Support for growing your family — and ways to save
Looking to grow your family? The journey can involve a lot of decision-making and preparation. Put exploring your benefits at the top of your list. You have many no-cost or low-cost resources to support you along the way. This includes tools for a healthy pregnancy, support for infertility, help planning for maternity leave and more.
Plus, there are ways to save, like incentives that go towards your deductible and coinsurance — just for doing things that help keep you and your baby healthy. You can also get childcare discounts through LifeMart.
Mainland employees can earn up to $400 in credit towards your deductible and coinsurance if you enroll in and engage with the Aetna Maternity program. A specialized team of nurses can also walk you through what to expect before and after delivery, get answers to your questions and more, including:
Mental health support throughout your journey
Guidance to reduce pregnancy risks and prevent early labor
Breastfeeding support and accessing your free breast pump
Information about newborn care
Education on vaccines for parents and children
Information and support for dads or partners
Learn more at Costcobenefits.com> Health & Wellness > Health Benefits > Aetna Maternity Program. To sign up for the program or reach a fertility advocate, visit Aetna.com/Maternity or call 855-282-6344(TTY: 711).
Note: Costco medical plans do not cover charges related to a dependent child’s pregnancy, including labor and delivery, except services that qualify as preventive services under the Affordable Care Act.
Benefits for infertility and adoption
You also have access to infertility support. Get paired with an Aetna® Fertility Advocate. These specially trained nurses can answer your questions and help you understand your benefits. They can also help with the prior authorization process. Your infertility benefits include:
Support from a fertility advocate if you qualify for infertility treatment
Services needed to diagnose the medical cause of infertility
Up to six medicated cycles of comprehensive infertility service
If warranted, up to three cycles of advanced reproductive technology (ART), including in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and elective single embryo transfer (eSET)
Drugs to treat infertility, up to $25,000 per lifetime
If you decide to adopt a child, your benefits can help make that dream come true. Adoption assistance is available to you after one year of employment. You can be reimbursed for up to $5,000 of eligible expenses (limited to two adoptions).
Bringing a healthy baby into the world starts with taking care of you. Your Costco medical plan fully covers routine prenatal visits when you use providers that are in-network. Some recommended steps are:
Schedule your first prenatal visit as soon as you know (or think) you may be pregnant.
Call the Live Healthy Team at 800-814-3543 (option 2) if you’d like help finding a provider or scheduling your appointment.
Enroll in the Aetna Maternity Program in your first trimester to get an enrollment credit of $200.
Choose a pediatrician. About three months before giving birth or adopting your child you’ll want to start your search. This helps you avoid delays in case the doctor has a busy schedule.
Look for reviews online or ask friends and family for recommendations.
Find childcare. Finding the right care can take longer than you’d expect. For help, call Resources for Living (RFL) at 833-721-2320. Find discounts on childcare with Lifemart.
Get a breast pump. If you plan to breastfeed, about two months before giving birth you can talk with an Aetna Maternity Program nurse to order a breast pump, covered at 100%.
Plan for maternity or bonding leave so you have time to rest, recover and connect with your baby or adopted child.
Unum can help guide you through state-specific requirements around maternity leave.
They’ll also assist with paid bonding leave benefits.
Enroll your newborn or adopted child into your health plan within 60 days of their birth or adoption. They’re not automatically added, so don’t delay — even if you’re still waiting for a Social Security number or state-certified birth certificate.
Finding balance after a new baby
Taking care of yourself after delivery is a big part of your physical and emotional recovery. Be sure to keep all your postpartum checkups. They’re important to monitor your overall health and address any complications.
Staying on top of your mental health is important for you — and for baby, too. AbleTo can help new parents, including those struggling to find work-life balance, recognize and manage the depression, anxiety, and stress that frequently follow the birth of a child. This may include preterm birth (NICU) or infants with special needs.
Parenthood is both rewarding and demanding. For even more benefits and resources that support a growing family, check out the Women’s Health Guide for mainland employees, available now. Stay tuned for the Men’s Health Guide, coming in June.
Dealing with money and finances can be overwhelming. But small changes, wise choices, and a little guidance and support can help you reach your financial goals.
“I can’t afford a house, so I might as well treat myself to a fun weekend.” That might seem like a good idea in the moment. But here’s the truth: small, intentional spending decisions can add up more quickly than you think, and help you reach big goals.
