Spending Accounts
Health and wellness spending accounts are offered at the request of employers as a flexible complement to your regular group benefits. Each plan year, your employer loads your credits into your spending account. If you have both an HSA and a WSA, you decide how to split those credits between the two accounts each year based on your needs.
If you’re unsure whether you have a health and/or wellness spending account or what package you’re enrolled in, you can log in to My ASEBP and view the Spending Account Activity tab under Benefits, or the My ASEBP Mobile App under the Benefits tab.
To get you started, watch this short video learn how to make the most of your spending accounts.
For more information about spending accounts, visit the spending account FAQ page.
Effective September 1, 2026, ASEBP refreshed the eligibility and ineligibility criteria under your WSA to keep the plan focused on health and wellness. Eligible expenses are products, services, and activities that clearly support your wellness and personal growth, or leisure pursuits that help you feel better, stay healthy, or improve your overall well-being.
Review the changes below as they may impact how you would like to allocate your spending account credits for the upcoming plan year.
Run-off period deadline*: October 30 at 11:59 p.m. MT.
*If you have HSA or WSA credits and eligible expenses from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025, you have until October 30, 2026, to submit them. Log in to My ASEBP to submit your claims.
What's Covered?
00Health Spending Account (HSA)
If you have an HSA, your employer will allocate credits (dollars) into your account, which you can use to pay for eligible health-related expenses that are not fully covered under your ASEBP benefits or provincial health care insurance plan. Your HSA also provides you with a tax advantage by using tax-free dollars to pay for eligible expenses.
Eligible Expenses
Generally, if a medical expense is eligible for reimbursement through your benefit plan with ASEBP, then it is eligible for your HSA. Most medical expenses that qualify for an HSA fall under this category. You must exhaust all of your ASEBP benefits, provincial health care insurance and other benefit plan coverage options before your expense is eligible for reimbursement under your HSA.
While ASEBP cannot confirm the exact expenses allowable under the Income Tax Act of Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does provide a list of eligible medical expenses based on their interpretation of the Act on their website. The Income Tax Act of Canada also determines the criteria for eligible dependants for HSA expenses, and the CRA includes a definition on their website. For questions about what’s covered under your HSA or dependant eligibility, please contact the CRA.
Starting September 1, 2026, services provided by an osteopath (manual osteopath, MOT, OMT, or DOMP designations) are eligible for reimbursement through your HSA account, instead of your WSA to align with your benefit coverage.
For information about submitting an HSA expense, see Submitting a Claim. For a full description of required receipt information, see Receipt Requirements.
01Wellness Spending Account (WSA)
Each plan year, your employer loads your credits into your spending account. If you have both an HSA and a WSA, you decide how to split those credits between the two accounts each year based on your needs. WSA reimbursements are taxable.
Your WSA is designed to support specific wellness-related services, products, and activities. If you allocate credits to your WSA, you can use them to pay for eligible wellness-related expenses.
Eligible expenses are products, services, and activities that clearly support your wellness and personal growth, or leisure pursuits and entertainment activities that help you feel better, stay healthy, or improve your overall well-being.
Depending on which WSA plan you have, the eligible expenses differ and offer a broader range of lifestyle and well-being expenses.
For a full description of required receipt information, see Receipt Requirements.
Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses are products, services, and activities that clearly support your wellness and personal growth, or leisure pursuits and entertainment activities that help you feel better, stay healthy, or improve your overall well-being.
Effective September 1, 2026, ASEBP refreshed the eligibility criteria for the WSA to better align with its core purpose of supporting the wellness of covered members and their dependants. Several new items are now eligible under your WSA, including a wider range of leisure pursuits, board and video games, experience-based events, and more. Shipping and handling fees will be eligible on WSA eligible purchases.
Depending on which WSA plan you have, eligible expenses for WSA include the following categories:
| WSA 1 (for other education workers) | WSA 2 (for teachers) |
|---|---|
You can check which type of wellness spending account you have by logging in to My ASEBP and viewing the Spending Account Activity tab under Benefits, or on the My ASEBP Mobile App under the My Benefits tab.
Family Care (WSA 1 & 2)
This category assists you with expenses for your child, home, and elder care. Contact a benefit specialist if you have any questions about who is considered a dependant under this category.
