A good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. But if you’re like a lot of Costco employees, you may have a varying work schedule, and may not have the same start and end to each day. That can make it harder to fall asleep — and stay asleep — night after night. This can take a toll on your body and mind, putting you at risk for mental health issues, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Your new free benefitSleepio can help.
Sleepio is a six-week guided online program for better sleep. It’s tailored to you and simple to use. Clinical studies have shown the program improves the sleep of those who use it.
Click the link in the confirmation email you receive to download the Sleepio app and create your account
Note: Make sure you start the process by registering on the Sleepio website. There are two Sleepio apps, and the link in the confirmation email will send you to the right one.
Here’s how it works:
You start by taking an in-app baseline sleep quiz to determine your sleep habits and challenges.
You then get access to a personalized care plan.
In just 5 minutes a day, you’ll learn effective ways to get better sleep, including a wind-down routine, relaxation exercises and ways to calm your thoughts.
You’ll better understand why you have sleep problems, what makes them worse and how to get back to better sleep for good.
Sleepio is available at no cost to you and your family members age 18 or older enrolled in a Costco medical plan. Get help to clear your mind, get better sleep and have better days in just six weeks. Learn more at sleepio.bighealth.com/Costco.
4 tips for more zzzzzzs
Eat healthy. A varied diet with plenty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants makes a major contribution to your immune system, overall health – and sleep. Dietitians recommend 3-5 servings of different fruits and vegetables each day.
Power down. Avoid cell phones, TVs and computers in the hour or two before bedtime. Limit caffeine to the start of your day.
Establish a bedtime routine. Take a warm shower or bath. Listen to calming music. Having a routine helps condition your mind and body for sleep.
Protect your time and energy. Trying to do too much or be everything to everyone can cause stress and anxiety and affect your sleep. Set boundaries if you’re over-extended and make time to unwind and do the things you enjoy.
More than 40,000 Costco employees and family members are living with gut health issues. Many have been suffering in silence. Poor gut health can take a toll on your physical and mental health. But there’s help. Join the 13,000+ who have started using Cylinder*, your free digestive health program.
Your gut microbiome is the community of “good” and “bad” bacteria that live inside your stomach and intestines. They help you digest food, fight off germs and maintain a healthy weight. If your body doesn’t have enough good bacteria, bad bacteria can thrive, causing a range of health issues:
Digestive issues
Skin conditions
Mental health issues
Other health problems
Bloating/gas
Eczema
Anxiety
Headaches
Constipation
Psoriasis
Depression
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Rosacea
Mood swings
Joint pain
Heartburn
Acne
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Food sensitivities
Allergies
Cylinder: Learn about your gut health
Cylinder, your no-cost digestive health benefit, offers:
A free at-home GutCheck microbiome health test to measure the good and bad bacteria in your gut
Access to a team of experts, including a registered dietician and health coach, who can help you identify triggers and find symptom relief
Sign up at Go.CylinderHealth.com/Costco(access code: Costco) or call 888‑246‑5019. The program is available at no cost to employees and dependents age 18+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan. No diagnosis is needed to get started.
Foods that can help
When you feed your body, you’re also feeding the bacteria that live in your gut, helping them thrive. As a general rule, they’re healthy eaters. Try adding more whole foods to your diet and make sure you stay hydrated.
Foods that can hurt
As much as possible, try avoiding processed foods, such as:
Did you know? Cylinder can also help with colorectal cancer prevention by getting you ready for screenings, navigating appointments and helping you make lifestyle changes that can prevent cancer. Get started today.
How often have you heard “you are what you eat”? That’s because what you eat has such a big impact on your physical and mental health. Listen to these Costco employees as they share their experience with Cylinder*, the new free digestive health program.
Tony, and I’ve been a part of Cylinder for about 2 months.
I’m gluten free, so I gotta stay away from gluten or else I get arthritic pain in my hands and around my body.
Well, I met with my health coach. He’s fantastic.