Reduced spending can also reduce waste in landfills. Ordering out for dinner means higher meal costs plus plastic bags, boxes and other disposable materials. Meal planning for the week on a free day helps you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Write down your financial goals
What are your financial goals? What’s important to you? SmartDollar, your no-cost confidential online personal finance program, is designed to help you reach your goals.
SmartDollar’s step-by-step plan helps you take small steps to pay off debt and save more using the online budgeting tool. It keeps you motivated with video lessons from personal finance experts and gives tips to:
Pay off debt faster
Set up an emergency fund
Save for college
Buy a car
Save for a down payment on a house
Free one-on-one financial coaching is also included. To sign up and get started, visit SmartDollar.com/enroll/costco or text Costco to 33789* to download the app.
If you want to grow your financial knowledge, additional financial resources are available through Resources for Living. Get a free 30-minute consultation per concern with a financial specialist. They can help with things like budgeting, credit repair and reports, mortgages and refinancing, debt management and tax questions. Visit RFL.com/Costco to request a free financial consultation.
Be smart about big purchases
Do your research before buying a house or car. Take the time to compare prices and learn about the market in your area. Consider things like rates and resale value to make an informed decision and get the best value for your money. Consider checking out the Costco Auto Program.
Watch these SmartDollar videos for additional ways to save:
Your Costco benefits can help you make the most of your money.
Save on monthly expenses — New for 2025, you have access to LifeMart for employee discounts on gym memberships, virtual fitness and childcare.**
Contribute to your 401(k) —Costco offers matching and annual contributions to your retirement plan with T. Rowe Price.To check your 40l(k) account balance, set up automatic payroll deductions, adjust your investment mix and much more, go to RPS.TRowePrice.com.
Purchase company stock — The Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) lets you buy Costco stock through payroll deductions. You choose the amount you’d like to invest per pay period. To learn more, visit Costcobenefits.com > Financial Wellbeing > Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
Save on taxes — Use reimbursement accounts for eligible expenses.
A Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) lets you set aside pretax dollars to pay eligible medical expenses. You can use it for things like copays, deductibles and coinsurance, dental and vision expenses, plus prescriptions and over-the-counter items. Sign up for an HRCA during Annual Enrollment. To learn more, visit Costcobenefits.com > Financial Wellbeing > Health Care Reimbursement Account.
A Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) lets you set aside pretax dollars to pay for qualified child and elder care expenses needed for you and your spouse to work. You can use it for expenses like day care, before- and after-school care, nursery and pre-school, and in-home aids. Keep in mind that the DCAP isn’tfor dependent health care expenses. You can sign up, change or stop your DCAP based on your dependent care needs. To learn more, visit Costcobenefits.com > Financial Wellbeing > Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
NOTE: If you were enrolled in a reimbursement account in 2024, remember that your claim filing deadline is April 30. Any unused funds are forfeited after this date. Only your HCRA rollover amount of up to $640 can be carried over from 2024 to use in 2025.
*Message and data rates may apply.
**Childcare discounts are not available in Puerto Rico.
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.
It’s a fact that the health of your teeth and gums has an impact on the rest of you. This makes your regular dental exams and cleanings especially important.
Regular dental cleanings:
Prevent tooth decay and gum disease
Catch dental concerns early when treatment is easier and less costly
Since medical issues can show their first signs in the mouth, preventive dental care can have an even bigger impact on your health. Regular dental cleanings can help spot:
Infections, injuries and some cancers
Immune disorders and osteoporosis
Eating disorders and malnutrition
Dental care can also:
Cut your risk of heart disease
Lower your risk of a stroke
Help control your blood sugar
Help lower your risk of rheumatoid arthritis
Reduce your risk of early delivery during pregnancy
Find a dentist and schedule a cleaning
If it’s been more than six months since your last dental cleaning, schedule your next dental visit today. Don’t have a dentist? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under Health & Wellness > Dental to find an in-network dentist.
Your Costco benefits make it easy to keep your smile (and body) healthy, providing two free cleanings and exams each year when you use an in-network dentist.
NEW Dental incentive with Aetna Dental
Dental incentive: For mainland employees enrolled in the Aetna medical and dental plan, now there are even more benefits for getting your regular dental cleanings.
Earn a $50 credit toward your annual medical deductible or coinsurance when you and your dependents get at least one annual dental cleaning. You and each of your enrolled dependents are eligible to earn the credit.
