NEW YORK, NY—February 1, 2024—Fitness lovers can now pound a smoother road to whole-body health: Dr. B has partnered with elite companies SoulCycle and FlexIt Fitness on a new service to make unlocking HSA/FSA funds for exercise fees straightforward and convenient so that qualifying members can skip the waiting room and head to the gym.
“Having lived through the financial upheaval of the last decade, young adults are thriftier than the generations before them,” said Cyrus Massoumi, founder and CEO of Dr. B. “At the same time, coming into adulthood during the pandemic means they’re actively invested in their physical and mental health. Our new service makes it simple for people who need it to get and stay healthy—while still prioritizing their financial future.”
To unlock pre-tax HSA/FSA funds for fitness fees, patients must file a Letter of Medical Necessity from a licensed provider confirming that exercise prevents or treats a specific condition. But the cost and inconvenience of an in-person appointment to get that letter can deter the most motivated mover from even attempting to access those funds.
Dr. B’s technology removes those barriers. To virtually connect with a licensed provider in their state, patients navigate a chat-like online consultation process—no appointment or video meeting required. Qualifying patients receive their Letter of Medical Necessity via email within three business hours, which they can apply towards their gym, class, personal training, or fitness app fees.
To make the process even more streamlined, dedicated pages for partners like SoulCycle and FlexIt connect current and potential members with the consultation platform. The patient’s fitness provider is then detailed on any resulting Letter of Medical Necessity, making applicable receipts easier to file with their HSA/FSA director for reimbursement. SoulCycle is also offering a 20% discount to new Dr. B riders so that they can strap into a bike while saving even more.
“At SoulCycle, we believe that being well is a mind-body-soul commitment, and that doesn't just happen in one place or with one activity,” said Doug Leonard, chief of staff and head of strategic initiatives at SoulCycle. “Movement and mindfulness are healthcare and we are thrilled to partner with Dr. B and help consumers save on these essential activities.”
Other ways this partnership broadens fitness access:
- Over 35% of younger adults are already exercising—and over 80% of them partake in group workouts or classes. With Dr. B, qualifying people can get a Letter of Medical Necessity to apply against any gym membership or fitness class nationwide.
- GenZers are saving about 30% of their hard-earned income—a more significant percentage than generations before. They’re thrifty and sale-smart, looking to invest in high-quality products at a discounted price. With Dr. B’s $15 online consultation platform, they can save up to 40% off of fitness fees with upmarket brands like SoulCycle and FlexIt Fitness.
- Young adults utilize in-person and at-home exercise routines—and they’re most loyal to brands offering both options. This partnership meets their desire for social connection, choice, and lifestyle prioritization.
- Over 65% of GenZers use fitness and other tracking apps to monitor their health—and numerous reports show that younger generations prefer communicating by text or app chat. Dr. B’s fully online platform uses an intuitive, chat-like process to help users connect with a licensed provider for their Letter of Medical Necessity. Users can start and complete their consultation on their own schedule without an unnecessary phone or video appointment.
"FlexIt is proud to partner with Dr. B, advancing our shared mission of making health and wellness more accessible,” said Austin Cohen, founder and CEO of FlexIt. “By lowering the barrier of entry for new customers, we are excited to connect with more people—Wherever, Whenever."
“Together, we’re removing the bulky, antiquated hurdles that make it harder for young people to invest in their physical, mental, and financial wellness,” said Massoumi. “We’re meeting them where they are—on their phones and on their schedule—so they can come together to work out with others and feel great.”
Conditions that qualify for HSA/FSA fitness fee reimbursement include:
- Autoimmune disease
- Back pain
- Cancer
- Chronic fatigue
- Diabetes
- Fibromyalgia
- High blood pressure
- Mental health conditions
- Migraines
- Obesity and heavier weight
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Pre-diabetes
- Physical injury
- Respiratory diseases
- Sleep disorders
Dr. B’s $15 online consultations are available to those 18 and older in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. Providers review consultations 365 days a year—weekends and holidays included.
About Dr. B
Dr. B’s mission is to improve the efficiency and equity of healthcare. As the only telehealth service that makes treatments affordable for anyone, Dr. B provides the most convenient way to get treatment online—including prescriptions—without leaving home. Dr. B was founded by Cyrus Massoumi, the founder of Zocdoc. It is a Public Benefit Corporation and certified B Corporation based in New York City. To learn more or sign up, visit HiDrB.com.
About FlexIt Fitness
At FlexIt, our mission is to make fitness more accessible by delivering ease, convenience, variety, optionality, and spending control to the fitness consumer through in-gym access and virtual fitness experiences—Wherever, Whenever. We offer flexible gym access as well as a variety of virtual wellness solutions. FlexIt’s gym access allows users to explore fitness clubs in their area that fit their needs and schedule. FlexIt users only pay for the time they use. FlexIt’s Virtual Personal Training is a live, in-home—or anywhere—personal training session with a certified professional.
About SoulCycle
SoulCycle is the leading lifestyle brand that redefines health and happiness through unique mind-body-soul experiences. SoulCycle was founded on a few simple ideas: That fitness could be a physical, musical, and inspirational experience, and one that you look forward to. With transformative class offerings, a devoted and loyal community, world-class, one-of-a-kind instructors, and unparalleled hospitality within our studios, SoulCycle serves an important purpose: move people to move the world. SoulCycle transformed boutique fitness with the launch of its signature indoor cycling class in New York City in 2006 and has since continued to innovate and grow for its community.
Media Contact:
Marcia Duprat, marcia@hidrb.com
Sources:
Glick, Sam. (2023). How Gen Zers are reshaping the healthcare industry. World Economic Forum.
Molenaar, Koba. (2023). 29 statistics on Gen Z spending habits you should know in 2023. Influencer Marketing Hub.
Phillips, Jak. (2023). Landmark report lifts the lid on Gen Z fitness. Les Mills.
Statista. (2022) Leading ways Generation Z consumers preferred to be contacted by brands in the United States as of June 2022.