And then the behavioral therapy. My son, he’s got a panic disorder. That can really, really help with him.
Okay. I feel better overall. The app is, and, and the health coach, has really helped with being mindful.
I have more energy. I think I’m happier.
And I’ve even gotten compliments from members at work.
This is amazing that they’re, they’re recognizing this as a way to get healthy.
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Darren and I think we’re going on 2 months.
I mean, I’ve always had a little bit of acne, you know. Especially as a 60 year old guy, I didn’t, you know, I didn’t think I should have acne anymore, but, so I thought, well, okay, maybe it is something to do with my eating. Then I got a little rosacea on my forehead about 6 months ago.
The actual western medicine doesn’t really have anything for it. And, you know, none of it seems to help. And everybody I know that’s had it, has it. You know, they can’t seem to get rid of it. So I thought, alright. I’m gonna try more of a holistic attempt. And I wanted to start eating better, and I thought Cylinder was kind of a nice way to do that.
The last couple of weeks, the redness has diminished. But the people from Cylinder, they’re amazing. My diet’s certainly better now than it was 2 months ago. There’s so many people at work that I know struggle with this. You know, if there was some way to reach some of these people, they would really benefit from it.
Cylinder is available now
Order your free gut microbiome health test with Cylinder, your free digestive health program. Learn about the good and bad bacteria in your gut, then connect with a registered dietitian and health coach to identify triggers that cause gut issues to help relieve your symptoms.
Catch conditions early when they’re easier to treat
Skin cancer and breast cancer are the two most common cancers among Costco employees. More than 6,000 employees and their family members are dealing with skin cancer. Nearly 1,800 have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Find out how you can catch these conditions early, when treatment is most effective.
Preventive services such as annual physical exams and mammograms are powerful weapons in fighting these cancers. A recent study shows that regular mammograms reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by 50%.1 Only 21% of Costco employees and family members get all of their recommended preventive services each year. Are you up to date on your preventive care?
Routine preventive care helps you stay ahead of illness and disease so you can be your best. Preventive care includes services such as your annual physical, certain blood tests, cancer screenings and vaccines, even dental cleanings and vision exams. This kind of care helps you and your doctor know how you’re doing. Most importantly, it can catch a health condition in its earliest stages, when it’s easier to treat.
How to find a PCP
Employees and their family members enrolled in a Costco medical plan can find an in-network primary care provider by visiting Costcobenefits.com and clicking “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness.
Mainland employees can learn more about how to find the PCP that’s right for them in this Aetna ID card update:
Aetna ID card update for mainland employees
To make it easier for you and your family members enrolled in an Aetna medical plan to access preventive care, your new Aetna ID card will have a PCP listed for you and each family member.
Here are a few other things to know:
Your plan hasn’t changed. It’s not an HMO. You are not required to see the PCP on your ID card and your plan doesn’t require a referral to see a specialist.
Your PCP was carefully selected. If you’ve seen a PCP in the last two years, we’ve added the most recent PCP or practice name to your card.
If you haven’t, we looked for PCPs accepting new patients within 25 miles who have met the Aetna Smart Compare® high standards for care.
You can change your PCP at any time, and as many times as you need, by calling your Aetna Health Concierge* at 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711).
If you change your PCP, we’ll send you a new card. Your digital ID card will be available on your Aetna member website the next day.
Note: If you see a physician’s assistant (PA) or nurse practitioner (NP), you may see the supervising physician’s name or the practice name on your card.
Your PCP is your partner in good health
Your primary care physician (PCP) is your first stop for preventive care. They can give you your annual physical and order blood work, tests and screenings.
Here are some recommended preventive services. Your age, gender, and family and personal medical histories can make a difference in which services you need and when to start them. Ask your doctor what’s right for you.
Don’t forget about dental and vision exams
Learn more about what regular dental care can do for you here.
