Costco + SCAN Are Entering Medicare Together: Here’s Why Agents Should Pay Attention

A major consumer brand is stepping into Medicare with SCAN January 2027, creating a new opportunity for brokers to watch and prepare for.

Costco is making a move into Medicare and it is doing it with SCAN Health Plan.

According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, Costco and SCAN are working together on a limited rollout of jointly branded Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement products. The initial launch is expected to include Medicare Advantage products in two states and a Medicare Supplement product in a third, with additional details still to come as regulatory approvals are completed.

For Medicare agents, this is more than an interesting industry headline.

It could become a meaningful new sales and growth opportunity.

Why This Partnership Matters

Costco has built one of the most recognizable and trusted consumer brands in the country. Members already turn to Costco for pharmacy, optical, hearing services, food, everyday essentials and more.

SCAN brings nearly 50 years of experience serving Medicare beneficiaries.

Together, the companies are looking at how the Costco experience can connect more closely with Medicare coverage and make benefits easier for members to understand and use in 2027.

SCAN has indicated that the Medicare Advantage products are expected to integrate closely with areas including prescription drugs, vision, hearing, OTC products and food benefits.

And there is another important piece for brokers:

These products are expected to be sold through insurance agents in addition to Costco locations and online channels.

That means brokers remain an important part of helping Medicare consumers understand their options and determine whether a plan is the right fit.

A New Conversation Starter for Agents

Think about the recognition that comes with the Costco name.

For agents, a co-branded SCAN and Costco product could create an entirely new way to start Medicare conversations with consumers who are already familiar with and loyal to the Costco brand.

It may also create opportunities to reach prospects who have not previously considered SCAN or who may respond differently when Medicare coverage is connected to a brand they already know.

The exact markets, product designs and availability have not yet been announced, so there are still important details to come.

But agents do not have to wait until launch day to start thinking strategically.

How Agents Can Start Preparing

This is the time to begin looking at where SCAN could fit into your Medicare business.

Start by asking yourself:

Is SCAN already part of my portfolio?
If SCAN is available in your market, make sure you understand the carrier, its products and how it compares with the other solutions you currently offer.

Am I ready to sell SCAN?
Agents who want to take advantage of future opportunities should make sure their contracting and certification status is in order when applicable.

Where could this fit within my client base?
Think about the consumers you already serve. Are there prospects who may respond to the familiarity and value associated with the Costco brand?

How can I turn awareness into conversations?
Costco and SCAN have indicated that the partnership will receive significant consumer attention. Agents should be prepared to answer questions as awareness grows and help beneficiaries evaluate the full picture, not simply the brand name attached to the product.

Leverage The Brokerage, Inc.

As more information becomes available, The Brokerage, Inc. will continue helping agents understand what this partnership means, where the opportunity exists and how SCAN may fit within their overall Medicare strategy.

Our Medicare team can help agents navigate carrier information, contracting and certification questions, market opportunities, product resources and the latest updates as additional details are released.

Interested in SCAN? Now is the time to get connected.

• Check your SCAN contracting and certification status.

• Explore SCAN resources available through The Brokerage, Inc.

• Watch the Medicare Agent Hub for upcoming market, product and rollout announcements.

• Contact the TBI Medicare Products Team at [email protected]

  if you need help determining your next step.

The Costco and SCAN partnership is still developing, but one thing is already clear:

This is an opportunity Medicare agents will want on their radar.

Consumer awareness will continue to grow as more information becomes available. Agents who understand the opportunity early will be better positioned to answer questions, evaluate the products and decide how SCAN fits into their business in 2027.

Stay connected with The Brokerage, Inc. as we continue bringing you the information, resources and support you need to prepare for what’s next.