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Video: 2026 Benefits Changes

Want to know what’s changing for 2026? Watch this new video to find out. Changes include more free counseling sessions from Resources for Living®, an increased annual allowance for prescribed glasses and contacts, a new administrator for your pharmacy benefits and more. For all the changes, see your 2026 Benefit Plan Changes booklet.

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Changes that take effect on January 1, 2026
Resources for Living® 8 free counseling sessions (up from 6) per person, per issue, per year
Emergency room (ER) copay increase
(Mainland only)
The ER copay on the Aetna® medical plan will change from $150 to $200. Deductible and coinsurance still apply. If it’s not a true emergency, you have other options for care, such as 98point6 virtual care for a $0 copay.
Aetna Dental® plan change
(Mainland only)
Both Network Dental and Choice Dental will be available to all benefit-eligible employees regardless of your eligibility date.

Network Dental has a higher annual and orthodontia benefit with a lower cost per paycheck. The plan pays for covered dental care with in-network providers only.

Choice Dental has a lower annual and orthodontia benefit with a higher cost per paycheck. The plan offers a reduced benefit for dental care with an out-of-network provider.
Aetna Dental® incentive change
(Mainland only)
You and your covered 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. If you’re enrolled in Choice Dental and get an out-of-network cleaning, you won’t be eligible for the credit.

For locations that don’t have Network Dental, you can still earn the credit with in- and out-of-network dentists. Go to Costcobenefits.com for a list of these locations.
Aetna digital update
(Mainland only)
New Aetna digital experience, including:
  • Enhanced search and chat features
  • Care Paths and program recommendations for your health needs
  • Aetna Smart Compare® Intelligent Matching to help you find quality and effective care, with your 3 best matches appearing at the top of your provider search results
Hawaii medical and dental plan changes
(Hawaii only)
Both HMSA medical plans and dental plans will be available to Hawaii employees, regardless of your part-time or full-time status:
  • HMSA HMO provides in-network coverage only, and you’ll need to get a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. But you’ll pay a lower cost per paycheck.
  • HMSA PPO provides coverage out-of-network, and you don’t need a referral to see a specialist. But you’ll pay a higher cost per paycheck, and you may pay more for care.
  • Core Dental has lower payroll contributions for a lower annual and orthodontia benefit.
  • Premium Dental has higher payroll contributions for a higher annual and orthodontia benefit.
Pharmacy change to Navitus
(Mainland and Hawaii)
Navitus Health Solutions will replace Costco Health Solutions as your pharmacy benefits administrator. Your prescription drug coverage will stay the same. You can still use your employee ID to fill prescriptions at a Costco Pharmacy, and you can still use any network pharmacy for first-time fills.
Reimbursement account limit changes
(Mainland and Hawaii)
  • HCRAYou can now contribute more each year to your Health Care Reimbursement Account — up to $3,400.
  • DCAPYou can now contribute more each year to your Dependent Care Assistance Plan — up to $7,500 (or $3,750 if you’re married filing separately).

To learn more about reimbursement accounts, click here.
Vision hardware allowance change The annual allowance for prescribed eyewear (glasses and contacts) is increasing from $175 to $200. You don’t have to use it all at once, but you do have to spend it by December 31 each year.
GEM Sleep for sleep apnea
(Mainland only)
Employees enrolled in the Aetna medical plan will have access to sleep apnea support from GEM Sleep, available through Sleepio.

GEM Sleep makes it easy to get a diagnosis from home. Based on your evaluation, you’ll get treatment options — like CPAP — and support to get started. Plan cost shares like copays, deductible and coinsurance apply.

Find all the details in your 2026 Benefit Plan Changes booklet.

Visit the enrollment website at Costcobenefits.com to complete the Annual Enrollment process, November 1–25.

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