It’s important to get an annual eye exam, even if you have perfect 20/20 vision. Eye exams can help catch brain tumors, cancer, heart disease and more. In 2024, over 100,000 Costco employees and family members got their annual eye exam. Nearly 3,400 discovered a condition they didn’t know about, giving them the opportunity to seek care. The most common conditions were:
High blood pressure or cholesterol
Diabetes
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Employees and their family members enrolled in a Costco medical plan are automatically enrolled in vision coverage.
The plan will pay:
Up to $80 for your annual refractive eye exam
$175 toward the purchase of prescribed eyewear every year (you don’t have to spend it all at once)
You also get $1,750 toward the purchase of prescribed medically necessary hearing aids every four years.
Protect your health by quitting tobacco or nicotine for good
If you use tobacco and/or nicotine, think about making this your year to quit. The Costco Tobacco & Nicotine Cessation Program can provide the support you need with a plan personalized for you. You’ve got so much to gain once you stop smoking, using tobacco or vaping, including:
A lower risk for heart attack and certain cancers
Improved blood flow
Better lung function
A lower risk for gum disease, tooth loss, dry eye syndrome and cataracts
And that’s just a start. Imagine climbing stairs or playing with the kids and not being out of breath. Even food tastes better! Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Quit Tobacco” under Health & Wellness to start your journey to quitting for good.
What’s most important to Costco as a company? The health and wellness of our employees and their families. That’s why we provide benefits to help with almost any challenge. But with all the benefits available to you and your family, it can feel like a lot to learn.
We’re here to help! Take the 2025 We’re in This Together (WITT) pledge, along with your spouse or domestic partner, to sign up for emails and texts from Costco Benefits. It’s the best way to discover, understand and use your benefits to feel better.
After you pledge, you’ll have an opportunity to tell us what you value about your benefits in a short survey.
Your Costco benefits offer support for your physical, emotional, financial and, new this year, social well-being. When you’re physically, emotionally and financially healthy, you’ll experience the positive impact on your social well-being.
To see some of the ways your Costco benefits can help you feel better, choose a well-being pillar from the drop-down list below.
To find website links, phone numbers, costs (no cost or low cost), age requirements and whether enrollment in a Costco medical plan is required for each listed benefit, turn to your 2025Benefits Guide, your one-stop shop for all things benefits.
Physical well-being
Do you…
Try…
…need help finding a primary care physician (PCP)?
The PCP listed on your Aetna ID card. You can change it at any time.
A Live Healthy Team** registered dietitian who can help you develop a meal and nutrition plan
Emotional well-being
Do you…
Try…
…need to find the right therapist for you and your famiy?
Resources for Living offers multiple options for finding a therapist, including the new Alma search tool with unlimited free 15-minute consultations. Access six free counseling sessions per person, per issue, per year.
Once again, it’s you — our employees — that have fueled Costco’s success this year. We’re grateful for the hard work, creativity and dedication each one of you brings to your work on a daily basis.
And you’ve been working on yourselves, too. Over 92,000 of you have taken this year’s We’re in This Together pledge to learn more about the benefit resources available to you and your family. Your spouses or domestic partners have increased their participation in the pledge, as well. Over 10,000 of you enrolled in our new digestive health program, Cylinder*, in its first month. And Supportiv, our peer-to-peer chat support resource, earned a user score of 4.7 stars (out of 5).
Every year brings different challenges — and often new or enhanced benefits programs to meet them. So even if you pledged in the past, pledge again starting January 1, 2025, along with your spouse or domestic partner. Look for more information coming soon in the mail and on this website.
It’s a wonder-filled life
Research shows that experiencing wonder is good for you in many ways. It can lower stress, decrease inflammation and promote trust and bonding. So we’ve chosen “wonder” as our We’re in This Together theme for 2025. Take advantage of your Costco benefits, and you might just be in awe of what you can achieve.
Your stories are the best stories
This year, four Costco employees shared how they used their benefits to help themselves and their families get the care they needed right when they needed it. If you haven’t heard their inspiring stories, you can listen here. It’s a great way to see your benefits in action.
