SCAN and Costco Medicare Partnership: What California Beneficiaries Should Know for 2027

Costco and SCAN Health Plan are working together on new ways to serve older adults. For California Medicare shoppers, the news is interesting—but it is not yet a reason to change coverage. The companies have announced an expanded partnership, not a complete, approved 2027 Medicare Advantage plan with published prices, benefits, and service areas.

What SCAN and Costco actually announced

In an August 18, 2026 joint announcement, SCAN and Costco said they plan to introduce a suite of insurance products for older adults over the coming years. They described possible improvements involving pharmacy services, over-the-counter benefits, vision, and hearing care, subject to regulatory review and approval. The announcement did not identify a 2027 plan name, premium, medical network, California county list, or launch date.

SCAN already offers Medicare Advantage coverage in parts of California. Costco’s existing pharmacy and other health-related services make the partnership worth watching. But an existing SCAN plan, or a Costco pharmacy in your neighborhood, does not establish that a new joint plan will be available in your ZIP code.

Is there a Costco–SCAN Medicare Advantage plan for 2027?

As of September 23, 2026, the public joint announcement does not confirm an approved Costco–SCAN Medicare Advantage plan for the 2027 coverage year. It also does not confirm which California counties would be served. If a plan is approved and offered, the details that matter to you will be its official plan documents and its availability at your address—not a headline about the partnership.

Watch for an official plan listing, Summary of Benefits, Evidence of Coverage, provider directory, and drug formulary. Plan names and benefits can differ by county and year. Until those materials are available, claims about a specific $0 premium, Costco discount, dental allowance, or preferred pharmacy copay for a future joint plan would be speculation.

What should California beneficiaries compare?

If a new option becomes available, compare it with your current coverage and other plans in your ZIP code. The Costco name alone cannot tell you whether the plan fits your doctors, prescriptions, or budget. Medicare’s plan-type comparison explains that Medicare Advantage networks and out-of-network rules vary by plan type. Medicare also offers a plan comparison tool that can estimate drug costs using your medication list.

• Doctors and hospitals: Confirm the exact plan network, medical group, specialists, and hospitals you use. Ask the providers and the plan to verify participation for the new coverage year.
• Prescriptions: Check each medication’s formulary status, tier, restrictions, and estimated annual cost. Verify whether your preferred pharmacy has preferred or standard cost sharing.
• Total costs: Compare premiums, copays, deductibles, and the annual medical out-of-pocket maximum. A low monthly premium does not automatically mean lower yearly spending.
• Extra benefits: Read the actual rules and limits for dental, vision, hearing, transportation, or over-the-counter allowances. Do not assume a Costco-related benefit will be included.
• Plan rules: Check referrals, prior authorization, and any out-of-network coverage before switching.

What can you do now?

Keep your current plan documents and make a short list of your doctors, prescriptions, pharmacies, and must-have benefits. When official 2027 options are available for your ZIP code, compare them side by side. If you receive a renewal notice from your current plan, read it for changes even if you are interested in the SCAN–Costco partnership. Do not cancel existing coverage based on an announcement about a future product.

For a broader review, see our five checks for comparing 2027 Medicare Advantage plans in California.

Frequently asked questions

Will Costco be the insurance company?

The announcement describes a partnership between Costco and SCAN, an existing Medicare Advantage insurer. It does not publish the legal issuer or contract details for any future joint product. Check the approved plan documents when available.

Will I need a Costco membership?

The announcement does not state a membership requirement for a future insurance product. Do not assume one is required—or that membership would be included—without official plan terms.

Can I enroll today?

Not in a new joint plan on the basis of this announcement. Existing SCAN plans are separate offerings and may be available in some areas. Verify any plan’s status and eligibility before applying.

Get help comparing actual plans

Skyline Benefit can help California residents review available Medicare choices once official plan details are released. We will compare the coverage that is actually offered in your area, including doctors, prescriptions, costs, and plan rules—not assume the partnership is the best fit. Contact our team with your ZIP code and questions.

Information reviewed September 23, 2026. This article is educational and is not an announcement or endorsement of an approved Costco–SCAN plan. Availability and benefits must be verified in official plan materials.