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January 31,2024 at 7:50PM UTC

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Hello,

I am seeking insight for those who offer gym membership reimbursements to employees.

My job announced that we would reimburse employees gym membership up to $50. This is an annual reimbursement despite how often an employee pay their membership. I had an employee who submitted a request for the gym reimbursement due to going to physical therapy. The facility serves as a rehabilitation center and gym. I told the employee they would need to show documentations that they have an active membership AND that they pay a membership fee for utilizing services at the facility. They sent over their receipt showing a month to month payment that the facility requires them to pay but it’s coded as “medical services”, not facilities fee or something to that nature. Then the details show rehabilitation PT sessions. I don’t know if the EE use the gym services or how that works. But it sounds like they just go for PT.

Also, the receipts says medical services - Physical Therapy.

I did inform the employee that they can use their FSA to cover cost for their PT treatment.

I don’t think this qualifies for the gym membership reimbursement. And I don’t want to set a precedence.

Am I missing something? What are your thoughts or experiences with this type of situation?

Thanks in advance

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AnonymousJanuary 31,2024 at 11:14PM UTC
I agree that this sounds petty. If it's a solid employee, are you truly willing to risk them leaving over $50? If you're trying to make sure they feel unvalued and untrusted, sure, make this your hill to die on and hope they are so shaken that they ramp up their job search efforts.
AnonymousFebruary 1,2024 at 12:00AM UTC
Very grey, and doesn't seem to be covered under the gym membership perk, it's a medical situation. They should go to a place that their insurance is covered, if this place doesn't. If it's not covered at all then that cost is on them.
AnonymousFebruary 1,2024 at 1:52AM UTC
Hmmmmm....I see your point! Like you, I see gym membership as Planet Fitness (or wherever), $$ a month × 12 and you reimburse $50 with the receipt. (Awesome BTW!)
I didn't know gyms had PT. I know personal trainers, but isn't that different (asking for a friend!!)
Wouldn't health insurance cover the PT -depending on plan specifics blah blah blah?
But I am on the same page. You start deviating and everyone will be nagging you. Stick to your guns!!
AnonymousFebruary 1,2024 at 1:53AM UTC
Are they paying a "membership fee" and using the gym for things other than PT treatments? If so, then it should be covered under your membership benefit. It may be regulated differently by state, but I'm unaware of any PT facilities that allow casual use of the facility by the general public. If it happens where you live and there is a separate "gym membership fee," it should be written that way on the receipt. I think they are trying to get you to cover the copays for PT. Is this a person who habitually tries to "stretch" the rules? I know that $50 is $50, but if this is a person who is having a hard time and living paycheck to paycheck, compassion may be something you can consider unless they are one who consistently pushes the limits on everything. If so, it is time to push back.