At Costco, it’s our responsibility and ongoing promise to provide our employees with exceptional health benefits that are reflective of how much we value their service to Costco. And it’s just as important for our employees to understand the great benefits they have available so they can use them wisely.
The best way to stay informed about the many benefit programs available to you and your family is by taking the annual We’re in This Together (WITT) pledge. By taking the pledge, you will have access to beneficial content that will result in you getting the most out of your benefits that Costco is proud to offer to you.
Thank you for your continued hard work and for your many contributions toward Costco’s great success. My best wishes to you and your family for a healthy 2025!
The Annual Enrollment process has changed November 1–26, 2024
This video provides a quick tutorial on how to complete your 2025 Annual Enrollment. We’ve changed the Dependent Verification requirement, so watch this 4-minute video to learn the new process.
You must verify your spouse or domestic partner to continue their coverage. Coverage will automatically continue for your eligible children.
Your health and the health of your family is a top priority at Costco. That’s why we are committed to providing you and your family with affordable benefits that help you receive quality care whenever needed. Now that Annual Enrollment is here, we want to make sure you understand the benefits available to you and your family and why this time is so important. Here’s everything you need to know about Annual Enrollment.
Annual Enrollment is the time of year that benefit-eligible employees have the opportunity to make changes to their benefit elections for the upcoming calendar year. You can add or drop coverage for yourself or family members, change your existing plans, and explore the benefits available to you and your family in the coming year.
By now, you should have received a kit in the mail that includes everything you need to enroll in Costco Benefits. This includes things like the benefit plan changes booklet and information about how to log on to Costcobenefits.com and start the Annual Enrollment process. If you have not received a kit yet, that’s totally fine. All of the information in the kit can be found on Costcobenefits.com, where you can also sign up for text reminders about Annual Enrollment so you don’t miss a step of the process.
We’ve done our best to make the Annual Enrollment process easy. Beginning in November, you can click on the Annual Enrollment banner or the enrollment website tile on Costcobenefits.com to start the process. Once you’ve selected your benefits and your submitted documentation has been approved for any new dependents, your benefits will go into effect on January 1st.
If your spouse or domestic partner is enrolled in your benefits, you will need to complete the dependent verification process each year to continue their coverage, even if you don’t make any changes. If you don’t, their coverage will end on December 31st of this year. If you have dependent children enrolled in your benefits, you’ll need to review and remove any dependent children who are no longer eligible. Coverage will continue automatically for eligible enrolled children. If you add any family members to your plan, you must submit required documentation by November 30th. When you begin the Annual Enrollment process, the platform will automatically remind you to verify your spouse or domestic partner.
Annual Enrollment is also a great time to ensure that your beneficiaries are up-to-date for your life and AD&D insurance and retirement plans. Designating your beneficiaries for these plans is critical, so you can ensure that the right people receive this benefit when the time comes. You can update your beneficiaries for life and AD&D insurance online while you go through the Annual Enrollment process. To update beneficiaries for your retirement plans, just visit RPS.TRowePrice.com.
As a reminder, if you want to participate in the HCRA or DCAP, you must enroll during Annual Enrollment. Even if you are already enrolled for the current plan year. All your other benefits elections will continue into the following year if you don’t make any changes.
And that’s the basics. Annual Enrollment begins and ends in November, so be sure to enroll early. If you have any questions or need more information, just visit Costcobenefits.com or call the Enrollment Center at 800-541-6205. Thanks for watching, and remember, we’re in this together.
Use this Annual Enrollment checklist to stay on track
Take action by November 26, 2024, to confirm elections or make any changes. You can sign up for text reminders on the Enrollment Website located on Costcobenefits.com.
Readthe enrollment instructions and the 2025 Benefits Plan Changes booklet that came in your 2025 Annual Enrollment kit. The kit should have arrived by mail in late October. You can also review this information online at Costcobenefits.com.
Completethe Dependent Verification process to continue coverage for your spouse or domestic partner. If you don’t complete this step, coverage for your spouse or domestic partner will end on December 31, 2024.
