Tag: physical-well-being

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DECEMBER 2024

Tips to stay healthy over the holidays

Gathering with friends and family is a big part of the holiday season. But so are colds, the flu and other respiratory viruses, which spread more commonly over the fall and winter.  

Luckily, there are actions you can take to help you and your family stay healthy. And if you or a family member does get sick, turn to your Costco benefits right away to get the care you need.

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Cold or flu or ?

From sneezing to aches and fever, cold weather sniffles can be hard to diagnose yourself. But the earlier you determine if you have a common cold, the flu or COVID-19, the faster you can treat it and start feeling better. Use the 98point6® app (or log in to TeleconsultaMD in Puerto Rico) to talk to a provider in minutes. The doctor can assess your situation, write prescriptions, order lab work and more, with no appointment — or leaving home — necessary. And with 98point6, there is no copay. 

If follow up is required, be sure to make an appointment with your primary care physician (PCP). If you don’t have one, go to Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness to start your care.

quotes

98point6 made everything easy — from downloading the app to texting the doctor and getting my prescription called in.

A Costco employee 

In the meantime, follow this action plan from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay healthy. 

7 ways to fight off winter illnesses

Get your flu shot.

It’s your best protection against getting the flu virus and can limit the severity of your symptoms if you do get sick.

Stay home.

Keeping away from others when sick limits the spread and avoids exposing you to more germs.

Cover coughs and sneezes.

Use a tissue or sneeze and cough into your elbow to help stop the spread of germs. Teach your kids to do this, too. 

Stay away from others who are sick.  

The closer you are to a sick person, the more likely the droplets and particles that can make you sick will affect you.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

80% of germs are transfered by touch. Germs can spread to the hands by sneezing, coughing and rubbing the eyes.

Wash your hands. 

Soap removes most germs. If not available, hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can work.

Open a window. 

Viral particles in the air spread more easily indoors than outdoors. An open window or air purifier can reduce the amount of virus you’re exposed to.

Source:
CDC. Take steps to help you stay healthy during the holidays.

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Video: 2025 Annual Enrollment

VIDEO: 2025 ANNUAL ENROLLMENT

NOVEMBER 2024

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.

You can also check out these short videos on reimbursement accounts and the 2025 benefits changes.

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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.

  1. Read the 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.
  2. Complete the 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.
  3. Review your 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.  
  4. Enroll or re-enroll in one or both reimbursement accounts*, the Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) or Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP), if you want to participate in 2025. 
  5. Designate a beneficiary for both life and AD&D insurance on the Enrollment Website and for your retirement plan at RPS.TRowePrice.com.

*Not available in Puerto Rico.

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Video: 2025 Benefits changes

VIDEO: 2025 BENEFITS CHANGES

NOVEMBER 2024

The hot list: Benefits changes for 2025

Want to know what’s coming in 2025? Watch this new video so you can learn about the new and enhanced benefits arriving soon.

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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 
  • Available for you and each dependent enrolled in Aetna Medical and Dental® plans  

Maternity incentive*

  • 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 Maternity Program 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

No-cost visits to 98point6®** 

  • Text-based visits to board certified doctors for a $0 copay
  • Available to you and your dependents age 1+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan  
  • Get visit-ready by registering at 98point6.com/Costco or on the 98point6 app 

FitMyFoot 

  • All employees and their family members can get custom foot insoles for $80 per pair to help with foot, knee or back pain
    • Download the FitMyFoot app to scan your feet 
    • Then visit FitMyFoot.com/CostcoEmployee to place your order
    • 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 therapy sessions 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

WeightWatchers

  • Your monthly rates are now even lower! $9 for you and $14.50 for your spouse or domestic partner and dependents 18+ 
  • Visit WW.com/Costco or call 866-204-2885 to learn more 

LifeMart

  • Discounts on gym memberships, virtual fitness and childcare** programs 
  • Click here to access your employee savings 

Sleepio

  • A no-cost, online sleep improvement program
  • Clinically proven to help you clear your mind, get better sleep and have better days in just 6 weeks
  • Available to you and your dependents 18+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan
  • To get started:
    • Visit Sleepio.bighealth.com/Costco and complete the coverage check
    • Click the link in the confirmation email you receive to download the Sleepio app and create your account
    • Complete the baseline sleep quiz and start seeing the benefits of Sleepio

Cylinder** Available now!

