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FEBRUARY 2026

How to find an in-network doctor 

Finding a provider who’s taking new patients can take time, and appointments may be weeks or even months out. Staying in-network helps you get the care you need and make the most of your benefits. Your health plan covers medically necessary care when you choose in-network doctors or providers. Keep in mind that out-of-network care isn’t covered — except for emergencies.

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Need help finding the right provider?

You have a few different ways to find in-network providers accepting new patients and who are also a good fit for your needs and health conditions.

If you’re enrolled in the Costco medical plan:

Costcobenefits.com — Go to Costcobenefits.com and select “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness. 


If you’re enrolled in the Aetna medical plan:

Aetna Health℠ app — If you haven’t already, download the Aetna Health app to try out some of its new features. The app now has a dark mode for easier viewing in low light.

Aetna Smart Compare® Intelligent Matching — Get a “Picked for You” list of providers based on your needs. Each one meets the highest standards for quality and effective care. Use “Find Care & Pricing” to search or ask Aetna Smart Chat to give you a list of options near you.

Accepting new patients — Click on a provider to see how many new Aetna patients they’ve seen in the past 6 months. This helps you gauge if they’re taking new patients before you call.

Aetna ID card — Your Aetna ID card gives you an option for a primary care provider (PCP) that you can use, but you can see any provider in the network.

Aetna Health Concierge — Your Aetna Health Concierge can help you find in-network providers accepting new patients and even help you schedule appointments. Connect through Aetna Chat or call 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711).


If you’re enrolled in the Costco medical plan, you have access to virtual care:

Mainland and Hawaii: 98point6® app offers on-demand primary and urgent care via text for a $0 copay.

Hawaii: HMSA’s Online Care lets you see a doctor online for physical and mental health care at any time.

Puerto Rico: TeleConsulta MD lets you see a doctor online in minutes. Get a diagnosis or prescription medication, review test results and more.

Puerto Rico: TeleConsulta connects you with a registered nurse, 24/7/365, for any health-related questions and where to go for care.

Preventive care can be a lifesaver

You deserve to feel your best — and routine preventive care is part of that. Regular checkups give you and your PCP a clearer picture of your overall health.

Mammograms, for example, are a key part of annual preventive care for women. They help detect breast cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Right now, about 1,800 Costco employees and their family members are receiving treatment for breast cancer.

Your free annual physical can also help you find out if your blood pressure, blood sugar or cholesterol are higher than they should be. High levels can increase your risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke.1

While an ER doctor can help treat symptoms you’re experiencing in the moment, your PCP knows your medical history and how best to manage your health conditions for the long term. They can also prescribe and refill prescriptions when needed.

You have support to make small changes that can have a big impact on your health.

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If you have a PCP, you’re 19% less likely to end up in the ER.

Get support between visits with Omada

Imagine this: You see your PCP and find out your blood sugar is too high — you have diabetes.

Your doctor tells you to change your diet and exercise more. But how? Your Costco benefits include Omada® for care between visits for diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol management, for those who qualify.

You’ll get support from a health coach, nutrition guidance and free tools to track your progress. The next time you see your doctor, you’ll hear, “Great job — your numbers are under control!”

Visit OmadaHealth.com/Costco or call 888-409-8687 to get started.

Source(s): 

1Mayo Clinic. Metabolic syndrome

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JANUARY 2026

Your new benefits are live — take a look

During Annual Enrollment, we shared the changes for 2026. Now it’s time to get to know them better — like more counseling sessions through Resources for Living® (RFL®) and a bigger allowance for prescription eyewear.