Reviewyour enrolled children and remove any children that are no longer eligible. Coverage will automatically continue for children still eligible. Find eligibility details on Costcobenefits.com. If you add any family members to the plan, you must submit required documentation by November 30, 2024.
Enroll or re-enrollin one or bothreimbursement accounts*, the Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) or Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP), if you want to participate in 2025.
Designate a beneficiary for both life and AD&D insurance on the Enrollment Website and for your retirement plan at RPS.TRowePrice.com.
Your health and the health of your family is a top priority at Costco. That’s why we are committed to providing you and your family with affordable benefits that help you receive quality care whenever needed. In 2025, you will see enhancements to your Costco benefits. Here’s everything you need to know.
Let’s start with the update to your Aetna ID card. Starting in 2025, you and your family members enrolled in an Aetna medical plan will have a primary care physician, or PCP, listed on your Aetna ID card. Access to a PCP is important for your health. If you don’t already have a PCP, one will be assigned to you to help make it easier for you and your family members to access care. You can change the PCP listed on your ID card at any time.
This is not a change to your medical plan. It’s not an HMO, so you are not required to see this PCP for care. You don’t need a referral to see a specialist either. If you have seen a PCP in the last two years, that provider will be listed on your card. If you see a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant as your PCP, their supervising physician or the practice will be listed on your card. If you have any questions or would like to change the PCP on your card at any time, call your Aetna health concierge.
Now, let’s talk about some new incentive programs. In 2025, if you’re enrolled in an Aetna medical and dental plan, you and your enrolled family members can receive a $50 credit towards your annual medical deductible or co-insurance when you get at least one annual dental cleaning. Employees and their spouses or domestic partners can earn up to a $400 credit towards their annual medical deductible or co-insurance when you enroll in the Aetna program and engage during and after your pregnancy. To learn more and sign up for the Aetna maternity program, call the maternity team or visit Aetna.com/Maternity.
Let’s move on to chiropractic care. In 2025, the Aetna medical plan will cover up to 30 visits per year for chiropractic care. You’ll no longer need to meet your plans deductible and co-insurance, only your plan’s PCP copay will apply.
Now, here’s an update on virtual medical care from 98point6. 98point6 is an app that offers on-demand text-based access to virtual medical care for employees and their dependents age one and older enrolled in the medical plan. In 2025, the cost per visit is $0.
If you suffer from foot, knee or back pain, custom foot insoles may help. Beginning in 2025, all employees and their family members will have access to custom foot insoles at $80 per pair from Fit My Foot. No prescription is needed. To place an order, first download the Fit My Foot App and use it to scan your feet. Then visit FitMyFoot.com/CostcoEmployee to place your order. Your custom foot insoles will be shipped to your home address. For employees and dependents enrolled in an Aetna medical plan, up to three pairs of insoles per year are covered. Deductible and co-insurance apply.
Now, let’s talk about new services available through Resources for Living. Finding the right therapist can be a journey. Resources for Living can help. With RFL, you have access to six free therapy sessions per issue, per year with a few different ways to find a therapist. You can call RFL to connect with a care partner who can help you find a therapist, chat with a care partner online at the RFL website, access chat therapy with Talkspace, or search the RFL provider network on the RFL website.
In 2025, RFL will offer expanded access to mental health providers and new search options through the Alma Virtual Care Network. Log in to the RFL website and search the virtual therapy network by provider type, specialty, availability, language, religion, and more. Select your provider and schedule a free fifteen-minute consultation. Not the right fit? You can schedule as many free consultations as you need to find the therapist who’s right for you. Once you’ve selected your therapist, you still have access to all six of your free therapy sessions.
In 2025, you can also connect one-on-one with a well-being coach for free and confidential coaching sessions to work toward your personal goals. Your coach can help you with almost any goal. For example, they can help you develop better eating habits, learn time management skills, be mindful of your finances, step outside of your comfort zone, manage a relationship transition and more. Connect with Resources for Living in 2025 to get started.
