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.
The 2026 annual Open Enrollment period is October 27 - November 10. There are several changes to the Wellness Benefits for 2026.
-- The Pulse Program will be discontinued on December 31, 2025. If you have the Pulse Program as your 2025 Wellness Benefit, you must make a Wellness Benefit election in FlexOnline during Open Enrollment, otherwise you will be defaulted to the Lifestyle Spending Account. Pulse participants have until December 31, 2025 to earn rewards and until January 31, 2026 to redeem rewards. Learn more.
-- Dartmouth will continue offering the Lifestyle Spending Account and the Dartmouth Fitness Membership at Lewinstein Athletic Center Wellness Benefits in 2026.
-- The Dartmouth Fitness Membership option requires an active election each year to acknowledge your gym waiver; if you currently have this Wellness Benefit and wish to continue it for 2026, you must re-elect it in FlexOnline during Open Enrollment, otherwise you will be defaulted to the Lifestyle Spending Account.
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 Options for 2025
Option 1: Pulse Program provides a free activity tracking device (new participants only) and cash rewards of up to $400 per employee per calendar year (eligible spouses can also earn up to $400) for participating in a variety of healthy activities including fitness, mindfulness, sleep, and nutrition activities, challenges, and more!
• Option 2: 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 3: 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
Wellness Benefit Comparison Chart: 2025
Enrollment
All new benefits-eligible employees must elect a Wellness Benefit when they enroll in benefits in FlexOnline.
- If you are a new hire in 2025 and you do not make an election, you will be defaulted to the Pulse Program.
- If you are a new hire in 2026 and 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. Any elections made during Open Enrollment will be effective January 1. Log into FlexOnline to review and change your elections.
For 2026 Open Enrollment:
- If you have the Pulse Program as your 2025 Wellness Benefit, you must log into FlexOnline during Open Enrollment to elect a Wellness Benefit, otherwise you will be defaulted to the Lifestyle Spending Account.
- If you have the Lifestyle Spending Account as your 2025 Wellness Benefit, this will automatically roll over to 2026, unless you make a different Wellness Benefit election.
- If you have the Dartmouth Fitness Membership at the Lewinstein Athletic Center as your 2025 Wellness Benefit, and wish to continue it in 2026, you must re-elect it in FlexOnline, otherwise you will be defaulted to the Lifestyle Spending Account.
Please note: the Dartmouth Fitness Membership wellness benefit requires 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 Pulse rewards or 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.