Wellness Benefit Options
All active employees who regularly work 20 hours per week, at least nine months each year (sometimes referred to as "benefits-eligible"), has the option to elect a Wellness Benefit, even if you waive medical coverage. These wellness benefits are offered as a benefit of employment and not as part of the group health plan. The only time to change your Wellness Benefit election is during Open Enrollment.
Please note: the Pulse Program was discontinued on December 31, 2025.
Wellness Benefit Options for 2026
• Option 1: Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) - The Lifestyle Spending Account is a flexible benefit that provides a reimbursement up to $250 each calendar year for a range of well-being expenses, such as gym memberships, fitness equipment, CSAs (farm shares), hobby classes, mindfulness apps, and more, so that you can invest in what matters most to you.
• Option 2: Dartmouth Fitness Membership at Lewinstein Athletic Center (formerly Alumni Gym) provides a free Dartmouth Fitness membership to all of the Lewinstein Athletic Center facilities including Zimmerman Fitness Center (annual value of $450; after 7/1, value is $225).
Wellness Benefit Comparison Chart: 2026
Eligibility & Enrollment
All benefits-eligible employees must elect a Wellness Benefit when they enroll in benefits in FlexOnline, even if you waive medical coverage. If you do not make an election, you will be defaulted to the Lifestyle Spending Account.
Your only opportunity to change your Wellness Benefit election is during the annual Open Enrollment period in late October. Any elections made during Open Enrollment will be effective January 1. Log into FlexOnline to review your election.
Please note: the Dartmouth Fitness Membership wellness benefit requires re-enrollment each year; if you wish to continue with Dartmouth Fitness Membership at Lewinstein Athletic Center option for the following calendar year, you must re-elect it during Open Enrollment to acknowlege your gym waivers in FlexOnline, otherwise you will be defaulted to the Lifestyle Spending Account.
Tax Information
All LSA reimbursements that you and/or your spouse receive, or the value of the Dartmouth Fitness Membership that you receive are considered imputed taxable income and applicable taxes will be withheld from your paycheck.
Wellness Benefit Options for Retirees
Retirees, enrolled on a Dartmouth-sponsored medical plan, only have access to the $225 Fitness Reimbursement Benefit option available. Retirees must submit the benefit form and receipt(s) directly to Cigna via email and the reimbursement, up to $225, will be provided via a check mailed to the retiree's home address. Access additional details, including the Benefit Form.
Please note: employees who retire mid-year will continue with their current Wellness Benefit election through the end of the calendar year; the Fitness Reimbursement Benefit will be the only available Wellness Benefit option available during Open Enrollment for the following calendar.