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Here’s what’s new for this year

  • Get more free counseling sessions. You now have 8 free sessions per issue, per year through RFL®, up from 6. Use your sessions with in-person, virtual or chat therapy. Sessions can be used for individual, family or couples counseling.
  • Enjoy a bigger vision hardware allowance. The annual allowance for prescribed glasses and contacts increased from $175 to $200. Remember: These funds need to be used by the end of each year.
  • Earn a $50 credit for an in-network dental cleaning. You and your enrolled family members can each earn a $50 credit toward your medical deductible and coinsurance when you get your first in-network dental cleaning each year.
  • Sleep better with GEM Sleep’s sleep apnea support. If you’re enrolled in the Aetna® medical plan, you can use GEM Sleep through Sleepio to get a diagnosis from home. Plus, get treatment options based on your evaluation. GEM Sleep is available to mainland employees only.
  • Watch the mail for your new Navitus pharmacy ID card.  Your coverage is still the same, but Navitus Health Solutions replaced Costco Health Solutions as your pharmacy benefits administrator. You can use your new pharmacy card at any network pharmacy. You can also use your employee ID to fill prescriptions at a Costco Pharmacy. Navitus is for mainland and Hawaii employees only.

Know before you go — ER visits cost more in 2026

The copay for an emergency room (ER) visit on the Aetna medical plan is now $200 (up from $150). Deductible and coinsurance still apply. If it’s not a true emergency, you have other options for care, such as urgent care and  98point6 virtual care for a $0 copay. For all the changes, check your 2026 Benefit Plan Changes booklet.

Watch the Benefits Changes video
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JANUARY 2026

Benefits employees asked to learn more about

Your benefits aren’t just for checkups and health concerns. They’re here to support your health, your family and your peace of mind — no matter what life brings. We’ve heard your feedback — here are some of the benefits employees have asked to learn more about.

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Get help for aches and pains

Working at Costco can be physically demanding. Your benefits can help.

  • Explore virtual physical therapy from Omada for joint and muscle pain.
  • Get chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage therapy services for employees enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
    – Need help finding an in-network provider? Have questions about visit limits, claims or coverage?
    – Download the Aetna Health℠ app, use the Aetna Chat feature or call your Aetna Health Concierge at 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711).
  • Join a gym and take advantage of discounted gym memberships from LifeMart to keep your body and mind strong.

Improve your sleep

Sleepio can help you clear your mind and get better sleep in just 6 weeks. Also available through Sleepio, GEM Sleep makes it easy to get a sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment from home. Your medical plan benefits apply. GEM Sleep is available to mainland employees only.

Make a will and file your taxes for free

With SmartDollar®, you have access to Mama Bear Legal Forms to help you make a will or trust for free. You can also file your taxes for free with Ramsey SmartTax®. Plus, work with a financial coach to pay off debt, save and be more intentional with money.

Find support for life’s challenges

Whether you need help managing bills, finding childcare or elder care, or managing stress — your benefits are here for you. From childcare solutions to mental health support for tough situations, Resources for Living® (RFL®) can help. All members of your household can also use RFL, including children up to age 26 whether they live at home or not. Services are free and confidential.

Complete the 2026 Benefits Survey by January 31
Tell us what you value most about your Costco benefits. Take this short survey at Costcobenefits.com.

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JANUARY 2026

Get free tax filing, gym discounts and more

Is one of your resolutions to make the most of your money? If so, your benefits can help. Learn ways to grow your money with the help of free resources available to all Costco employees.

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Ways to get started

One tool to help you reach your financial goals faster is SmartDollar®. It’s an online, self-paced personal finance program to help you get out of debt, save and invest for the future. You’ll get budgeting tools, helpful videos and free financial coaching. You can also:

  • Create a legally binding will online for free with Mama Bear Legal Forms
  • Map out a budget and build your emergency fund with the EveryDollar budgeting app
  • Get answers to money questions with SmartDollar AI
File your taxes online for free with Ramsey SmartTax® from SmartDollar
SmartTax makes it easier to file your federal and state taxes online — and it’s now available to you through SmartDollar at no cost to you. Get your taxes done early so you can get your refund as fast as possible.

Save on gym memberships, childcare and support for the day-to-day

Find discounts and savings where possible. Your benefits also include LifeMart, an online employee discount center that offers savings on gym memberships, virtual fitness programs and childcare to all Costco employees. Childcare discounts aren’t available in Puerto Rico.