  • Expert help and support for gut health and digestive issues, no diagnosis needed
  • Available at no cost for you and your dependents 18+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan 
  • Get started at Go.CylinderHealth.com/Costco (access code: Costco) or call 888‑246‑5019

Dependent basic life insurance

  • Your dependents enrolled in a Costco medical plan automatically receive basic life insurance with Unum at no cost to you.
  • Coverage increases from $1,500 to $3,000 for each enrolled dependent

New programs and services are available January 1, 2025. Visit Costcobenefits.com to learn more.

*Available to the Mainland only.
**Not available in Puerto Rico.

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NOVEMBER 2024

How your body reacts when you quit tobacco or nicotine

Kicking the habit isn’t easy. But if you’re able to quit smoking or vaping, you may notice some small improvements right away. Maybe you’re less out of breath during everyday activities or your sense of smell is better. There are also changes going on that you can’t see — from the moment you take your last puff.  

If you’re a current user of tobacco or nicotine, maybe now is the time to decide if you’re ready to start your smoke-free life. You can join thousands of smokers across the country in taking the first step during the Great American Smokeout® on November 21. You can also enroll in the Costco Tobacco & Nicotine Cessation Program to get coaching and support to help you on your journey.

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A timeline of your body’s recovery 

Check out the infographic below to learn how your body recovers from tobacco over time. Many of these changes apply to quitting nicotine too1.

1Hawai‘i Public Health Institute. 12 Things That Happen to Your Body When You Stop Vaping

Sources:
American Cancer Society. Health benefits of quitting smoking over time.
WebMD. What happens to your body when you quit smoking.

Ready to quit? Check out the resource below for help. 

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OCTOBER 2024

The top 10 reasons to get regular dental and vision exams

Did you know that getting regular dental cleanings can reduce your chances of ending up in the hospital by up to 28%?

That’s a great reason to schedule your annual dental appointment (and eye exam) before the year is over. If you need more motivation, check out the “top ten” list below. While some of the reasons may be familiar to you, others may be surprising — and may motivate you to get these exams on your calendar every year. 

If you haven’t gotten your two yearly dental cleanings or haven’t had your eyes checked this year, there’s still time to schedule your annual visits. Dental exams and cleanings are covered at 100% when you’re enrolled in a Costco dental plan and see an in-network dental provider. Your Costco benefits also offer an allowance toward your annual eye exam and $175 per year toward the cost of prescribed eyewear (this amount can be spread out over the whole calendar year and doesn’t need to be used all at once).

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10 reasons to get your yearly exams

Dental

Prevents tooth decay

At your teeth cleaning, your dental hygienist removes the plaque and tartar deposits that are too hard to get to during regular brushing. Left unchecked, these can cause cavities, tooth loss, gum disease and other issues.

Catches dental concerns early

Annual visits allow your dentist to catch cavities and other concerns early, when they’re easier and less costly to treat. For example, a simple filling today could require a surgical extraction and expensive implant if left untreated.

Improves cancer outcomes

Recent research shows that people diagnosed with throat, nasal cavity, and other head and neck cancers have a 30% higher survival rate 10 years after their diagnosis if they visited their dentist regularly.1 

Lowers risk of early delivery during pregnancy 

Pregnant women who have good oral hygiene and routinely visit their dentist are less likely to experience premature delivery, a baby with low birth weight and preeclampsia.2

Impacts heart health

Poor oral health can increase the risk of heart disease, such as heart attack or stroke. Research suggests that bacteria present in gum disease can travel through the bloodstream to trigger inflammation and infection in the heart.

Vision

Improves eyesight 

A comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist is the best way to determine if you need corrective lenses and check whether your current prescription has changed. These exams can also identify common conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness). 

Detects eye diseases

Many diseases of the eyes don’t have symptoms but can lead to vision loss if untreated. Your eye doctor can identify early warning signs and help treat conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. 

Identifies other health concerns 

Issues spotted in the eye are often the first signs of medical conditions throughout the body. Some of these conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

Makes learning easier for kids

Good vision is helpful to the learning process. An eye exam can detect any concern that may be getting in the way of your child’s school performance. 

Keeps you safer 

Whether you’re driving a car, operating a forklift or using other machinery, you need to see what you’re doing. Being able to see clearly helps keep you and others out of harm’s way.  

Feeling more motivated? Schedule your exams today. And if you use tobacco or nicotine, read on. 

Quitting nicotine is good for your teeth and eyes, too

If you smoke or vape, you are at a higher risk for gum disease and tooth loss. The risk of developing dry eye syndrome and cataracts also goes up. Try the Costco Tobacco & Nicotine Cessation Program for support to help you quit nicotine products for good. To get started, log in to Costcobenefits.com then click this link. 

