Call the Aetna 24-Hour Nurse Line for guidance from a registered nurse. They’re available 24/7 at 800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) to answer health questions and help you find urgent in-network care when you need it.
You can also download the Aetna Health℠ app to find in-network urgent care and walk-in clinics. (Text AETNA to 90156 to download the app. Note that message and data rates may apply.)
In case of emergency
For a true emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. True emergencies are always covered — even out of network.
2. Get your annual checkups on the calendar
It may take weeks — sometimes months — to get in for your routine checkup. Schedule yours early and build a healthy habit.
Preventive care is key, even if you’re healthy. It includes your yearly physical, recommended screenings and vaccines. Your provider can use these tools to help catch health issues early, like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers. They can also recommend heart-healthy lifestyle habits to reduce your risk of serious conditions down the road.
Don’t forget: You pay $0 when you use in-network providers. Having trouble finding an in-network doctor accepting new patients? Your Aetna Health Concierge can help you find providers and schedule appointments.
3. Book dental and vision exams early
Planning ahead helps prevent you from competing for appointments during the end-of-year rush.
Dental exams and cleanings protect your teeth, mouth and overall health. Plus, you and your enrolled dependents can each earn a $50 credit toward your medical deductible and coinsurance when you get your first dental cleaning each year with an in-network dentist.
Eye exams check vision and can spot early signs of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Your plan pays up to $80 for your annual eye exam and $200 toward prescribed eyewear from Costco Optical every year.
If you’re unsure about your hearing, consider scheduling a hearing exam at a Costco Hearing Aid Center. If you need medically necessary hearing aids, your plan pays up to $1,750 every 4 years. Your plan also pays up to $3,000 every 4 years for enrolled dependents under age 18.