Need support for daily life? Resources for Living® (RFL®) Worklife can guide you to vetted local community services. They can research childcare, elder care and pet care options. They can also identify or locate community resources, including those for rent, transportation, water and electricity, food and more.


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JANUARY 2026

What’s WITT all about?

WITT means “We’re in This Together.” When it comes to your health and well-being, we all have a role to play. At Costco, we’re committed to taking care of employees. That’s why we offer benefits to help you get the support and care you need at the right time. Your role is to get to know your benefits and use them wisely — WITT can help.

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Here’s how WITT works

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Take the WITT pledge at WITTpledge.com — It only takes a minute to sign up! Include your spouse or domestic partner so they can stay informed too.
Reminder:
After you pledge, take the 2026 Benefits Survey to share what you value most about your benefits. The deadline to complete it is January 31.

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Watch for monthly WITT emails — You’ll get articles, videos and podcasts sent straight to your inbox. (Check other folders if they’re not in your main inbox.) See a sneak peek of this year’s WITT topics below.
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Bookmark and explore WITTpledge.com — It’s your home for benefits resources that support your health and well-being. Browse anytime to see all that’s available to you and your family. See what you’ll find below.
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Hear how other employees used their benefits — Check out past podcasts for personal stories on how employees overcame health challenges with the support of their benefits.

Why should I take the WITT pledge?

The WITT pledge connects you to your benefits so you can learn what’s available and use them to feel and be your best. It’s the best way to stay informed on all the benefits Costco offers to support your:

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Physical well-being — Find preventive care and support for gut health, sleep, nutrition, exercise and more.
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Emotional well-being — Manage your mental health, stress, anxiety and all of life’s challenges, including 8 free counseling sessions per issue, per year.
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Financial well-being — Budget and save, reduce debt and plan for retirement.
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Social well-being — Build healthy relationships at home, school, work and in the community.

Find what you need at WITTpledge.com

Your benefits are designed to support the health and physical, emotional, financial and social well-being of you and your family. Whether you want quick tips or a deep dive, there are plenty of ways to explore what’s available.

Bookmark the Benefits & resources page to browse benefits info anytime. You might be surprised by what you find that’s just right for you!

Sneak peek of WITT topics for 2026

January

Pledge to make the most of your benefits

February

Preventive care and heart health

March

Nutrition, gut and weight health

April

Financial and legal benefits

May

Mental health and sleep support

June

Women’s and men’s health

July

Alcohol, nicotine and prescription medication support

August

Maternity, family and leave benefits

September

Suicide prevention and joint and muscle health

October

Dental and vision checkups

November

Annual Enrollment

December

Virtual care


Get familiar with these helpful resources:

Monthly benefits
focus

Stay informed with texts and emails linking to new articles, videos and podcasts each month.

2026 Benefits
Guide

Get to know all that’s available in one place.

Women’s and Men’s
Health Guides

Find tips and resources for every age and stage.

Quick Reference
Guide

View a one-page list of all your Costco benefits and resources.
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DECEMBER 2025

Thanks for all you do for Costco — read a message from Ron

As the year wraps up, we want to say thank you. Your hard work, heart and commitment continue to drive Costco’s success — and we couldn’t do it without you. 

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In 2025, more than 96,000 of you took the We’re in This Together (WITT) pledge to learn more about your benefits. You stayed informed through monthly texts and emails with helpful articles, podcasts and videos on topics such as:

  • Improving your nutrition and gut health through WeightWatchers and Cylinder
  • Supporting your mental health with free counseling sessions through Resources for Living®
  • Growing your money habits through SmartDollar® financial coaching and your T. Rowe Price retirement plan
  • Preparing for a new addition to your family with Unum’s bonding leave
  • And so much more

This is a powerful reminder of how much you care — not just about your work, but about your health and your future.