Check out the resources below to keep your teeth and eyes healthy. 

1Health. Regular dental visits linked to increased survival rates for head, neck cancer patients.
2NIH National Library of Medicine. Oral care in pregnancy.

Sources:
Penn Medicine. The link between gum disease and heart disease.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. 20 surprising health problems an eye exam can catch.
Oral Health Foundation. Smoking and oral health.
Tompkins Dental. How vaping affects your teeth.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. How do smoking and vaping damage the eyes?

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SEPTEMBER 2024

It’s time for Safety Week,
beginning September 9

Things can happen at a Costco warehouse. Fruit spills on the floor, creating a slipping hazard. A loose load drops off a forklift. Cars back up within inches of an employee collecting carts in the parking lot. Cardboard cuts split open a finger.  

Luckily, many of these hazards can be avoided if you know how to reduce workplace risks. That’s exactly what Safety Week is about. Hosted by the Costco Safety Department, Safety Week is a time to become familiar with safety practices at Costco to prevent injury, illness and the stress that goes along with them. You’ll also receive tips and information from Employee Benefits to safely navigate the world outside of work.

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During Safety Week, you’ll learn how to:

  • Prevent slips, trips, falls and near misses 
  • Prepare for emergencies 
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times 
  • Reduce stress and improve your emotional wellness 
  • Achieve food and fire safety 
  • Get your free annual flu shot

Join in for safety activities, tips and giveaways from some of our Costco benefits partners. And remember, safety is everyone’s job.

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AUGUST 2024

The superpowers of ADHD

NOTE: With more than 14,000 Costco employees or their family members diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), many of us are familiar with the struggles of ADHD. Being easily distracted, forgetful or fidgety are just a few. The condition can be challenging for kids, teens and adults, and may look different for everyone. But did you know that ADHD often comes with superpowers?

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ADHD is not the same for everyone

ADHD is a variety of symptoms that can be grouped into two main types:

ADHD in males

Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females, often because the combined type symptoms are more visible at school, at home or at work.

ADHD in females

Women may go undiagnosed for decades as their symptoms may be less noticeable. Girls with ADHD are often good at masking or flying under the radar by hiding their condition.

ADHD superpowers

In a recent employee podcast, Costco Director of Employee Benefits Celeste Parker spoke about her family’s challenges with ADHD and anxiety, as well as the “superpowers” she sees in her son, who was diagnosed with ADHD.

Here are some of the many strengths and talents that can be found in those with ADHD: 

  • Lots of energy: Enthusiasm for life can bring drive, motivation and lots of activities to enjoy. This extra energy can also help kids with ADHD excel at sports, which can be a source of pride for them.
  • Strong problem-solving skills: Most kids with ADHD are very good at thinking on their feet. 
  • Creative thinking: Thinking outside the box means different ideas and perspectives that can lead to innovative solutions.  
  • Ability to zone in and focus: Hyperfocus is a state of intense concentration, which can be very helpful when a big project is due the next day, or if there’s a topic your child wants to learn more about.  
  • Multi-tasking and flexibility: The ADHD brain can jump quickly from one topic to another, allowing for adaptability and the ability to thrive in chaos.  

How to help develop your child’s superpowers

The challenging behaviors naturally get a lot of attention. Some of the qualities that come along with neurodiversity have a positive side, too — including instincts and skills that can be nurtured to help your child grow steady, confident and strong. You can help your child identify and focus on their strengths and build their self-esteem.

Positive reinforcement

Acknowledging when your child does something right can be a powerful motivator. Tell your child when they’ve done something they should be proud of.

Structured environment

Kids with ADHD don’t always love routines, but they thrive when routines are in place. Schedules that your child can see and follow, or a distraction-free homework area can help them feel in control.

Open communication

Allow your child to express their thoughts and feelings so you can work on challenges together.

Advocate for your child

RethinkCare can help you talk to your child’s teacher and support you through the process of setting up an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 when needed. Section 504 is the federal requirement for public schools to provide a free and appropriate education. Click here to register for your free account, available to all employees with children of any age.

Therapy

Learning to control impulses and emotions can improve life at school and at home. Telemynd* offers therapy for kids age 5+ with flexible scheduling and the ability to complete the first session in less than a week. This program is available to those enrolled in the Aetna® medical plan. 

Medication

Your child’s therapist can help you decide if medication is appropriate for your child. Sometimes it’s a short-term fix that helps a child build long-term habits, while others may need it longer.

