Medicare Advantage And Medicare Supplement Plans May Cover Silversneakers
SilverSneakers is considered a basic fitness service and Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, does not cover this as part of the many health benefits. However, Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, and Medicare Supplement plans may provide this health benefit. To see if your current Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan includes the SilverSneakers program, contact your health or medical plan directly, or visit the SilverSneakers online health plan finder to check.
Medicare And Silversneakers: Whats Covered
Original Medicare doesnt cover fitness programs or gym memberships. Unfortunately, that means SilverSneakers isnt covered under Original Medicare.
If you want to join SilverSneakers and have Original Medicare, youll have to pay 100% of the out-of-pocket costs.
But heres the secret: you can get full coverage for the SilverSneakers fitness program with a private Medicare plan.
How Do I Get A Silver Sneakers Card
As a Medicare Advantage plan member you will receive a membership card for your health benefits and a separate Silver Sneakers card.
**Tip If you lose your Silver Sneakers card, you can show your current Medicare Advantage card at the gym, so dont worry!
The system will recognize that you are a member with a participating Medicare Advantage plan and automatically issue you a 16-digit Silver Sneakers card number. Below is what the Silver Sneakers card form looks like.
Do you need to get a new Medicare Silver Sneakers card if you change your Medicare plan?
If you change your Medicare Advantage plan, your account will be transferred to the new health plan within Silver Sneakers. There is nothing you need to do other than keep exercising and enjoying your Silver Sneakers fitness benefits.
Here is an example Silver Sneakers card
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What Kinds Of Fitness Classes Does Silversneakers Offer
SilverSneakers has a lot of classes available for every physical activity level. Whether its a stability class to improve balance and prevent falls, a water exercise class for low-impact aerobic workouts, a yoga class to increase flexibility, or an athletic, upper-body conditioning class to build strength, SilverSneakers offers quite a few options.
If youd rather work out from home, there are also SilverSneakers on-demand videos, and an app called SilverSneakers GO that includes exercise videos.
If you want the community and the classes but dont care for the gym environment, the SilverSneakers program offers more than 70 kinds of classes through its FLEX networkin churches, community centers, or recreation centers.2 In addition to being outside a gym , FLEX classes are typically smaller than gym offerings, and the instructors personal contact info is available for students to call and ask questionsor just get to know them. You can see what FLEX classes are available in your area with their FLEX locator tool.
How Can I Find A Medicare Plan With Silver Sneakers
If you are eligible for Medicare, you may select to enroll in an advantage or supplement plan which includes Silver Sneakers benefits, if it is available in your geographic area. The program is currently included in many Medicare advantage, Medicare supplement and group retiree plans nationwide. You may use the SilverSneakers Health Plan Locator to find out which plans currently offer Silver Sneakers benefits. Perhaps you will even find out that you have the SilverSneakers benefit already included in your current Medicare health plan? If not, you may be able switch to a plan in your area that offers this fun way of staying healthy for seniors.
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Who Is Eligible For Silversneakers
If youre a beneficiary under 65, you may qualify for an Advantage plan with SilverSneakers. There is NO age requirement!
The program requires the following:
- Enrollment in a plan that includes a membership
- If the gym membership costs an extra fee, you must pay the premium.
But, a plan must be available in your area. Some areas have a few options. While the program is helpful, its not suitable for everyone.
For example, those in Charleston, South Carolina might have more options than those in more rural areas.
If the company you want doesnt offer the program, call one us at the number above to find a solution.
Wellness Resources And Services
Posted: Dec 16, 2021 · The following preventive services are covered by your Medicare Advantage plan for a $0 copay when you visit your in-network primary care provider: Alcohol misuse screening and counseling. Bone mass measurement Breast cancer screening Cardiovascular disease Cardiovascular
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What Are The Eligibility Requirements
SilverSneakers is not a program affiliated with or administered by Medicare its privately owned and run. So, it is not available through your Original Medicare coverage. You must have one of 60-plus specific Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or group retiree health plans to qualify for membership.
The program caters to adults aged 65 and over, but it is also available to younger people with Medicare plans.
Program Basics And Details
The basic mission of SilverSneakers is to increase health, mobility and overall quality of life for adults over 65.
This includes gym access, fitness program, and even social activity.
Membership into SilverSneakers provides all these benefits:
If it has been years since you have stepped inside a gym, it can be intimidating. SilverSneakers removes that barrier by providing a specific program for people in your age group. Introductory classes designed to comfortably introduced you to equipment and fitness classes are available. In fact, you dont even have to step inside a gym to take advantage of the program. Within the SilverSneakers program is the FLEX network. FLEX is a collection of exercise classes provided by churches, recreation centers, and senior communities.
You are not limited by location either. You can participate in any facility that is part of the SilverSneakers network. If there are two fitness centers within range of your house, you can use the pool at one and the weight machines at another. There is no restriction.
