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.
Maybe you’re just starting out on your parenting journey. Or maybe you’re in the thick of it. Either way, you can probably use all the help you can get. That’s why your Costco benefits offer a variety of free or low-cost programs to support the well-being of you and your children as they grow and mature.
Whether you’re planning for your first child or adding to your family, the Aetna Maternity Program* provides expert guidance and support before, during and after pregnancy. If you’re having a hard time conceiving, the program offers help for infertility, including coverage for treatments and access to a fertility advocate.
Planning to adopt? Adoption Assistance from Costco provides up to $5,000 per child (maximum of two adoptions) to help cover adoption expenses, such as agency fees, attorney fees and transportation.
Emotional health support
It’s never too early to help your child learn the social and emotional skills they need to have a happy life. Use your benefits to educate yourself on the best way to support your kids and to access the mental health services they may need throughout their childhood.
RethinkCare provides training, tools and resources at no cost to help parents, caregivers and children of any age manage challenges at home and school. The program also provides support for children with developmental delays or disabilities and can help parents navigate special education services.
Families with children who struggle with ADHD, anxiety and other behavioral conditions can get access to therapy and psychiatry through Telemynd*, a program for employees and their dependents enrolled in an Aetna medical plan. Telemynd can support age 5+. Virtual therapy and psychiatry appointments are available with wait times under one week. Your plan copays apply. In addition, all employees can access 24/7 text-based or video therapy through Talkspace, available for teens age 13+ and adults. You can get six free sessions when you access the program through RFL.com/Costco.
Benefit choices that can save you money
Raising a child isn’t cheap. But your Costco benefits can help lower your family’s health and wellness expenses and make a big difference in your budget.
Costco medical plans
In-network providers save you money on doctor’s visits, dental procedures and more. These providers have contracted with your medical plan provider Aetna®, Triple-SorHMSAto provide services at a certain rate — usually much lower than what they would charge someone outside of the network. In-network preventive care, such as well-child checkups, recommended vaccines and dental cleanings, is covered at 100%.
Institutes of Quality*
Through your Aetna medical plan, you have access to top-rated hospitals and facilities known as Institutes of Quality (IOQ). These providers meet your needs by offering excellent care and commitment to your recovery. When you choose an IOQ for certain bariatric (weight loss), cardiac (heart) or orthopedic (bone or muscle) procedures, Costco pays 100% of the cost of the hospital or surgical facility charges. You will still pay your cost shares for your surgeon, anesthesiologist and other non-facility charges.
On-demand support
Unnecessary trips to the emergency room can be costly. If you need help finding an in-network urgent care facility on an evening or weekend, call the 24-Hour Nurse Line* at 800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) to find one near you. HMSA’s Online Care, for employees in Hawaii, and TeleConsultaMD, for employees in Puerto Rico, also provide employees and their dependents enrolled in a Costco medical plan on-demand access to care.
98point6**
Save the cost of a doctor’s visit with on-demand text-based care through 98point6. You’ll be connected to a board-certified doctor who can diagnose and treat colds, the flu, rashes, allergies and many more common conditions. No appointments, no waiting rooms and no travel necessary.
Inspira Financial**
A Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) or Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) offered by Inspira Financialis another good way to save. These accounts allow you to lower your taxes by setting aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care and dependent care expenses. Use an HCRA for things such as over-the counter medications, Band-Aids, copays and deductibles. A DCAP can help cover childcare, preschool tuition, before- and after-school care and more. Enroll in an HCRA or DCAP during Annual Enrollment in November. You can also enroll in DCAP during the year if your dependent care needs change.
Remember, as a parent, you have the most important job in the world. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Take advantage of the resources below to save money and make your life easier.
*Available on the mainland only. **Not available in Puerto Rico.
In the classic Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey falls into despair after experiencing a financial catastrophe. He feels like his only way out is to take his own life. Sadly, this isn’t something that just happens in movies. People experiencing financial hardship are 20 times more likely to attempt suicide than those who don’t experience financial hardship.1
While Clarence, the angel who rescues George, is fictional, there is real-life help for people struggling with financial stress. Your Costco benefits are always there with free coaching, free counseling and in-the-moment mental health support to help you carve out a path to financial stability.
In a recent Bankrate survey, 52% of adults said that money has a negative impact on their mental health at least occasionally. Among those impacted by money worries, almost one-third worry every single day.
A big part of those worries is debt. Life has become increasingly hard to afford, leading the average American to be over $52,000 in debt.2 Economic factors, student loans and increasing costs for housing, childcare, and even day-to-day expenses may set people up to spend more than they earn. These elements can combine to leave people fearing that they’ll never be able to pay off their debts.
Help is here
If you’re having financial challenges, you’re not alone in your struggle. There is help and hope. The best thing to do is take a two-tiered approach. Get help to address both the financial stressors and the impact these stressors have on your mental health.
Seek emotional health counseling
If you feel like you’re facing a financial crisis, working with a trained mental health clinician can help you learn ways to reduce those overwhelming thoughts. Resources For Living (RFL),your Employee Assistance Program,offers six free counseling sessions you can use to help with anxiety about your financial situation and discover coping strategies to regain hope and control.
You can also take advantage of RFL’s free financial resources, including 30-minute consultations on topics such as:
Credit and debt
Financial planning
Tax planning
And more
Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a provider, a parent or a spouse, or failed to live independently. Rather, it means that you’re able to recognize that your financial situation is putting you under stress and that you want to address it.
Seek financial coaching
A financial coach can help you strategize options or solutions going forward. Your coach will work with you to tackle your finances one step at a time. Together, you’ll create a personalized plan to improve your finances and relieve your stress.
You can get free, one-on-one financial coaching with SmartDollar®. During your video calls, your coach can help guide you on how to:
Pay off debt faster
Create a personalized money plan
Save for education expenses and retirement
Get on the same page with your partner
Feel more peace of mind
Schedule as many sessions as you’d like. And feel free to keep your camera off during your calls— your comfort and privacy matter.
A risk factor for suicide
While many people are very aware of the negative impact of financial stress, few know that financial hardship is a major risk factor for suicide. Stress over debt or difficulty in making ends meet can increase anxiety, distress and depression levels — all of which can put someone at risk for suicidal thoughts. Mental health conditions can also make it difficult to recover from financial stress. It’s a loop that can be hard to get out of.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts due to debt stress, money hardships, or any reason, seek emergency help. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or go to your nearest emergency department. Also call someone you trust – a friend, family member, coworker or clergy person.
1American Journal of Epidemiology. Financial strain and suicide attempts in a nationally representative sample of US adults. 2 Health.com.Financial stress is a leading catalyst for suicide — here’s how you can find help.
Sources: Ramsey Solutions. Average American debt. Bankrate. 7 ways to manage financial stress during trying times. Forbes. The silent strain: How debt takes a toll on mental health
Getting yourself to a place of financial peace takes patience, persistence and a lot of support. The following resources can be essential in helping you get there.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Physical well-being 
Emotional well-being 
Financial well-being 