You also have access to discounted services with Weight Watchers and LifeMart. Weight Watchers has new lower monthly rates. To learn more or register now, visit WW.com/Costco. Also, be sure to check out LifeMart, your employee discount center for discounts on gym memberships, virtual fitness and child care programs.
Now, let’s talk about some new benefits programs available to Costco employees. In 2025, employees and their family members age 18 or older who are enrolled in a Costco medical plan can access Sleepio, an online sleep improvement program at no cost. Sleepio is clinically proven to help you clear your mind, get better sleep, and have better days in just six weeks. You can get started by completing a coverage check on the Sleepio website. Then download the Sleepio app, create your account, complete the baseline sleep quiz and start seeing the benefits of Sleepio.
Your new digestive health program, Cylinder, is available now. Cylinder is available at no cost for employees and dependents age 18 or older enrolled in a Costco medical plan. Download the Cylinder app or visit the Cylinder website and use company code Costco to get started. Order your free microbiome test kit and connect with your care team to identify triggers and help relieve symptoms.
Finally, let’s talk about life insurance. If you have family members enrolled in a Costco Medical Plan, they automatically receive basic life insurance through Unum at no cost to you. In 2025, this coverage is increasing from $1,500 to $3,000 for each enrolled dependent.
Your new benefits are available January 1st. If you have any questions or need more information, just visit Costcobenefits.com. Thanks for watching and remember, we’re in this together.
Discover new and updated benefits available January 1, 2025
Aetna ID card update*
To ensure that you and your family members enrolled in the Aetna medical plan have access to a primary care physician (PCP), a PCP will be assigned to you and your enrolled family members on your Aetna® ID card. Their phone number will be provided so you can call to schedule your preventive care or a new patient appointment. If you already have a PCP you’ve seen in the last two years, that provider will be the name on your card
If you see a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant, their supervising physician will be the name on your card
You are not required to see the assigned PCP and can change the PCP on your card at any time
There are no changes to your medical plan — this is not an HMO, so you don’t need to get a referral from a PCP to see a specialist
Contact your Aetna Health Concierge at 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711) if you have questions or you’d like to change the PCP on your card
Dental incentive*
Earn a $50 credit toward your annual medical deductible or coinsurance when you get at least one annual dental cleaning
Earn up to a $400 credit toward your annual medical deductible or coinsurance for you or your spouse or domestic partner when you enroll and engage in the Aetna MaternityProgram during and after your pregnancy
The earlier in your pregnancy you enroll, the more you can earn
Visit Aetna.com/Maternity or call 855-282-6344 (TTY: 711) to learn more and enroll
Chiropractic visits*
You’ll have coverage for up to 30 chiropractic visits per year
You no longer need to meet your deductible or coinsurance for visits
Your plan’s PCP copay applies
Available for you and your dependents enrolled in an Aetna Medical plan
Custom foot insoles are shipped to your home address
For employees and dependents enrolled in an Aetna medical plan, up to three pairs of insoles per year are covered. Deductible and coinsurance apply.
Alma
Effective January 1, 2025, you’ll have expanded access to mental health providers and a new way to search for a therapist online through Resources for Living (RFL). Alma, available through the RFL website, allows you to search for providers who are in the network and accepting new patients. Also, with Alma, you:
Can schedule a consultation with the provider of your choice
Receive automatic authorization for 6 free therapysessions per issue per year for you, all your household members and dependent children up to age 26
Filter your provider search based on personal preferences
Can view a provider’s profile before requesting a consultation
On average, have your first therapy session within 5 days
Have access to providers that offer both virtual and in-person support
Well-being coaching
You can also talk with an RFL Well-being coach for free and confidential coaching sessions to help with your personal goals, such as:
Developing better eating habits
Learning better time management
Stepping out of your comfort zone
Visit RFL.com/Costco or call 833-721-2320 (TTY:711) to learn more
Wouldn’t it be nice to save money on your annual taxes while paying for things you need, such as medications and childcare? That’s the benefit of reimbursement accounts.