Maternity health programs
Get help and support on your pregnancy journey
Whether you’re expecting or just starting to plan a family, get to know the programs available for help and support.
Mainland
NEWMaternity incentive: Earn up to a $400 credit toward your annual medical deductible or coinsurance when you or your spouse/domestic partner enroll and engage in the Aetna Maternity Program during and after your pregnancy. There is no cost for this program.
The Aetna Maternity Program lets you talk with specialty trained nurses about things such as prenatal care, newborn care and much more. You’ll also get:
Extra support for a high-risk pregnancy
Help to quit tobacco
Information on your plan’s lactation support and breast pump benefits
If you’re enrolled in the Triple-S medical plan, you have free access to SSS Contigo Mamá, an educational program that supports pregnant moms throughout pregnancy and up to six months postpartum.
The program offers:
Virtual workshops on prenatal care, childbirth and breastfeeding
If you’re enrolled in the HMSA medical plan, you have free access to the HMSA Pregnancy and Postpartum SupportProgram. To help you have a healthy pregnancy, this program pairs you with your own maternity nurse who’ll provide personalized education and counseling over the phone.
You’ll receive:
Support from a maternity nurse as a complement to the care you receive from your ob/gyn
Referrals to trustworthy resources and services
Help with your doctor’s instructions and answers to questions about care
Additional postpartum support during the first six months after delivery
Costco medical plans do not cover charges related to a dependent child’s pregnancy, including labor and delivery, except services that qualify as preventive services under the Affordable Care Act.
Do you want to create a budget, but think it’s just too complicated? How about if you could create one in just three steps? Simplify your monthly budgeting with the EveryDollar budget app from SmartDollar® — Costco employees can access the premium version for no cost.
With EveryDollar premium, you’ll get the help you need to:
Avoid overspending with Paycheck Planning
See a complete picture of your financial plan with the Financial Roadmap
Connect your bank and import transactions automatically
Learn from the pros with unlimited free group coaching
Watch the short video below and create an account at SmartDollar.com/enroll/Costco to download your free EveryDollar app.
Hey guys. Welcome to EveryDollar. My name is Rachel Cruze, and I am a Ramsey personality and I’ve been teaching people how to budget for years. To be honest, I used to hate it. Yes, seriously. But I knew it was important and now it’s like second nature. So, listen, no matter how you feel about budgeting right now, don’t worry. We’re going to walk through this together.
Before we start, open up your online bank account or grab your bank statements. This will help you figure out all the numbers you need to fill in as we go. And open up EveryDollar on your phone or computer (you can pause this video until you get all that ready). Okay, let’s dive in and set up your first budget in three steps.
Budget step one. “Enter your income.” Income is any money you plan to get during that month.
That means your normal paychecks and any extra money you have coming in through a side hustle, garage sales, freelance work or anything like that.
Here’s how to enter your income in EveryDollar. First, click “Add income.” Then second, label the income. So you can call this “Paycheck 1,” or use your employer’s name, whatever works for you. Third, click the planned amount and add how much that check will be if you’ve got an irregular income. Then, just put the lowest estimate of what you normally would make in the spots so you can adjust it later, if you need to. But for right now, just do that. Finally, repeat this process for any other money you have coming in and for your spouse, if you’re married. And that’s it. Nice work, you guys.
All right, let’s move on to the next step — budget step two, “List your expenses.” Now that you’ve planned for the money coming in, you can plan for the money going out.
So it’s time to list your expenses. The first budget category you’ll see is “Giving.” So we always recommend — no matter where you are financially — to give at least 10% of your income. Next, start covering your four walls. So, this is going to be food, utilities, shelter and transportation. When you look in EveryDollar, you’ll see these three budget categories. You’ll see “Housing,” “Transportation” and “Food.” Then under each of those, you can add budget line items by clicking “Add item” and naming the line. So, for example, under “Housing,” you can type “rent” or “mortgage” as a new budget line. Then type how much you’re going to pay each month for that planned amount. Then, you can look at your utility bills.
So, this is a great time to go back to your bank account or your statements and go down and you can add them one by one, things like electricity and water. Then under the food category, you’re going to see “Add item” so you can type “Groceries.” Now this category changes a lot, so just make a good estimate of what you think you’re going to need for the month ahead. And you keep going until you’ve covered your four walls.
Next, list other monthly expenses. So, we’re talking about clothing, insurance, debt, savings, entertainment, personal spending — all of that. So, in EveryDollar, you’re going to see these categories again. Under each of those, you can make budget line items for what you need.
