Thinking about therapy but worried about the cost? Taking care of your mental and emotional health doesn’t have to cost you anything. Your Costco benefits include flexible, 24/7, low- or no-cost options that provide in-the-moment mental health or crisis support or fit into a busy schedule. They can help you with relationship challenges, depression, anxiety, loss of a loved one and more.
Fact: Mainland, Puerto Rico and Hawaii employees have access to free mental health programs through Resources for Living® (RFL®), your Employee Assistance Program. Additional care options — such as ongoing or longer-term therapy or psychiatry — are available through your Costco medical plan for a low copay.
Myth #2: It’s too hard to find the right fit.
Fact: An RFL Care Partner can help you find a therapist who fits your needs. They’ll do the work to find in-network providers who are accepting new patients, then follow up in 3–5 days with options. And you can always ask for more recommendations. You get 8 free counseling sessions per person, per issue, per year. All employees, family members and their dependent children up to age 26 can use RFL.
Mainland and Hawaii employees can also use the Alma virtual mental health platform to find a therapist based on specialty, language and more. You can schedule 15-minute consultations with your recommended providers. That way, you can get a feel for whether they’re right for you. These consultations don’t count toward your free counseling sessions. They begin once you choose a provider.
Do you have children under 18 you think could use extra emotional support? Virtual care can be a good option for those who feel more comfortable opening up to someone from the comfort of their home. Mainland employees and kids can use Telemynd for virtual therapy or psychiatry. Talkiatry also offers virtual psychiatry for kids age 5+ and is available in most states. Your copay applies to both of these programs.
Myth #3: It’s too hard to find the time.
Fact: Get help that works for your schedule — or even right away. You can also get 24/7 in-the-moment mental health support from RFL.
Talkspace lets you send messages to your therapist, 24/7. A week of messaging counts as one session. If you prefer support that moves at your own pace, Mind Companion Self-care offers interactive options that include videos, exercises and more in a self-guided digital app.
Another resource that’s available 24/7 is Supportiv. Chat anonymously with peers who get what you’re going through, for as long as you like. Just search a few words at Supportiv.com/Costco to find a group of up to 5 plus a trained moderator.
Need immediate help? You can call or text 988 for yourself or someone else 24/7 to speak with someone from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Need some help to get back on track? Hear how Patsy Delgado, a registered nurse with the Live Healthy Team, connects employees with benefits and resources that make all the difference.
Grace Morales: Hello, and welcome. Today we’re joined by a very special guest. You may have even seen her at your warehouse. Meet Patsy Delgado, a live healthy team nurse dedicated to Costco employees. Welcome, Patsy. It’s a pleasure to meet you.
Patsy Delgado: Hi, Grace. Thank you so much for having me.
Grace Morales: I hear you’re frequently on the road visiting as many locations as you can in every region to answer benefits questions. Out of curiosity, where is your home base?
Patsy Delgado: So, I currently reside and work out of Texas.
Grace Morales: Oh, I hope that you’ve been staying safe with all the storms. It is a really active tornado season this year.
Patsy Delgado: I really have. I’m out of West Texas, so it’s been kind of nice.
Grace Morales: How long have you been with the live healthy team?
Patsy Delgado: So, I’ve been with the Aetna live healthy team dedicated to Costco since June of 2017, so going on eight years now.
Grace Morales: And what were you doing prior?
Patsy Delgado: Prior to that, I was an administrator and an executive director for a home health and hospice agency…
Patsy Delgado: At one warehouse, I was asked by an employee if there were any resources available for their spouse who was struggling with substance abuse…
Grace Morales: I’m picturing you walking out of the warehouse and just getting high-fived by 10 million people. If nothing else, what’s the one thing you hope Costco employees take away from this podcast?
Patsy Delgado: So, if you haven’t found the right solution for what you’re going through, don’t give up. I had an employee at a warehouse who had recently lost a sibling. He utilized a mental health resource, but he didn’t feel he received the support he needed and stopped participating in the program while he was still going through a lot of emotional distress. I was grateful that he stopped by to talk to me because I was able to provide an alternate resource for ongoing emotional support.
So as a reminder, if you utilize a resource and it doesn’t work for you, don’t give up, because there are other resources available. And the live healthy team would be happy to help you navigate through those options to help you find what works best for you.
Grace Morales: I can sense that, just in your voice, your passion and your dedication to employees. It’s really inspiring. All right. Now, Patsy, I have to warn you. This is our toughest question. What’s your favorite Costco product?
Patsy Delgado: So even though I have many, I am going to say that the all-beef hot dog and soda combo is my favorite. It’s definitely like a reward after some of my warehouse visits.