You also told us in the WITT pledge survey how much you loved hearing from each other. So, we increased our WITT podcasts from quarterly to monthly — 13 episodes this year! Each one featured real voices, real stories and real support from Costco employees.

Thanks for showing up, lifting each other up and continuing to grow. We’re in this together — and we’re grateful for every one of you.

Get ready to pledge next month

Explore your 2026 Benefits Guide now to make the most of your benefits in 2026! Every year brings new opportunities and new ways your Costco benefits can support you. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve pledged before, start fresh in January 2026. Include your spouse or domestic partner so you can both stay informed. It’s a simple way to stay connected to your benefits and make the most of what’s available.

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DECEMBER 2025

3 ways to build community and reduce stress

Feeling connected to others can help lower stress and improve your well-being. When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol can make you feel worse over time. But spending time with people you trust can help your body release oxytocin, a hormone which helps lowers cortisol and helps you feel better.

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Here are 3 ways to build more community:


  • Find common bonds. Look for groups or people you relate to — whether you’re into classic cars, Dungeons & Dragons, or bird watching. When you feel like you belong, it’s easier to make connections, open up and feel supported.
  • Choose what feels right for you. Some people feel most supported by a few close friends. Others enjoy connecting with lots of people. What matters most is finding what’s comforting and authentic to you. Try not to compare the size of your circle to anyone else’s. The most important thing is feeling safe, supported and cared for in the friendships you have.
  • Connect in whatever way works. You don’t have to meet in person to feel close, especially around the holidays. Try a phone call while walking or a virtual catch-up with a loved one who’s far away. Or meet new people through online fitness communities, virtual book clubs or even gaming platforms. Digital connections still count.
Looking for a supportive space to connect, reduce stress and work on your health goals? WeightWatchers offers in-person workshops and 24/7 chat — plus exclusive discounts for Costco employees and your families.

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DECEMBER 2025

Loneliness: It’s not just you 

Feeling lonely? You’re not alone. In fact, 3 out of 4 Americans say they feel lonely1 — even if they don’t talk about it.

Loneliness isn’t just about being alone. It’s about feeling disconnected, even when others are around. And it can take a toll on your health.

People who feel connected tend to feel better, both mentally and physically. Those who don’t are more likely to feel sick, stressed or down.

That’s why your social well-being — feeling supported, understood and part of something — matters just as much as your physical, emotional and financial health.

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Ways to feel more connected

Stepping away from screens and spending time with people face-to-face can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Social media often highlights only the best moments — the fun, the exciting, the new — not the full story. That can make it easy to feel left out. Here are some small steps to help build connections:

  • Call or text a friend just to check in.
  • Say yes to a walk, coffee or lunch with someone.
  • Volunteer for a cause you care about.
  • Spend time with coworkers outside of work.
  • Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust.
  • Limit time on social media and focus on real conversations.
  • Set a goal to talk to one new person each week.
If reaching out feels hard right now, try Supportiv. It’s anonymous, peer-to-peer chat support with trained moderators, and it’s available 24/7/365.

Feeling worse in winter? It could be seasonal depression

Some people feel more tired, sad or withdrawn when the days get shorter. This could be seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It’s a type of depression linked to changes in daylight, and it can last for several months.2

You can take steps at home to support your mental health, like:

  • Spending time outside during the day even if it’s cloudy
  • Getting better sleep
  • Eating well-balanced meals
  • Exercising
  • Staying connected with loved ones through phone or video calls, especially if you’re not able to spend time with them over the holidays
  • Taking a trip somewhere sunny

If those don’t help, talk to a doctor. They may recommend using a SAD sunlight therapy lamp to help ease your symptoms. Counseling, vitamin D, and medication can also help.

Need a little extra support? Resources for Living® is here for you. This free, confidential service offers help with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and other challenges.

Source(s):

1 Loneliness: It’s not just you

2 Seasonal affective disorder awareness

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DECEMBER 2025

Beat the cold & flu season with your benefits

The holidays are a time for celebrations. But winter can also bring sniffles, stress and seasonal illnesses. Colds, the flu and other viruses spread more easily this time of year — especially indoors and in close gatherings.

