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"), can elect a free Wellness Benefit option each year, 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.
New employees have 30 days to elect a Wellness Benefit in FlexOnline, our benefit enrollment system; if a Wellness Benefit is not elected, you will be defaulted to the Pulse Program (see enrollment process below).
The only time to change your Wellness Benefit election is during Open Enrollment.
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- If you have the Pulse Program for 2024, you will remain in this benefit for 2025 unless you change your election in FlexOnline.
- If you have the Lifestyle Spending Account for 2024, you will remain in this benefit for 2025 unless you change your election in FlexOnline.
- If you have the Alumni Gym benefit for 2024, and wish to remain in this benefit for 2025, you must re-elect it in FlexOnline and acknowledge your gym waivers, otherwise you will be defaulted to the Pulse Program.
Wellness Benefit Options
• Option 1: Pulse Program provides a free activity tracking device (new participants only) and cash rewards of up to $400 per employee (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 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: 2025
Wellness Benefit Comparison Chart: 2024
Enrollment
All new benefit eligible employees must elect one of the wellness benefits when they enroll in benefits in FlexOnline. If you do not make an election, you will be defaulted to the Pulse Program.
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.
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 Pulse Program.
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. Retirees must submit the benefit form and receipt(s) directly to Cigna 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.