Grace Morales: Oh, I agree. Now I want a hot dog. Patsy, thank you so much for your time and for all you do for Costco employees. Thanks all for listening in. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. After all, we’re in this together. We’ll be back again next month.
What can the Live Healthy Team do for you?
The path to good health is rarely a straight line. Setbacks and slip-ups happen, whether you’re trying to eat healthier, manage a health condition, overcome alcohol or substance use concerns, or just get through a stressful life event. To help you get back on track, the Live Healthy Team is here for mainland employees enrolled in the Aetna®medical plan.
Employees in Puerto Rico and Hawaii also have access to health support. See below for some examples, including the Costco Tobacco & Nicotine Cessation Program to help employees quit tobacco and nicotine.
Find and get help when you need it
Your dedicated Live Healthy Team coach can connect you with one-on-one health support from medical professionals, resources, care and other benefits that meet your unique needs. Here are some ways they can help:
Registered nurses offer education, coordinate care — including finding in-network providers accepting new patients — and help guide you through any steps around claims.
Clinical pharmacists review, manage and provide education on your medications.
Behavioral healthclinicians help you navigate mental health resources, get treatment for alcohol or substance use concerns, and manage stressful life events.
Registered dietitians can develop meal and nutrition plans for managing chronic conditions and reaching health goals. They also show how what you eat affects how you feel physically and mentally. They can even help with fitness goals, like wanting to build more muscle. To connect with a registered dietitian, call the Live Healthy Team or complete the Registered Dietitian Form.
For employees in Puerto Rico, SSS Contigo, available through your Triple-S medical plan, goes the extra mile to take care of your health. They have a group of experts available to you, focused on your well-being. That includes:
Nurses to offer education, coordinate care — including finding in-network providers that are accepting new patients — and help guide you through any steps around claims.
Health educators to provide virtual workshops and telephone counseling on health topics.
Nutritionists to provide guidance on nutrition and weight management.
Behavioral health clinicians to navigate mental health resources, life events and stress.
Social workers to find resources in your community.
Explore Triple-S flyers in English and Spanish for more information.
For employees in Hawaii, HMSA offers benefits and programs for creating a nutrition plan, getting active, finding preventive care and managing chronic illness. Call HMSA at 800-776-4672 or explore the HMSA benefits flyer to learn more.
HMSA’s Online Care allows you to see a doctor online for physical and mental health support at any time. See an online care provider when you need help with:
For physical health:
Urgent conditions such as bronchitis or ear and sinus infections.
Common conditions such as cold or flu.
Chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or allergies.
Being completely sober or taking a break from substances is a choice people make for many reasons. And it’s becoming more common — especially for Gen Z. It may feel like most social activities revolve around using substances. And while you can still attend events where there are substances, you have other options.
Choosing to be sober doesn’t mean giving up your social life
Whether sobriety is a long-term lifestyle or you’re taking a short break, below are substance-free ways to spend time with friends and loved ones.
Meet up at places that aren’t bars — Connect at a coffee shop, explore a museum or hang out at a park.
Try something new together — Sign up for a cooking or dance class, or try a new hobby like painting or pottery.
Enjoy outdoor activities — Discover the healing power of a hike or wander around a farmers market.
Host your own gathering — Start a book club, or plan a game night, potluck dinner or movie marathon.
Focus on connections — Meaningful conversations, laughing and making memories help you build a life that doesn’t revolve around substances.
If you’re looking to expand your social circle, Resources for Living® (RFL®) Worklife can help point you to activities that are happening in your local community based on your budget, interests and schedule. Call RFL to learn more: 833-721-2320(TTY: 711).
Have social anxiety? Get help through counseling
Some people rely on substances to feel more comfortable in social situations, especially if they’re shy or don’t know many people at an event. Counseling can help you build coping skills so you can enjoy yourself — and even make new friends.
You have many options when it comes to the type of mental health support you’d like. For example, 8 free, confidential counseling sessions from RFL or anonymous peer-to-peer chat from Supportiv. Scroll down to the resources section to learn more and get started.
You can also view your Benefits Guide for a full list of options, including mental health resources.
These muffins bake up with loads of banana flavor and a creamy-custardy texture. They don’t use any flour and are filled with ingredients that are good for your gut microbiome — like yogurt, chickpeas, apples and bananas.
15 oz. can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
2 tsp. baking powder
2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
4 large eggs
1/2 medium apple, cored and cut into thin slices
Directions:
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners (or use a silicone muffin pan); coat the liners with cooking spray.
Step 2
In a blender, puree the yogurt, bananas, chickpeas, baking powder, cinnamon, vanilla, salt and eggs until smooth, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups (the cups will be full). If desired, arrange 2 apple slices on top of each muffin. Bake until set, 30 minutes.
