home | current news stories

Another Attack on our Health Care

State Employees were recently notified by the Division of Personnel that the "Working Wonders" health club and exercise equipment reimbursement benefit that was negotiated by the union is taxable as income. "This is absurd. At a time when we are trying to lower out of control health care costs, you would think that gym membership would be encouraged not taxed. This needs to change!" said Linda Huard, Chair of the Health Benefits Advisory Committee's Sub-Committee on Wellness.

We've had our accountant look into the matter and he agrees with the state's assessment. The current tax code taxes health club membership as a fringe benefit. The tax code must change. There is currently a bill in the U.S. Congress, H.R. 1634, and a bill in the U.S. Senate, S. 772 that is designed to eliminate the tax on health club membership. This is a very simple bill that eliminates a penalty on those who choose to actively control rising health care costs. Call your Congressman and Senator and ask them why these bills have not been passed yet. Urge them to vote in favor of these bills that eliminate this counter-productive tax.

Representative Jeb Bradley (603) 641-9536

Representative Charlie Bass (202) 225-5206

Senator Judd Gregg (603) 225-7115

Senator John Sununu (603) 647-7500