SCAN and Costco expand Medicare partnership for seniors

SCAN Health Plan and Costco Wholesale said they are deepening their relationship to launch senior-focused insurance products and services over the coming years. The partnership is meant to improve value and simplify care for older adults, and it marks Costco’s first comprehensive partnership with a Medicare plan.

Why it matters: - The partnership could change how older adults shop for Medicare-related coverage and benefits. - SCAN and Costco are aiming to make healthcare easier to navigate, with more integrated services and consumer-facing value. - The agreement is Costco’s first comprehensive partnership with a Medicare plan.

What happened: - SCAN Health Plan and Costco announced an expanded strategic partnership on Aug. 18, 2026. - The companies said the alliance is designed to deliver greater value to seniors. - SCAN will work with Costco over the coming years to launch a suite of senior-focused insurance products. - The companies said the offerings may include a re-invented pharmacy experience, Medflex over-the-counter benefits, vision and audiology, pending regulatory review and approval.

The details: - SCAN brings decades of experience serving older adults. - Costco brings consumer trust and a large retail footprint. - SCAN said the partnership is meant to help people stay healthy and independent while improving quality, value and service. - Costco said the deal builds on more than 40 years of listening to members and expanding health service offerings. - SCAN serves more than 440,000 Medicare Advantage members across 33 counties in California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico and Washington. - Across its entities, SCAN serves about half a million members and patients. - SCAN Group’s portfolio includes Independence at Home, Healthcare in Action, Welcome Health and myPlace Health. - More information is available on SCAN Group's website and SCAN Health Plan's website.

Between the lines: - The partnership follows SCAN’s “Health Insurance is Broken Campaign,” which highlighted the fragmented experience many seniors face when accessing care and services. - The move suggests both companies see a market opportunity in combining health-plan expertise with retail trust and convenience. - The companies are positioning the deal as a practical response to dissatisfaction with the current Medicare experience.

What’s next: - The companies plan to roll out products and services over the coming years. - Any new offerings remain subject to regulatory review and approval. - The partnership is expected to accelerate new health solutions for seniors as the companies build on their shared platform.

The bottom line: - SCAN and Costco are betting that older adults will respond to a more integrated, retail-friendly Medicare experience built around convenience, trust and added value.