Tag: January-2026

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JANUARY 2026

Your new benefits are live — take a look

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

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Here’s what’s new for this year

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

Know before you go — ER visits cost more in 2026

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

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JANUARY 2026

Benefits employees asked to learn more about

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

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Get help for aches and pains

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

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

Improve your sleep

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

Make a will and file your taxes for free

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

Find support for life’s challenges

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

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

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JANUARY 2026

Get free tax filing, gym discounts and more

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

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Ways to get started

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

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

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

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

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