Some examples of eligible expenses include:
- Adoption: includes fees, seminars, and courses
- Childcare: fees for services provided by someone other than a direct family member, such as:
- Day home and daycare
- Nannies
- Day camps
- Preschool fees
- Private school fees
- After-school care programs
- Home and eldercare: Medical and/or non-medical expenses related to the care of a dependant, child, spouse or parent, such as:
- Non-medical products
- Homecare assistance
- Transportation fees (e.g., transit or school bus pass)
- Caregiver course/resources
- Cleaning services
- Respite/holiday and/or weekend care
- Retirement homes
- Day programs
Health-Related Technology (WSA 2 Only)
This category covers devices, products, and accessories that support your personal mental, physical, and fitness goals.
Some examples of covered expenses include:
- Fitness technology: Smartwatches (e.g. Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc.), smart rings, activity tracking apps, earphones and headphones, health and wellness apps, online fitness membership or subscriptions, music only subscriptions, etc.
Health Support, Fitness and Sports Activities and Equipment (WSA 1 & 2)
This category covers expenses that promote, improve, conserve, or restore the mental and/or physical well-being of you and your family.
Some examples of covered expenses include:
- Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, and supplements: Non-prescription medications, vitamins, minerals, and supplements (e.g., omega-3s, probiotics, melatonin, herbal supplements, pre/post-workout).
- Weight Management Programs, meal replacements, and protein products: Weight management programs and apps (e.g., Weight Watchers, Noom). Meal replacement shakes and protein powders are only eligible when tied to a weight management program or chronic medical conditions like Crohn’s. Food items (e.g. energy bars, protein bars, and vitamin drinks) are excluded.
- Alternative services, treatments, and therapies: Treatments that promote health and wellness not covered by your group benefits or HSA, such as reflexologists, life coaches, reiki therapists, and hypnologists.
- Devices and products: Aids that promote health and wellness, that are not eligible under the EHC or HSA benefit (e.g., air purifiers, cold compression therapy units, maternity supports, sensory aids, safety equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, and other medical products).
- Equipment: Gear and apparel for sports and fitness activities (e.g., bicycles, weights, home gym equipment, athletic clothing and shoes, and fishing equipment).
- Sports, or other fitness activities: Registration fees, memberships, and classes for physical activities. Team sports and fitness classes, golf memberships, sailing lessons, camping fees.
New items that are eligible to claim as of September 1, 2026:
- Computer and video games, consoles, and accessories: Video gaming products (e.g., controllers, handheld games, consoles, Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, games, and gaming subscriptions).
- Leisure pursuits: Supplies, equipment, and lessons for activities pursued for creative expression, musical interest, or personal fulfillment (e.g., art, crafting, music lessons, reading, and learning new languages) that contribute to overall well-being.
- Experience-based events: Admission or tickets for one-time experiences that support well-being (e.g., amusement parks, zoos, concerts, theatre, museums, live sporting events, science centres, and guided tours).
Professional Development (WSA 1 Only)
This category is intended to financially support you and your dependents in pursuing continuous learning and professional development. Professional development encompasses activities that enhance skills and knowledge relevant to a specific profession.
Some examples of covered expenses include:
- Professional fees: Licensing, association registration and fees, membership dues related to your career.
- Training: Online or in-person courses, seminars, conferences, or classes provided by an accredited educational institution and related to professional development, including required books or text. Professional journals and subscriptions directly related to the enhancement of skills, job competencies, etc.
- Travelling for conferences and seminars: Accommodations, flights, meals, and parking fees.
Technology (WSA 1 Only)
This category is intended to assist you with purchasing computers, laptops, tablets, software and related accessories. Computer related software and hardware are also eligible.
Some examples of covered expenses include:
- Hardware and accessories: Computers and accessories (e.g., monitors, speakers, printers), tablets and accessories (e.g., iPads), smartphones, e-readers (e.g., Kobo, Kindle), and setup fees, maintenance, repairs, warranty, and protection plans.
- Software and subscriptions: Adobe Creative, MS Office, anti-virus software, grammar and writing assistance, tax software, etc.
- Networking: Internet services, setup and installation fees, equipment and accessories (e.g. routers, modems, WiFi adapters and boosters).
- Fitness technology: Smartwatches (e.g. Fitbit, Apple Watch), smart rings, activity tracking apps, earphones and headphones, health and wellness apps, online fitness membership or subscriptions, music subscriptions, etc.
Transportation (WSA 1 Only)
This category is intended to cover expenses you incur for commuting to work.