Silver Sneakers offers other benefits beyond the basic membership. Some of those benefits due require extra fees that your insurance carrier may not provide. For example, personal training, tanning, and massage are often extras available for a reduced charge.
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What Is Silver Sneakers & Why Should I Be Interested
More than 60 health plans nationwide have partnered with Silver Sneakers to include this valuable benefit. Some of these include AARP Silver Sneakers , but they have discontinued this relationship in several states.
Many Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage insurance plans include this benefit at no extra cost.
Is Silver Sneakers Free For Seniors
Silver Sneakers is a completely free to use fitness program for Medicare beneficiaries. Seniors across the nation with a Silver Sneakers membership have unlimited access to over 14,000 gym locations where they can participate in healthy physical activity.
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What If My Plan Doesnt Include Silversneakers
Its in everyones best interests for insurance plans to offer fitness benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health, exercise protects against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and can even help prevent some forms of cancer. It also improves mental health and contributes to a better quality of life. For these reasons, its not surprising that a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study showed almost one-half of all U.S. workplaces include fitness benefits in their health plans.
SilverSneakers is a subsidiary of Tivity Health, the company behind Nutrisystem, Prime Fitness, and Wisely Well brands. Although its the largest company offering Medicare fitness programs, it competes against programs such as Active & Fit Direct and Silver & Fit.
Insurers that want to offer fitness benefits choose the program that makes the most sense for their members. Some insurance companies develop their own fitness networks. For instance, UnitedHealthcare recently scaled back its participation in SilverSneakers in favor of Renew Active, a new fitness program created exclusively for UHC Medicare Advantage members.
If your Medicare plan doesnt offer SilverSneakers, it may offer one of the other fitness programs. You may even get fitness benefits with your life insurance policy: For example, John Hancocks Vitality Program rewards policyholders who participate in an active lifestyle.
Mutual Of Omaha Senior Fitness Benefits
Recently, Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage plans began a wellness initiative with the Tivity Healths Prime Fitness network of over 10,000 workout locations. With the help of a mobile app, customers have access to many resources.
Further, the wellness program includes complementary and alternative medicine services like chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more. The program has a discount network with over 20,000 doctors.
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How Much Does It Cost
The SilverSneakers program is a free extra benefit for many Medicare Advantage plans and some Medicare Supplement plans . These plans all have different prices, but fitness benefits will never be offered for a fee. The price of these plans can vary a lot depending on your location and other factors, so it is useful to compare them locally.
You can think of the cost of SilverSneakers and similar plans in two specific ways, aside from the price of the plans. First, Silver Sneakers can save you money on the services you use: gym memberships, classes, and so on. Also, SilverSneakers and other programs can help to reduce future medical expenses by improving your health and fitness levels. This can result in lower healthcare costs.
Question #: How Do I Find A Location Or Class And Can I Go To More Than One
To find participating fitness locations or classes in the SilverSneakers network near you, use our location tool, or download the SilverSneakers GO app .
We recommend that you check with locations directly to find out about their hours and class schedules.
And yes, you can go to any participating location or class you like in the SilverSneakers network, even if youre traveling.
For example, you can use weights or exercise machines at one location, swim in the pool at another location, and take a SilverSneakers or FLEX class at a third location.
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What Insurance Plans Include Silver Sneakers Does Medicare
Posted: Silver Sneakers is a gym and fitness membership organization for those age 65 and older. It partners with several health insurance plans in order to offer unlimited gym access to over 13,000 locations across the country. This program also offers free fitness classes to accommodate all levels of experience.
Medicare Advantage Plans Including Silver Sneakers
There are many, manyMedicare Advantage plans affiliated with Silver Sneakers. Your options will depend on where you purchase your insurance. If you would like to see which insurance companies in your state include this plan, view theparticipating health plans here.
Its not uncommon to see both large and small insurance companies include this popular benefit. Large carriers like Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Coventry, Gateway, Humana, United Healthcare and WellCare participate in most states.
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How Do I Qualify For Silver Sneakers
Even though Silver Sneakers is for people who have Medicare, you actually dont qualify simply because you have enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B.
The only way to get a Silver Sneakers membership is by enrolling in Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, or a Medicare Supplement plan.
A majority of the plans that include Silver Sneakers will be Medicare Advantage plans but you can find some Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans that include Silver Sneakers.
Every insurance company will have a different plan that could include the Silver Sneakers program so it is important to ask about this up front.
However, keep in mind that your coverage can change yearly so be sure to look at your Annual Notice Of Change letter when it arrives.
If you are counting on the Silver Sneakers plan you want to make sure it is still available with the coverage you have.
Enroll In The Silversneakers Through Your Insurance Program Before Visiting The Front Desk To Sign Up For A Membership
We will need a 16-digit code provided to you after enrollment in order to complete your membership enrollment.