Serving size: 1 muffin
Notes:
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy them cold or reheat for about 20 seconds in the microwave.
Nutrition
Serving size: 1 muffin | Calories: 150 | Total fat: 3 g | Sodium: 301 mg | Total carbohydrates: 33 g | Sugar: 4 g | Fiber: 8 g | Protein: 6 g
Enjoy low monthly rates fromWeightWatchers.Costco employees can join for as low as $9 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependentscan join for as low as $14.50 each per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up atWW.com/Costcoor call 866-204-2885.
It can be hard to balance work, family and looking after your health. That’s why we created the Men’s Health Guide for mainland employees. Puerto Rico and Hawaii employees can also learn more about benefits to support men’s health below. The guide can help you learn more about some of the health challenges men face and the benefits that can help. Get to know what’s available — and start taking charge of your health.
Learn more about women’s health in May’s articles. Or find the Women’s Health Guide here.
2nd.MD offers convenient, virtual access to guidance, support and expert second opinions from board-certified specialists to all employees and their family members enrolled in the Costco medical plan. This includes access to experts on common men’s health concerns such as chronic pain, knee and back surgery or prostate cancer. 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime1 , but regular checkups and communication with your medical team can help catch things early when they’re easier to treat.
FitMyFoot® — Get relief for foot, knee and back pain with custom insoles
Being on your feet all day can be tough on your knees and feet. Custom insoles from FitMyFoot may help. They’re available to Costco employees and their family members at a discounted price of $75 per pair.
For employees on the mainland enrolled in the Aetna® medical plan, Aetna may cover some of the cost. Keep in mind that your share of the discounted cost depends on your part-time or full-time status. It also depends on how much you’ve paid toward your deductible for covered services you’ve received this year.
Check your deductible balance before you order from FitMyFoot
Call your Aetna Health Concierge at 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711) for a cost estimate.
Assist America® — Feel confident if you need help when traveling
Travel is exciting, but it can also be stressful. Assist America can connect you with help for travel emergencies 24/7 when you’re 100 miles or more from home, anywhere in the world. Get help with:
Emergency medical evacuation and prescription assistance
Referrals to Western-trained, English-speaking medical providers
Legal and interpreter referrals, passport replacement and more
Be sure to call Assist America first for services. You won’t be reimbursed for those you arrange on your own. This service is available to employees enrolled in the Costco medical plan or who elect Decline Option 1 or 2.
Take part in small and anonymous group chats with others who are going through similar things. All of the conversations are facilitated by a moderator. Some topics you can talk about are:
Low self-esteem or general unhappiness with where you’re at in life
Anxiety around being a new dad
Resolving conflicts in relationships
Substance use concerns for yourself or someone else
Feeling heavy or like there’s too much weight on your shoulders
Unum — Take time to bond with your newborn or adopted child
If you’re expecting or adopting a new child, your Costco benefits include paid bonding leave for dads. This gives you time you need with your new child and support your partner while you adjust to new routines. Because every state has its own requirements, reach out to Unum for help and to learn more.
Remember when making friends was as simple as having the same favorite color? As we get older, relationships can be a bit more complicated — especially for men. Many men struggle with loneliness. And feeling lonely can make connecting and reaching out to others more difficult.1
Many people feel disconnected and alone at times in life. And loneliness can be as harmful to your health as smoking.2 One way to expand your network is with the people you’re around every day. Engaging with those you work with can build a sense of belonging and community.
Another way to connect is with Supportiv. Supportiv offers 24/7/365 peer-to-peer mental health support through small, moderated group chats. You can chat anonymously with other people who can relate to what you’re going through. Just type a few words about your struggle to connect with others who can relate.
Here’s what Costco employees are saying about
Supportiv:
“I feel better. It was nice talking to someone else about something like this without being judged.”
“Just having someone to talk to lifted my spirits.”
Make time for quality time
Balancing work and life can make it hard to nurture relationships. You can spend every day with someone, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the moment. Learn to put your phone down and be present. Here are some ways to connect and reconnect:
For friends: When was the last time you spoke to certain friends? Try to make plans and stick to them. Or catch up with friends who live far away over video chat.
For significant others: Set regular date nights or activities. They don’t have to be costly or complicated. It’s about committing your time and attention.
For children: Children who spend more quality time with their parents tend to be happier and healthier. And it can also help them feel safe turning to you if they need help.
For yourself: One way to connect with yourself is with a hobby you enjoy, like cooking or hiking — or try a new one. Another way is through therapy. Talkspace offers 24/7 access to licensed therapists over video-chat or text. Each week of chat therapy counts as one of your free sessions. You also have the option to meet with your therapist online for 30-minute televideo sessions.