When you enroll in Costco reimbursement accounts during Annual Enrollment, you can put aside pretax dollars to reimburse yourself for eligible expenses throughout the year.
Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) – For eligible health care expenses.
Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) – For eligible dependent care expenses.
Watch the video below for a quick overview of your reimbursement account options, administered by Inspira Financial™.
Your health and the health of your family is a top priority at Costco. That’s why we are committed to providing you and your family with affordable benefits that help you receive quality care whenever needed. One of those benefits are the reimbursement accounts available through Inspira Financial. Here’s everything you need to know about reimbursement accounts.
There are two types of reimbursement accounts available to you as a Costco employee: the HCRA and the DCAP. The HCRA or Health Care Reimbursement Account allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to reimburse yourself for eligible medical expenses such as copays, deductibles and coinsurance, dental and vision expenses, prescriptions, and over-the-counter items. Annual enrollment is the only time you can enroll in an HCRA account and the HCRA must be re-elected every year if you want to continue your account.
The DCAP or Dependent Care Assistance Plan allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars to reimburse yourself for qualified child and elder care expenses necessary for you and your spouse to work. Funds can be used to pay for child care for your dependents, age 12 and younger, or for a spouse, parent, or dependent incapable of self-care. Examples of DCAP expenses are things like daycare, before and after school care, nursery and preschool, and in-home aids. Please note that the DCAP cannot be used for dependent healthcare expenses. You need to enroll in the DCAP every year to continue your account. However, you can enroll, change, or stop your enrollment whenever there is a qualifying change to your dependent care needs throughout the year.
Both types of accounts are funded by automatic pre-tax payroll deductions from every paycheck. If you choose to enroll in one or both of the reimbursement accounts during annual enrollment, you’ll be prompted to choose how much money you would like to contribute for the plan year up to the annual limit. Each account has an annual funding limit set by the IRS. Funds will then be deducted pre-tax from your paychecks and deposited into these reimbursement accounts. While you can access the full amount of your annual HCRA election beginning January 1st, with the DCAP, you can only access the amount currently in your account at the time of your reimbursement request.
If you enroll in the HCRA, you’ll have a few different ways to access your account. The default reimbursement method is autopay. The HCRA autopay feature will automatically pay your portion of medical and dental claims, including copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. If you have specific plans for your HCRA funds like paying for braces, be sure to turn off autopay at the start of each year on the Inspira website or app. You’ll also receive a debit card you can use to pay for eligible expenses at these locations: Costco Pharmacy, Costco Online Pharmacy, Costco Optical, and the Costco Hearing Aid Center. You can check your available account balance on your Aetna member website under Flexible Spending Account or FSA.
For the DCAP, you can submit a claim for reimbursement as soon as you have an eligible expense through the Inspira website or app. You’ll be reimbursed up to the current balance in your account.
Before you enroll, take a look at your healthcare and dependent care expenses for the previous year and think about needs in the coming year to get a sense of how much you would like to contribute. Keep in mind that if you are currently enrolled in an HCRA, you’ll want to think about whether you’ll have funds left in your account at the end of this year that you can roll over into next year. It is important to remember that funds in both accounts are use it or lose it per IRS rules.
Only a small portion of your HCRA balance can roll over to the next plan year. This amount is determined annually by the IRS. Only participants who have an active HCRA as of December 31st are eligible for this rollover. Any funds beyond the rollover amount are forfeited after the claim filing deadline. This is why it’s so important to consider your anticipated expenses for the coming year before selecting a contribution amount for each account.
If you have a larger amount in your DCAP account than you expected as the end of the plan year approaches, you can take advantage of the grace period. The DCAP offers a grace period at the beginning of the following year where funds from the previous year can still be used. Don’t forget to submit all your reimbursement claims by the filing deadline as any funds left over after this period will be forfeited. Be sure to calculate your contributions carefully.