Types of covered expenses include:
- Transit passes
- Parking fees
01
Health Spending Account (HSA)
If you have an HSA, your employer will allocate credits (dollars) into your account, which you can use to pay for eligible health-related expenses that are not fully covered under your ASEBP benefits or provincial health care insurance plan. Your HSA also provides you with a tax advantage by using tax-free dollars to pay for eligible expenses.
Eligible Expenses
Generally, if a medical expense is eligible for reimbursement through your benefit plan with ASEBP, then it is eligible for your HSA. Most medical expenses that qualify for an HSA fall under this category. You must exhaust all of your ASEBP benefits, provincial health care insurance and other benefit plan coverage options before your expense is eligible for reimbursement under your HSA.
While ASEBP cannot confirm the exact expenses allowable under the Income Tax Act of Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does provide a list of eligible medical expenses based on their interpretation of the Act on their website. The Income Tax Act of Canada also determines the criteria for eligible dependants for HSA expenses, and the CRA includes a definition on their website. For questions about what’s covered under your HSA or dependant eligibility, please contact the CRA.
Starting September 1, 2026, services provided by an osteopath (manual osteopath, MOT, OMT, or DOMP designations) are eligible for reimbursement through your HSA account, instead of your WSA to align with your benefit coverage.
For information about submitting an HSA expense, see Submitting a Claim. For a full description of required receipt information, see Receipt Requirements.
02
Wellness Spending Account (WSA)
Each plan year, your employer loads your credits into your spending account. If you have both an HSA and a WSA, you decide how to split those credits between the two accounts each year based on your needs. WSA reimbursements are taxable.
Your WSA is designed to support specific wellness-related services, products, and activities. If you allocate credits to your WSA, you can use them to pay for eligible wellness-related expenses.
Eligible expenses are products, services, and activities that clearly support your wellness and personal growth, or leisure pursuits and entertainment activities that help you feel better, stay healthy, or improve your overall well-being.
Depending on which WSA plan you have, the eligible expenses differ and offer a broader range of lifestyle and well-being expenses.
For a full description of required receipt information, see Receipt Requirements.
Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses are products, services, and activities that clearly support your wellness and personal growth, or leisure pursuits and entertainment activities that help you feel better, stay healthy, or improve your overall well-being.
Effective September 1, 2026, ASEBP refreshed the eligibility criteria for the WSA to better align with its core purpose of supporting the wellness of covered members and their dependants. Several new items are now eligible under your WSA, including a wider range of leisure pursuits, board and video games, experience-based events, and more. Shipping and handling fees will be eligible on WSA eligible purchases.
Depending on which WSA plan you have, eligible expenses for WSA include the following categories:
| WSA 1 (for other education workers) | WSA 2 (for teachers) |
|---|---|
You can check which type of wellness spending account you have by logging in to My ASEBP and viewing the Spending Account Activity tab under Benefits, or on the My ASEBP Mobile App under the My Benefits tab.
Family Care (WSA 1 & 2)
This category assists you with expenses for your child, home, and elder care. Contact a benefit specialist if you have any questions about who is considered a dependant under this category.
Some examples of eligible expenses include:
- Adoption: includes fees, seminars, and courses
- Childcare: fees for services provided by someone other than a direct family member, such as:
- Day home and daycare
- Nannies
- Day camps
- Preschool fees
- Private school fees
- After-school care programs
- Home and eldercare: Medical and/or non-medical expenses related to the care of a dependant, child, spouse or parent, such as:
- Non-medical products
- Homecare assistance
- Transportation fees (e.g., transit or school bus pass)
- Caregiver course/resources
- Cleaning services
- Respite/holiday and/or weekend care
- Retirement homes
- Day programs
Health-Related Technology (WSA 2 Only)
This category covers devices, products, and accessories that support your personal mental, physical, and fitness goals.
Some examples of covered expenses include:
- Fitness technology: Smartwatches (e.g. Fitbit, Apple Watch, etc.), smart rings, activity tracking apps, earphones and headphones, health and wellness apps, online fitness membership or subscriptions, music only subscriptions, etc.
Health Support, Fitness and Sports Activities and Equipment (WSA 1 & 2)
This category covers expenses that promote, improve, conserve, or restore the mental and/or physical well-being of you and your family.
Some examples of covered expenses include:
- Over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, and supplements: Non-prescription medications, vitamins, minerals, and supplements (e.g., omega-3s, probiotics, melatonin, herbal supplements, pre/post-workout).
- Weight Management Programs, meal replacements, and protein products: Weight management programs and apps (e.g., Weight Watchers, Noom). Meal replacement shakes and protein powders are only eligible when tied to a weight management program or chronic medical conditions like Crohn’s. Food items (e.g. energy bars, protein bars, and vitamin drinks) are excluded.
