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Make preventive care a habit

Getting routine care, like annual physicals, screenings and vaccines, can help you stay healthy or catch health issues early, when they’re most treatable. Your Costco medical plan covers routine care at 100% when you see an in-network doctor — and that helps keep your wallet healthy, too.

According to a study published in PubMed, US adults who have a primary care physician have 33% lower health care costs and 19% lower odds of dying than those who see only a specialist.1

Preventive care starts with a yearly physical. Honest talks with your doctor about a healthy lifestyle, including eating better, exercising or quitting smoking, are part of your visit, too. Depending upon your age, sex, and personal and family medical history, your doctor will also recommend the appropriate screenings and vaccines to protect your health.

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Stay current with vaccines and screenings

The following chart shows what’s generally recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not all tests and screenings are needed annually. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.

PHYSICAL EXAM

Age: All

Frequency: Ask your doctor

Cholesterol test

Age: 18+

Frequency: Every 5 years from age 20

Flu shot

Age: 6 months and older

Frequency: Annually

Colorectal cancer screening

Age: 45+

Frequency: Every 10 years

Routine OB/GYN exam

Age: 21+

Frequency: Annually

Cervical cancer screening (pap smear)

Age: 21+

Frequency: Every 3 years

Breast cancer screening (mammogram)

Age: 40+

Frequency: Varies by age & risk

Prostate cancer screening

Age: 50+

Frequency: Every 2 years

Dental exams

Age: N/A

Frequency: Twice per year

1Bhat, Samidha S., MD. Health benefits of primary care. Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.

Want to be more proactive about your health? Your Costco benefits include preventive health care resources that can make a difference.

 

Resources for you

  • The Live Healthy Team offers one-on-one support from health professionals who can help you understand how to lower your risk for chronic disease. The team includes registered nurses, dieticians, pharmacists and behavioral health clinicians. Connect with a Live Healthy Coach at 800-814-3543 (option 2).
  • Download the 98point6® app for on-demand, text-based, 24/7 access to a board-certified physician. From late-night appointments to urgent medication needs, your 98point6 team works closely with your primary care physician (PCP) to provide you with a coordinated circle of care. To learn more about 98point6, go to Costcobenefits.com.
  • Omada is an online program that inspires long-term healthy habits to help you lose weight and keep it off. The interactive program helps those with, or at risk for, type 1 or type 2 diabetes or heart disease. It includes a personal health coach, smart digital scale, social support and more. The program also includes a glucose meter and strips for those who are diabetic. To see if you’re eligible, visit OmadaHealth.com/Costco or call 888-409-8687.
  • Need help finding an in-network primary care doctor? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under What If I.
  • Omada is an online program that inspires long-term healthy habits to help you lose weight and keep it off. The interactive program helps those with, or at risk for, type 1 or type 2 diabetes or heart disease. It includes a personal health coach, smart digital scale, social support and more. The program also includes a glucose meter and strips for those who are diabetic. To see if you’re eligible, visit OmadaHealth.com/Costco or call 888-409-8687.
  • Need help finding an in-network primary care doctor? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under What If I.
  • Download the 98point6® app for on-demand, text-based, 24/7 access to a board-certified physician. From late-night appointments to urgent medication needs, your 98point6 team works closely with your primary care physician (PCP) to provide you with a coordinated circle of care. To learn more about 98point6, go to Costcobenefits.com.
  • Omada is an online program that inspires long-term healthy habits to help you lose weight and keep it off. The interactive program helps those with, or at risk for, type 1 or type 2 diabetes or heart disease. It includes a personal health coach, smart digital scale, social support and more. The program also includes a glucose meter and strips for those who are diabetic. To see if you’re eligible, visit OmadaHealth.com/Costco or call 888-409-8687.
  • Need help finding an in-network primary care doctor? Visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Provider” under What If I.

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