And that’s the basics. If you have any questions or need more information, just visit Costcobenefits.com. Thanks for watching, and remember, we’re in this together.
Frequently asked questions about reimbursement accounts
How does a reimbursement account work?
When you enroll in an HCRA or DCAP, you choose how much to contribute by thinking about how much you’ll need to cover your expenses. If you have a reimbursement account for 2024, you should also consider the amount you may roll over from 2024 to 2025.The money is automatically taken out of your paycheck and deposited into your reimbursement account before payroll taxes are calculated.You can fund these accounts up to the annual limit set by the IRS.
When do I enroll in an HCRA and DCAP?
HCRA
If you want toenrollor re-enroll in an HCRA for 2025, you must make your elections during Annual Enrollment, November 1 – 26. If you enrolled in a HCRA for 2024, youneed to re-enroll for 2025 to participate.You can only enroll in an HCRA during Annual Enrollment.
DCAP
Enroll or re-enroll in a DCAP for 2025 during Annual Enrollment, November 1 – 26. You can enroll, change or stop your DCAP election at any time during the year if there is a qualifying change in your dependent care needs. If you enrolled in a DCAP for 2024, you need to re-enroll for 2025 to participate.
What expenses do reimbursement accounts cover?
HCRA
You can use your HRCA for eligible health care expenses for you, your spouse and eligible dependents. These include items that are not covered by your medical plan, such as your copays, deductibles and coinsurance, as well as other health care items and services, such as prescriptions and dental and vision expenses.
Your DCAP can be used for eligible dependent care expenses necessary for you and your spouse to work. Funds can be used to pay for childcare for your dependents age 12 and under, or to care for another family member incapable of self-care such as a spouse, a child age 13+ or a parent. Expense examples include day care, after-school care and in-home care.
Note: The DCAP cannot be used for dependent care health care expenses.
How do I pay for items and services with my reimbursement accounts?
HCRA
You have a few different ways to access your HCRA. The default reimbursement method for the HCRA is autopay. This feature automatically pays your portion of medical and dental claims, such as copays, directly from your account. If you plan to use your funds for something specific, such as braces, you can turn off autopay at the start of the year on the Inspira website or app. You’ll also receive the Inspira Card® — the HCRA debit card — to use for eligible expenses at the Costco Optical Department, Costco Hearing Aid Center or anypharmacy.If needed, you can pay upfront for an eligible item or service and submit a claim for reimbursement.
DCAP
To use your DCAP, youneed to pay upfront for your eligible dependent care or service, then submita receipt and a claim form to get reimbursed from your account. You can submit claims on the website or app.
How much can I contribute to my reimbursement accounts?
HCRA
You can contribute $120-$3,300 per year to your HCRA account. This funding limit is set each year by the IRS. You can access the full amount of your annual HCRA election on January 1, 2025.
DCAP
You can contribute up to $5,000 per year to your DCAP account, or $2,500 if married and filing separately. Access is limited to the current money in your account. You can get reimbursed up to the amount of your year-to-date contributions, not the entire annual amount selected.
What happens if I havefunds left over at the end of the year?
HCRA
Only a small portion of your HCRA balance can roll over to the next plan year. If you are enrolled in an HCRA for 2024, your rollover amount to use in 2025 is $640. This amount is determined each year by the IRS.You forfeit any balance over the rollover limit that remains in your account after the claim filing deadline of April 30, 2025.
DCAP
The DCAP offers a grace period, where funds from the previous year can still be accessed. You can use the funds you contributed to the DCAP for 2024 for any eligible services through March 15, 2025.Claims can be submitted until April 30, 2025. Any funds remaining after the deadline will be forfeited.
Visit the Enrollment Website on Costcobenefits.com to make your reimbursement account elections during Annual Enrollment. For more information, see the resources below.
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.
Virtual physical therapy through Omada for Joint & Muscle Healthcan 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 shortvideo 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.
Physical well-being 
Emotional well-being 
Financial well-being 