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Here are some ways to protect your health and enjoy the season:

  • Drink water — Aim for 8 cups a day to stay hydrated and support your immune system.
  • Wash your hands often — Especially before eating or touching your face.
  • Stick to your sleep routine — Rest helps your body fight off germs.
  • Take breaks from stress — Quiet time with loved ones can boost your mood and well-being.
  • Get your flu shot — It’s your best defense and can reduce symptoms if you get sick.
  • Open a window — Fresh air helps reduce the spread of airborne viruses.

Your Costco benefits are here to support you — so you can focus on what matters most this season.

If you or a family member feels sick, use the 98point6® app to talk to a doctor in minutes — no appointment needed, no copay required. You can get care, prescriptions and advice without leaving home.

Need a primary care provider? Visit Costcobenefits.com and choose “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness.

If you need care while you’re away from home, Assist America can connect you with help for travel emergencies 24/7 when you’re 100 miles or more from home, anywhere in the world. Download the Assist America app and sign up before you leave home for quick access to help if you need it. Use reference number 01-AA-UN-762490 to enroll on the app.

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NOVEMBER 2025

4 myths about vaping

Vaping is breathing in a mist made by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette, also known as a vape). Some people use it to quit smoking. Others enjoy the flavors and social aspects of vaping. But there are some beliefs about vaping that don’t quite match up with the facts.

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Info Box

Common myths1 you should know about vaping


Myth #1: Vaping is a safer alternative to smoking.

Fact: Vape products contain thousands of chemicals, many of which we haven’t identified yet or don’t know the long-term effects of. Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t fully reviewed vape products, they all have different formulas. But the ingredients we do know of are alarming.2 They include:
  • Carcinogens: Cancer-causing chemicals such as acetaldehyde and formaldehyde (the main ingredient that’s used in embalming liquid)
  • Diacetyl: A chemical linked to a lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans, aka “popcorn lung”
  • Heavy metals: Such as lead and nickel

Myth #2: Vapes aren’t as addictive.

Fact: Nope, they’re just as addictive. Many users take in more nicotine than with regular cigarettes. Nicotine is bad for your heart and lungs. It raises your blood pressure and spikes adrenaline. These side effects can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Myth #3: Vaping is a good way to quit smoking.

Fact: Research actually shows that most people who vape to quit their nicotine habit end up doing both — vaping and smoking.

Myth #4: Vaping helps keep people from smoking cigarettes.

Fact: It’s actually getting more people — especially young people — hooked on nicotine. Even those who wouldn’t have smoked cigarettes in the first place.

Where there’s no smoke, there’s still nicotine

Nicotine doesn’t just come from cigarettes or vapes. It also shows up in other forms that are just as addictive and carry health risks, including:

  • Pouches and nicotine gum: Aside from the risk of heart attack and stroke from using nicotine, another risk of using these products is releasing too much nicotine into your bloodstream at once and getting nicotine poisoning. Nicotine poisoning can cause diarrhea, dizziness and even lead to comas.3
  • Dip (chewing tobacco): Dip is loaded with fiberglass that cuts your mouth and gums (which is how the nicotine gets into your bloodstream). And it’s been proven to cause issues such as bad breath and even several types of highly fatal cancers, such as pancreatic cancer. In fact, people who use tobacco are 50% more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than those who don’t.4

If you use tobacco or nicotine and would like to quit, help is available. You can join thousands of smokers across the country in taking the first step during the Great American Smokeout® on November 20. You can also enroll in the  Costco Tobacco & Nicotine Cessation Program for coaching and support to help you on your journey.

Sources:

1Johns Hopkins Medicine. 5 Vaping Facts You Need to Know.
2American Lung Association. What’s in an E-Cigarette?
3American Academy of Pediatrics. Dangers of Smokeless Tobacco.
4American Cancer Society. Pancreatic Cancer Risk Factors.