3 MIN READ
FEBRUARY 2025
Know where to go for care for you and your family
When a life is in danger, there’s no question that the emergency room (ER) is the place to go. But there are plenty of times when you just need quick care for something that’s not life-threatening. And sometimes it’s hard to know the difference. Get help knowing where to go for care when you need it from your Costco benefits.
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Your choices for care
The difference in time and money spent between going to the ER versus seeking care with other options can be dramatic. The average wait time for an ER visit can be 3 or more hours. Additionally, ER visits require: $150 copay + your deductible to be satisfied ($250-$550) + your coinsurance (10-20%). You have more convenient – and lower cost – options for care. Get to know your options, and keep them in your contacts for when you need care in a hurry.
When it’s a true emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. True emergencies are always covered under your plan, even if the ER is out of network.
When you need non-emergency care, you have more convenient options. To find in-network primary care providers, urgent care centers and walk-in clinics, visit Costcobenefits.com and click “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness. Or call your Aetna Health Concierge* at 800-814-3543 (TTY: 711).
Not sure if it’s an emergency? To talk with a nurse any time, call the 24-Hour Nurse Line* at 800-556-1555 (TTY: 711). You can also try 98point6®** text-based care, 24/7, at home or on the go. Visit 98point6/Costco** or download the app so you’re ready when you need care.
Click here to print and post for easy access.*
*Available to mainland employees only.
**Not available in Puerto Rico.
Sources:
UC Davis Health. Should you go to the emergency room (ER), urgent care or doctor’s office?
Resources for you
- 24-Hour Nurse Line is available 24/7 to answer health-related questions. A registered nurse can help you decide where to go for care based on your needs or those of a family member and prepare you for a doctor’s visit. This service is available to employees and their families enrolled in an Aetna medical plan.
800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) | 24/7 | No cost - 98point6® offers on-demand text access to doctors 24/7 for a $0 copay. They can answer health questions, diagnose and treat urgent concerns, and order prescriptions or lab work, all through the convenience of an app. This service is available for you and your family members age 1+ who are enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
98point6.com/Costco | download the 98point6 app | Age 1+ | No cost
- TeleConsulta is available 24/7/365 to employees and their family members enrolled in the Triple-S medical plan for your health-related questions. A registered nurse can help you decide where to go for care based on your needs or those of a family member. They can also help you prepare for a doctor’s visit or answer general health questions.
800-255-4375 - TeleConsultaMD connects you with a doctor online in minutes. They can treat you and prescribe medication, order lab work and preventive tests, and review your test results and any photos you submit. This service is available 7 days a week, 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. to employees and their family members enrolled in the Triple-S medical plan.
866-795-8300 | TeleConsultaMD.com | TeleConsulta MD app
- HMSA helps you get the right care at the right time. To find a provider, go to Costcobenefits.com, click “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness. You can then search by name, location or specialty. You can also connect with a doctor 24/7 for a virtual visit through HMSA’s Online Care.
800-776-4672 | HMSAonlinecare.com | download the HMSA Online Care app - 98point6® offers on-demand text access to doctors 24/7 for a $0 copay. They can answer health questions, diagnose and treat urgent concerns, and order prescriptions or lab work, all through the convenience of an app. This service is available for you and your family members age 1+ who are enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
98point6.com/Costco | download the 98point6 app | Age 1+ | No cost