Fitness Reimbursement

This is one of the Wellness Benefit options available for 2023; this benefit will be discontinued for active employees on 12/31/23. New, active benefits eligible employees may continue to elect this benefit in FlexOnline for 2023 only.

Please note: this benefit is being replaced with the Lifestyle Spending Account in 2024; retirees will continue to have this benefit in 2024. 

Yoga in the HOP

About the Reimbursement

This is a reimbursement of up to $225 per calendar year for expenses limited to fitness facility and/or exercise class fees (includes classes led by an instructor via apps, online/streaming, and DVDs).

Eligibility

Active employees: Only new benefits eligible employees hired in 2023 will be able to elect the Fitness Reimbursement benefit. If you have a spouse enrolled on your medical plan through Dartmouth, your spouse may also share this benefit (a total of up to $225 between employee and spouse). Please note: In 2024, this option will be replaced with the Lifestyle Spending Account for employees.

Retirees: Retirees enrolled on a Dartmouth-sponsored medical plan will continue to have the Fitness Reimbursement benefit as their wellness benefit. View details for retirees.

Eligible and Ineligible Expenses

Eligible expenses include:

  • Fitness Facility Fees - full-service brick and mortar facilities with cardiovascular and strength training equipment
  • Exercise Class Fees -- brick and mortar in-person, online/app* and DVD exercise classes that are led by an instructor
  • Swimming and Tennis-only Facilities

 

*Examples include: Peloton app/subscription (equipment is not eligible), Beachbody On Demand, Daily Burn, obé.

Ineligible expenses include:

  • Home Exercise Equipment
  • Personal Training Sessions
  • Sports Lessons (e.g. golf lesson)
  • Sports Equipment (e.g. skis, skates)
  • Sneakers or Clothing
  • Activity Tracking Devices (e.g. Fitbit)
  • Workshops (e.g. Weight Watchers)
  • Race Fees
  • Ski Passes
  • Sport Leagues/drop-in open gym (e.g. hockey league, basketball open gym, climbing gym, rowing)
  • Massage, Acupuncture, Hypnosis

Reimbursement Process

The Fitness Reimbursement Benefit Form and applicable receipts may be submitted to Cigna immediately after an eligible purchase has been made (please only submit a max of two times per year; mid-year hires may only submit for fees paid after their hire date). 

All submissions must be postmarked by December 31.  

Employees: For active employees (and eligible spouse), reimbursements will be paid via payroll and will be subject to applicable tax withholdings. Please allow approximately two months to receive your reimbursement. Please note: Cigna processes the Fitness Reimbursement Benefit forms, even if you waive medical coverage.

Retirees: Retirees (and eligible spouse) will receive a reimbursement check from Cigna mailed via USPS mail. Please allow up to 10 weeks to receive your reimbursement

Contact

If you have questions regarding eligibility, the reimbursement process, or the status of your reimbursement, contact the Wellness at Dartmouth office at wellness@dartmouth.edu or 603.646.3706. 


Tax Information

Employees: The fitness reimbursements received for active employees are considered imputed taxable income and applicable taxes will be withheld from payroll. If a spouse receives reimbursements for the Fitness Benefit, applicable taxes will be withheld from the employee's paycheck.

Retirees: Retirees should consult their personal tax advisor regarding the proper reporting of this income as it is considered imputed taxable income.

Last Updated