If you use UMass Recreation, we receive information directly from the gym about your memberships and you will not need to upload a receipt. When you apply for benefits, under the wellness section just select the option indicating that some portion of your costs will be from a"UMass Recreation Center membership." Then, go to UMass Recreation and purchase your membership.  UMass Recreation will inform us of your purchase and we will reimburse you according to the amount of membership fees UMass Rec reports you to have paid. UMass Rec doesn't report locker fees or personal training fees to us--please upload your receipt if you purchase those.

 

Gym membership fees: Fees associated with both on-campus and off-campus gyms are eligible. Yearly membership fees, monthly service fees, locker fees and on-site equipment rentals required for the activity are eligible; late fees are not. Your receipt can total more than the $240 maximum for grad employees and the $150 maximum for postdocs, but we will only reimburse up to the respective maximum.

 

Certain Equipment Purchases are eligible for reimbursement up to the existing plan year maximum of $240 for grad employees and $150 for postdocs. Equipment must have been purchased on or after the official start of the current plan year's first open enrollment (8/15) and be used to support health and well-being. Examples include weights and dumbbells, resistance bands, yoga mats and blocks, treadmills, ellipticals and rowing machines, bicycles and stationary bikes, sport equipment like balls and rackets, camping and backpacking equipment, skis and snowshoes, ergonomic desks, chairs and workstation components, face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE), ear buds/headphones, and durable medical equipment such as mobility assistive equipment, blood sugar monitoring devices & test strips, etc. No health provider's note is required for any items described above.

 

This is not an exhaustive list--if you are thinking of purchasing an item, and you aren't sure if it's eligible, we recommend that you email us the item description with as much detail as possible and so that we can preapprove the item. Final approval of equipment purchases is per the decision of the Trustees. 

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Eligible Out-of-Pocket Mental Health, Nutritionist, Chiropractic & Gender Affirming Equipment Costs: These categories are generally covered partially by insurance, but the out-of-pocket costs that aren't otherwise covered by insurance are eligible for reimbursement. The simplest way to document these costs in terms of a "receipt" may be to provide the Estimation of Benefits provided to you by Wellfleet or a dated receipt from your provider for the total amount paid out-of-pocket. Final approval is per the decision of the Trustees. 

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Special Circumstances: Individuals who have special medical or disability needs not addressed above may request that certain adaptive items/programs be deemed eligible by submitting requests on a case by case basis. Documentation supporting the request must be provided but need not disclose personal information. A letter from a medical professional stating that the adaptive program or item would benefit you is all that is required. The letter should be dated within the current plan year and include signature and title of health provider. Please redact all other personal information. Final approval is per the decision of the Trustees. To request reimbursement, upload your receipt and health provider's note exactly as you would any other receipt at https://portal.hwtf.org/login

 

Family wellness costs: Eligible wellness costs for your family (spouse/partner/children) are now eligible toward your the $240 reimbursement for grad student employees and the $150 reimbursement for postdocs. Family members do not receive their own reimbursement, but rather can submit receipts toward your reimbursement maximum. Your spouse, partner or child must be enrolled on your Trust Fund benefit plans in order to be eligible. 

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Items that ARE NOT ELIGIBLE include general medical & pharmacy costs (unless specifically named as eligible above), out-of-pocket dental and vision costs, spa treatments, cosmetic procedures, tips, facials, food, vitamins and supplements, clothing and shoes that are not specifically required to do an eligible sport or activity (i.e. rock climbing shoes or a ballet leotard would be eligible) and receipts from anyone other than a spouse or child actively enrolled on your benefit plans.

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Eligible clothing or shoes (gear) specifically required to do an eligible activity include hiking boots, ice skates, rock climbing shoes and chalk bags, ballet shoes and leotards, cross trainers, cleats, martial arts clothing, etc. The general rule is that if you would wear the item for everyday use other than the eligible activity, it will not be considered eligible.

 

General sneakers, winter boots, coats, and rain coats, yoga pants and leggings, tshirts, shorts, socks and fashion bathing suits are not eligible. But if the item clearly states that it is techincal or outdoor gear for an eligible activity it is likely eligible for reimbursement. Check by emailing us before you buy if you are uncertain! Here are some examples of how to discern the difference:

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​Eligible Gear Examples

eligible hiking backpack 

eligible cross training trail running sneakers                                       

eligible horseback riding breeches​                                                       

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Ineligible Clothing/Shoe Examples

ineligible backpack

ineligible sneakers

ineligible general leggings