Wondering if you or your child has ADHD?

We all experience some of these symptoms from time to time. But if they’re affecting your daily life, support is available. Your Costco benefits can help you and your child flourish. This includes coping strategies, therapy and medication if needed. 
 
Call Resources for Living at 833-721-2320 (TTY: 711) or visit RFL.com/Costco to access six free counseling sessions per issue yearly, for you, each of your household members regardless of age, and each of your dependent children up to age 26 who may live away from home. 

You can also visit Telemynd.com/Costco to get started with virtual therapy or psychiatric treatment for kids age 5+, teens and adults. 

*Available on the mainland only.

Sources:
Mayo Clinic. Adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) – Symptoms and causes
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

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JULY 2024

How to get help for substance use concerns

If you’re struggling with alcohol, drugs or opioids, or you love someone who is, you may feel hopeless, worried or guilty. You’re not alone — 7,500 Costco employees battled substance use concerns last year. The truth is, these problems are common, treatable health conditions. Your Costco benefits are here to help, without judgment, whenever you are ready.

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A complex disease

Some people don’t understand why or how other people become addicted to alcohol, drugs or prescription medicines. They may mistakenly think that those who use substances lack moral principles or willpower and that they could stop by simply choosing not to.  

In reality, substance use disorder is a complex, long-term disease, like asthma or diabetes. Drugs and alcohol change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.  

A devastating impact 

Substance misuse has enormous costs to those who are struggling and to those that care about them. It can break up families and destroy relationships. The impact to physical health is substantial. For just one example, it can increase risks of disease, such as heart disease, cancer or stroke. It can also seriously affect your finances.  

Not only does addiction require a steady supply of drugs or alcohol, but those who are struggling may have difficulty keeping a steady income, drain their savings or retirement accounts to fund their habit, and rack up legal fees or court costs if sustaining their addiction leads to unlawful behavior.

Treatment is available

While an estimated 54.6 million Americans battled a substance use disorder in 2022, only 26% got treatment.1 One barrier to getting help is worry over the cost of care.

That’s why it’s important to know that substance use disorder is a medical condition. Treatment is covered when you use in-network providers, like any other medically necessary treatment. The same deductibles, copays and coinsurance apply.

Ready to get help?

Your medical plan provider, be it Aetna®, Triple-S or HMSA, is committed to giving you and your family the best possible care advice. For employees with an Aetna medical plan, the Live Healthy Team* can help link those battling substance misuse and their families with counseling, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and support groups, and help come up with care plan goals. 

Treatment is highly individualized. One person may need different types of treatment at different times. Your doctor and care team will help guide you on your path to recovery and support your progress along the way.  

Most treatments involve detoxification, during which you stop taking the substance and allow it to leave your body. You can go through detoxification in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Your doctor may recommend therapy to treat any co-occurring mental health conditions and to teach healthy coping techniques. Medication may also be part of your treatment plan to relieve craving and withdrawal systems.

Resources for Living (RFL) provides counseling to help people with substance use concerns learn healthier thought patterns and behaviors. Employees can also use RFL’s Mind Companion Self-care as a self-guided recovery tool.  

Substance use in teens

Peer pressure and glamourization of alcohol and drug use in mass media can affect teens’ substance use decisions. In fact, a recent survey showed that teens are more likely to drink alcohol or use marijuana if the people they follow posted about it on Instagram or Snapchat.2  

That’s all the more reason to talk to you kids about substance misuse. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and use these tips to be real with your kids.

  • Normalize the conversation based on their age and give them a safe space to ask questions.
  • Don’t be afraid to set ground rules and expectations together.
  • Accept their responses — even those you didn’t expect to hear — and resist the urge to lecture.

When kids test the substance use waters — or dive right into the deep end — it’s often the result of an underlying mental health condition. Teens with ADHD, anxiety and depression may use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate, even though that may worsen their symptoms. Telemynd* can help you and your child discover and address their mental health conditions through therapy, coaching and further evaluation, available for kids and teens up to age 18. 

If you’re concerned about substance use concerns, for yourself or a loved one, talk to your doctor. And look to the resources below for help and support.

*Available on the mainland only. 

1American Addiction Centers. Alcohol and drug abuse statistics.
2Florida International University. Teens are more likely to use alcohol and marijuana if they see themselves post about it on social media.

Sources:
Aetna. If you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol, Aetna can help.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. Understanding drug use and addiction.
Cleveland Clinic. Substance use disorder.