Build stronger relationships with Resources for Living®
Did you know Resources for Living (RFL) has tips for healthier relationships? This includes ways to manage conversations and communication at home or in the workplace.
Check out the Men’s Health Guide for mainland employees for more benefits that support healthy relationships.
Managing stress, anxiety or depression can make it hard to share how you feel. This can be especially true for men. They may have concerns about the potential stigma around showing emotions or talking about what they’re going through.1 Or they may feel pressure to figure it out on their own or not bother others.
Did you know?
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for adults ages 25–34.2
In 2022, men died by suicide nearly 4 times more than women.3
Men also experience different symptoms than women — for example, they may seem angry and irritable rather than sad or withdrawn.4 Or they may show no signs at all. That means even close family, coworkers or friends may not realize something’s wrong.
On screen: The following video addresses themes of mental health and suicide that may be distressing to some viewers.
Man 1: Oh, wow. How you doing, you good? Sorry mate how are you doing? God it’s exciting, isn’t it?
Crowd: KICK IT OFF. THROW IT IN. HAVE A LITTLE SCRIMMAGE.
Man 1: So uh, how’s the week been?
Man 2: Yeah, okay.
Man 1: Yeah okay.
Man 2: Yep.
Man 1: Well I hope things are better outside of the football.
Man 1: Nah you keep it mate. You keep it. That was worth it, wow.
On screen: At times, it can be obvious when someone is struggling to cope. But sometimes, the signs are harder to spot. Check in on those around you.
#YouAreNotAlone
Free and confidential support is available, 24/7
Remember: You’re not alone. Sometimes others need that reminder, too. All Costco employees can get free and confidential support 24/7 from the following resources:
Reach out to Resources for Living (RFL)® — If you’re thinking about suicide or know someone having suicidal thoughts, RFL offers in-the-moment support 24/7 with a licensed counselor at 833-721-2320.
Call or text 988 for 24/7 support from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Get emotional support whenever you need it. You can call or text for yourself or for someone else who may need immediate help.
For more resources that support men’s health, visit the Men’s Health Guide for mainland employees.
Finances affect every part of life, including our health. Feeling stressed about money can lead to things like sleep problems, headaches and feelings of anxiety. Thankfully, your Costco benefits can help you take charge, get ahead and feel better about your overall financial picture.
What are some ways to take control and boost my savings?
Set clear financial goals — Decide where you want your money to go instead of wondering where it went.
Pause before making an unplanned purchase — Be honest about whether it’s something you need or just want in the moment.
Stick to your list — Decide what you need before you shop and stick to it.
Your Costco benefits can help you pay off debt, save for retirement and stress less about money. Here’s a closer look at what’s available to you.
Get free financial coaching from SmartDollar®
People often have different views when it comes to managing finances. This is a topic Costco Benefits Manager Lauren Green and her husband, Center Manager Anthony Green, talk about in this month’s employee podcast. Hear how SmartDollar not only strengthened their finances during a hectic time, but their relationship as well.
SmartDollar helps you take control of your finances. Get step-by-step guidance to manage your budget at no cost to you. You also get free financial coaching. Here are some things a financial coach can help with:
How to discuss money with your partner
Build a budget for everyday expenses and goals
Figure out what debt to pay off first
Save for emergencies
Plan for retirement
Save for the fun stuff, like a vacation
Invest in Costco with the Employee Stock Purchase Plan
UBS administers the Costco Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). You can choose to purchase company stock through payroll deductions, and Costco pays the fees and commissions related to each purchase.
What’s better than one egg? Two eggs with tangy salsa and whole-grain corn tortillas, of course. This 15-minute recipe is perfect for staying energized until lunch. It can also be a quick, heart-healthy “breakfast for dinner” for you and your family.
Set the stovetop to medium-low or heat a dry skillet on medium-high. Toast the tortillas directly over a gas burner or in a pan until lightly charred, turning often. Arrange the tortillas on a plate.
Step 2
Coat a medium nonstick skillet with cooking spray and heat on medium-low. Add the eggs and season with salt. Cook until the whites are set and the yolks are cooked to desired doneness, 3 to 5 minutes. (Do not remove the pan from heat.)
Step 3
Top each tortilla with 1 egg.
Step 4
Add the pico de gallo to the same skillet and cook just until warmed, about 1 minute. Spoon the pico de gallo over the eggs. Garnish with the cilantro (if using).
Nutrition
Serving size: 1 plate | Calories: 289 | Total fat: 7 g | Sodium: 507 mg | Total carbohydrates: 33 g | Sugar: 4 g | Fiber: 6 g | Protein: 24 g
Enjoy low monthly rates fromWeightWatchers.Costco employees can join for as low as $9 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependentscan join for as low as $14.50 each per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up atWW.com/Costcoor call 866-204-2885.
