At times, you may purchase services or memberships under your Wellness Spending Account (WSA) that overlap with the end of your plan year, or could be considered in more than one plan year (purchase date vs use date). Here's what you need to know about claiming these expenses, along with some helpful examples to guide you through the process.
Claiming Fitness Memberships or Lessons
You don’t have to worry about strict service dates for fitness club memberships, lessons, or similar expenses that span multiple years. Here’s how you can submit your claims:
Full Reimbursement in One Year:
If you pay for a one-year membership in full, you can claim the total cost against your current year's funds, even if the membership extends into the following year.
Example:
You purchase a one-year gym membership for $500 in December 2024.
You claim the full $500 against your 2024 funds.
Splitting the Cost Over Two Years:
If your membership or service is purchased toward the end of the year, you can split the cost between your current year’s funds and the following year’s funds (using the grace period if applicable).
Example:
You purchase a one-year swim membership for $600 in November 2024.
You claim $300 against your 2024 funds and the remaining $300 against your 2025 funds during the grace period.
Be mindful to avoid duplicate claims. (Include a note to adjudicators if you’re splitting costs—guidelines for this are available in your claims submission portal.)
Claiming Under the New Year:
If you prefer, you can hold off on claiming the expense until the following plan year.
Example:
You purchase a fitness club membership for $400 in December 2024.
You decide to claim the full $400 against your 2025 funds during the grace period.
Claiming Travel Expenses Purchased Ahead of Time
Travel expenses such as flights, accommodations, or tour packages for trips in the following year can also be claimed similarly under WSA, based on when the purchase is made.
Claiming Travel Costs:
If you purchase travel for a 2025 trip in November or December 2024, you can claim it using your 2024 funds.
Alternatively, you may choose to hold off and claim it under your 2025 funds during the following year when you plan to travel