If you would like to download and fill out our form/waiver before visiting the facility, please click the button below and print it out. Otherwise, we have forms available at the front desk.
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If Your Plan Does Not Offer Silver Sneakers Call The Plans Customer Service Department And Ask When It Will Add This Valuable Benefit
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage The link below will take you to the Site. Blue Cross
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage, a plan that offers all of the coverage of Original Medicare plus benefits not covered by Medicare or most Medicare Supplement insurance plans, including built-in prescription drug coverage. Think of it is as an all-in-one plan.
Whether youre new to Medicare or thinking about switching plans, here are some important things to consider before choosing Blue Cross Medicare Advantage.
- Be sure you are eligible for Medicare. Your primary residence must be in Cook, DuPage, Kane or Will counties to enroll in Blue Cross Medicare Advantage.
- If youre eligible for Medicare and planning to retire, speak with your benefits administrator at work about your benefit options.
- Learn how Medicare Advantage works.
- Review the 2014 Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan benefits and built-in drug coverage below.
- If youd like to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure youre aware of enrollment periods. Members may enroll in the plan only during specific times of the year.
- If you are becoming Medicare eligible and looking for coverage for the 2014 calendar year, you can enroll in a 2014 plan until 11/30/14.
AARP MedicareComplete®
Availability of the SilverSneakers program varies by plan/market.
Phone: 643-4845
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Why Take Advantage Of The Program
SilverSneakers is designed to help older adults stay physically fit and socially active. Membership provides access to more than 15,000 participating locations nationwide, including gyms, wellness centers and YMCAs.
You can visit the SilverSneakers official website to find a participating location near you.
SilverSneakers locations offer fitness classes targeted towards aging adults, including:
- Senior sports teams or recreational leagues
- Outdoor exercise activities
In addition, the Silver Steps program provides seniors who live in more rural areas access to personalized workout programs they can do from home and an online component to help keep members connected and motivated to stay healthy.
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What Is Silver Sneakers
Silver Sneakers is a private health and fitness membership program designed for seniors. Itâs available at no cost to those enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage plan. There are over 16,000 participating Silver Sneaker gym facilities and 70 different types of health and fitness classes available nationwide.
If you join the Silver Sneakers program through a Medicare Advantage plan, you get a no-cost basic gym membership at any participating fitness center across the country. You can also take Silver Sneakers classes, which may include everything from cardio to tai chi to yoga, at no cost. The Silver Sneakers Flex classes are a new type of community-based exercise class that take place both inside the gym and outdoors at places like public parks and walking paths.
Question #: What Is Silversneakers
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ thats included with many Medicare Plans.
SilverSneakers members can:
- Take fun exercise classes designed for seniors of all fitness levels and led by trained instructors.
- Go to thousands of gyms, community centers, and other participating fitness locations across the nation.
- Find a friendly, supportive community in person and online.
The goal? To help you stay strong in body, mind, and spirit. Regular physical activity keeps your heart, brain, bones, muscles, and joints healthy.
If you have a chronic condition like arthritis, diabetes, or osteoporosis, safe exercise can help you feel better. Plus, staying social is vital to good health.
According to SilverSneakers members, it works. In fact, 94 percent of members rate their health as excellent, very good, or good. And 88 percent say SilverSneakers has improved their quality of life.
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Youll Build Social Connections
Social connection also plays a key role in keeping you healthy, managing stress, and may even improve memory. SilverSneakers offers a community of like-minded folks who support one another in exercise and life. Plus, the camaraderie of SilverSneakers classes can keep you coming back. In fact, nearly 50 percent of active members say they are motivated to continue exercising because they found a friend through SilverSneakers.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your SilverSneakers eligibility instantly here.
Article compliments of SilverSneakers®, a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ and included with select Medicare plans at no extra cost. SilverSneakers members get access to thousands of fitness locations nationwide and online classes for seniors of all fitness levels. Learn more at silversneakers.com
Did you know that with Original Medicare there is no limit to how much you spend out of pocket each year? eHealth can help you find coverage that puts a yearly cap on your spending!
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Which Insurance Companies Offer Silversneakers
Some of the health insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans offer at least one plan that includes SilverSneakers membership.
Some Medicare Advantage plan carriers that you may consider include:
For California residents, CA-Do Not Sell My Personal Info, .
MedicareAdvantage.com is a website owned and operated by TZ Insurance Solutions LLC. TZ Insurance Solutions LLC and TruBridge, Inc. represent Medicare Advantage Organizations and Prescription Drug Plans having Medicare contracts enrollment in any plan depends upon contract renewal.
The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Callers will be directed to a licensed insurance agent with TZ Insurance Solutions LLC, TruBridge, Inc. and/or a third-party partner who can provide more information about Medicare Advantage Plans offered by one or several Medicare-contracted carrier. TZ Insurance Solutions LLC, TruBridge, Inc., and the licensed sales agents that may call you are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE , 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.
Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
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