Weight loss and fitness centers

[Guest Compliance questioner]

We have a participant who want to be reimbursed for a Curves membership. Curves is a facility that combines weight loss counseling and fitness although it seems that the main thrust is fitness. (please see http://www.curvesforwomen.com/category.cfm/2).

IRS officials have informally indicated that health club memberships aren't permissible even with a dr's rx, but then there's the recent Rev. ruling that says expenses of a weight loss program prescribed to treat a specific disease are for medical care and are deductible.

Participant's dr. has indicated it is medically necessary that she lose weight to control her blodd pressure and her high BMI. Should we have the dr. prescribe a specific course of treatment to lose the weight?

Really interested in other's thoughts on this...

Compliance questioner

[papogi]

There is nothing solid enough from the IRS which would allow this to be reimbursed without doubt. I woudn't do it without further documentation. I agree that the doctor should prescribe something specific. That would at least help.

[Guest CRobinson]

Actually, the doctor does not have to prescribe a specific course of treatment, however, he must document that the prescribed fitness facility is recommended to treat a specific medical condition related to the employee's weight (i.e.-heart disease, hypertentsion, obesity).