FAMILY BENEFITS

AUGUST 2024

Resources for raising a healthy family

Maybe you’re just starting out on your parenting journey. Or maybe you’re in the thick of it. Either way, you can probably use all the help you can get. That’s why your Costco benefits offer a variety of free or low-cost programs to support the well-being of you and your children as they grow and mature.

Print

Looking for more? Find other articles below

Baby on the way or planning for kids?

Whether you’re planning for your first child or adding to your family, the Aetna Maternity Program* provides expert guidance and support before, during and after pregnancy. If you’re having a hard time conceiving, the program offers help for infertility, including coverage for treatments and access to a fertility advocate. 

Planning to adopt? Adoption Assistance from Costco provides up to $5,000 per child (maximum of two adoptions) to help cover adoption expenses, such as agency fees, attorney fees and transportation.  

Emotional health support

It’s never too early to help your child learn the social and emotional skills they need to have a happy life. Use your benefits to educate yourself on the best way to support your kids and to access the mental health services they may need throughout their childhood.

RethinkCare provides training, tools and resources at no cost to help parents, caregivers and children of any age manage challenges at home and school. The program also provides support for children with developmental delays or disabilities and can help parents navigate special education services.  

Families with children who struggle with sleep issues, ADHD, anxiety and other behavioral conditions can get access to health coaches and resources through Brightline*, a program for employees and their dependents enrolled in an Aetna medical plan. Brightline can also help kids under the age of 18 access online therapy with little wait time (standard copays apply). In addition, all employees can access 24/7 text-based or video therapy through Talkspace, available for teens age 13+ and adults. The first six sessions are free.  

Benefit choices that can save you money

Raising a child isn’t cheap. But your Costco benefits can help lower your family’s health and wellness expenses and make a big difference in your budget.

Costco medical plans

In-network providers save you money on doctor’s visits, dental procedures and more. These providers have contracted with your medical plan provider Aetna^®, Triple-S or HMSA to provide services at a certain rate — usually much lower than what they would charge someone outside of the network. In-network preventive care, such as well-child checkups, recommended vaccines and dental cleanings, is covered at 100%. 

Institutes of Quality*

Through your Aetna medical plan, you have access to top-rated hospitals and facilities known as Institutes of Quality (IOQ). These providers meet your needs by offering excellent care and commitment to your recovery. When you choose an IOQ for certain bariatric (weight loss), cardiac (heart) or orthopedic (bone or muscle) procedures, Costco pays 100% of the cost of the hospital or surgical facility charges. You will still pay your cost shares for your surgeon, anesthesiologist and other non-facility charges. 

On-demand support

Unnecessary trips to the emergency room can be costly. If you need help finding an in-network urgent care facility on an evening or weekend, call the 24-Hour Nurse Line* at 800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) to find one near you. HMSA’s Online Care, for employees in Hawaii, and TeleConsultaMD, for employees in Puerto Rico, also provide employees and their dependents enrolled in a Costco medical plan on-demand access to care.

98point6** 

Save the cost of a doctor’s visit with on-demand text-based care through 98point6. You’ll be connected to a board-certified doctor who can diagnose and treat colds, the flu, rashes, allergies and many more common conditions. No appointments, no waiting rooms and no travel necessary.

Inspira Financial** 

A Health Care Reimbursement Account (HCRA) or Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP) offered by Inspira Financial is another good way to save. These accounts allow you to lower your taxes by setting aside pre-tax dollars for eligible health care and dependent care expenses. Use an HCRA for things such as over-the counter medications, Band-Aids, copays and deductibles. A DCAP can help cover childcare, preschool tuition, before- and after-school care and more. Enroll in an HCRA or DCAP during Annual Enrollment in November. You can also enroll in DCAP during the year if your dependent care needs change. 

Remember, as a parent, you have the most important job in the world. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Take advantage of the resources below to save money and make your life easier.

*Available on the mainland only.
**Not available in Puerto Rico.