Okay, it’s time for the last step.
Budget step three is “Subtract expenses from income.”
And guess what, you guys — EveryDollar does this step for you as you go. Oh yeah, it’s amazing. If you’ve got money left, [after] you’ve subtracted all your expenses, don’t just leave it there. You’ll end up just spending that amount of money on coffees or those one-click deals that you see. So, trust me, anything extra you have, let it go towards your money goals, like saving or paying off debts.
But what if you end up with a negative number? Yeah, not good, but that’s okay. So, what you have to do is cut your expenses until your income minus your expenses equals zero. I’ll give you a little hint. I would start with the restaurant or entertainment categories. Yeah, I know it kind of hurts. Pizza is my love language, but listen, you can cut some of that out to make sure that your budget equals zero. So, once you hit zero, then these words will pop up at the top of your screen, “It’s an EveryDollar budget.”
Oh, and when you see this, just celebrate. If I was with you, I’d give you a high five. But I’m not. That’s okay because honestly, this is a huge deal. You just set up your first budget. Now, it is important to track all of your expenses all month long and to make a new budget every single month. But we can talk about that later. Right now, I just want to congratulate you for setting up your first EveryDollar budget. This is the foundation of personal finance and such an important habit to get you big results with your money.
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!
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.
A beautiful smile is priceless. But the money you spend to keep smiles beautiful can add up when you or a family member needs braces. The average cost of traditional metal braces is in the $5,000 – $6,000 range.1 Adults and some teens may be able to use clear aligners, plastic trays that snap onto teeth and gently push them into alignment. Since they’re nearly invisible, aligners are less obvious than metal braces but also can be expensive, from $2,000 – $5,000 on average.
And then there’s the emotional cost, especially for kids and teens. The fear of looking different can be stressful for young people and may lead some of them to resist treatment.
Your Costco benefits can help. Read on to learn about the resources available to help bring a new smile to your (or your kid’s) face.
Wearing braces can be tough on kids and teens. They may be bullied or teased about their appearance or avoid social situations because they’re self-conscious about the way they look. Fortunately, the boost in self-esteem and confidence they feel when they see their new smile emerging can often overtake any negative feelings.
If your child could use someone to talk to, Resource for Living offers emotional well-being support to parents and children. Teens age 13+ can also access Talkspace for video chat or text therapy.
Three ways to budget for braces
Check out these benefit programs to help finance orthodontia treatment.
Use your dental plan benefits
Orthodontia benefits through your Costco dental plan help make braces more affordable. You and each of your enrolled family members can access orthodontic services up to the lifetime maximum benefit of your dental plan. Visit Costcobenefits.com to find your plan’s orthodontia benefit information.
Plan ahead with a reimbursement account
You can use a Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA)* from Inspira FinancialTM to set aside pre-tax dollars for orthodontia or other eligible health care expenses. You can enroll in an HCRA during Annual Enrollment, coming in November. Only a small portion of your HCRA balance can roll over to the next plan year, so you’ll want to think about when you plan to use your HCRA funds.
Improve your budgeting skills
SmartDollar, a free financial well-being program for all employees, offers tools, advice and coaching to help you save for what’s important to you. Create your free SmartDollaraccount here. Then, follow these three steps:
Step 1: Find Your Why
What’s your reason for getting braces? Are you looking to correct your kid’s overbite? Straighten crooked teeth? Or just feel more confident in your smile? Every goal needs a why—something that’ll keep you motivated. Try to keep your why front and center.
Step 2: Know Your Numbers
Making a budget is a lot easier when you know what numbers you’re working with. Look at your most recent bank statements. Note how much you’re bringing in every month and what’s going out. Prioritize these essentials: food, utilities, shelter, transportation. This gives you a clear view of what money is left over to put toward your goal.
Step 3: Write It Down
It’s super important to write down your budget. You can use pen and paper or download SmartDollar’sfree EveryDollar budgeting app. A plan, on paper and on purpose, is a great tool to set you up for success.
Need help getting started? Set up a coaching session with a financial expert at SmartDollar today.
Your new smile, or one for your kids, is within reach with the help of your Costco benefits. Use the resources below to help you make it happen.
1Consumer Affairs. Cost of braces in 2024. 2Forbes Health.How much does Invisalign cost in 2024? *Not available in Puerto Rico.
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.