- Alternative services, treatments, and therapies: Treatments that promote health and wellness not covered by your group benefits or HSA, such as reflexologists, life coaches, reiki therapists, and hypnologists.
- Devices and products: Aids that promote health and wellness, that are not eligible under the EHC or HSA benefit (e.g., air purifiers, cold compression therapy units, maternity supports, sensory aids, safety equipment, Personal Protective Equipment, and other medical products).
- Equipment: Gear and apparel for sports and fitness activities (e.g., bicycles, weights, home gym equipment, athletic clothing and shoes, and fishing equipment).
- Sports, or other fitness activities: Registration fees, memberships, and classes for physical activities. Team sports and fitness classes, golf memberships, sailing lessons, camping fees.
New items that are eligible to claim as of September 1, 2026:
- Computer and video games, consoles, and accessories: Video gaming products (e.g., controllers, handheld games, consoles, Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, games, and gaming subscriptions).
- Leisure pursuits: Supplies, equipment, and lessons for activities pursued for creative expression, musical interest, or personal fulfillment (e.g., art, crafting, music lessons, reading, and learning new languages) that contribute to overall well-being.
- Experience-based events: Admission or tickets for one-time experiences that support well-being (e.g., amusement parks, zoos, concerts, theatre, museums, live sporting events, science centres, and guided tours).
Professional Development (WSA 1 Only)
This category is intended to financially support you and your dependents in pursuing continuous learning and professional development. Professional development encompasses activities that enhance skills and knowledge relevant to a specific profession.
Some examples of covered expenses include:
- Professional fees: Licensing, association registration and fees, membership dues related to your career.
- Training: Online or in-person courses, seminars, conferences, or classes provided by an accredited educational institution and related to professional development, including required books or text. Professional journals and subscriptions directly related to the enhancement of skills, job competencies, etc.
- Travelling for conferences and seminars: Accommodations, flights, meals, and parking fees.
Technology (WSA 1 Only)
This category is intended to assist you with purchasing computers, laptops, tablets, software and related accessories. Computer related software and hardware are also eligible.
Some examples of covered expenses include:
- Hardware and accessories: Computers and accessories (e.g., monitors, speakers, printers), tablets and accessories (e.g., iPads), smartphones, e-readers (e.g., Kobo, Kindle), and setup fees, maintenance, repairs, warranty, and protection plans.
- Software and subscriptions: Adobe Creative, MS Office, anti-virus software, grammar and writing assistance, tax software, etc.
- Networking: Internet services, setup and installation fees, equipment and accessories (e.g. routers, modems, WiFi adapters and boosters).
- Fitness technology: Smartwatches (e.g. Fitbit, Apple Watch), smart rings, activity tracking apps, earphones and headphones, health and wellness apps, online fitness membership or subscriptions, music subscriptions, etc.
Transportation (WSA 1 Only)
This category is intended to cover expenses you incur for commuting to work.
Types of covered expenses include:
- Transit passes
- Parking fees
What's not covered?
HSA
Under the Income Tax Act of Canada, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) provides a list of eligible medical expenses based on their interpretation of the Act on their website. If you are curious about a particular expense and can’t find it listed, please contact the CRA to confirm its eligibility.
WSA
The following are a number of products and services not covered under the plan.
Note that this list is not exhaustive.
- Common daily living expenses are considered basic living costs and will not be reimbursed. Expenses associated with routine, household, or personal use such as groceries, pet care, or vehicle maintenance are ineligible. Some examples of common daily living expenses are:
- Entertainment and video/TV streaming platforms
- Family and personal items (e.g., toys, clothing, menstrual products, journals, bug spray)
- Food and dining expenses (e.g., groceries, baby formula, hydration powders, meal replacement drinks that are not part of a weight management program or for a chronic condition)
- Housing and related expenses (e.g., furniture, kitchen appliances, power tools, bed sheets, hot tubs)
- Pets, livestock, and related care
- Vacation and travel expenses
- Vehicle purchase, fuel, maintenance, etc.
- Cosmetic services and procedures
- Health-related expenses that would be covered under the HSA
- Restricted and regulated items, such as:
- Alcohol and recreational drugs
- Gambling apps and activities
- Weapons (as defined by the RCMP, related accessories, courses, licenses, etc.)*
*ASEBP reserves the right to decide what sporting equipment may classify as a weapon.