Should Silver Sneakers Coverage Impact Your Medicare Coverage Choices
No. While Silver Sneakers is a great plan, you should not make health insurance choices based on the program itself. You should always choose your Medicare plan and evaluate your Medicare coverage options based on your medical and health needs. Making sure your doctor is in-network or that your prescriptions and pharmacy are in-network is always more important than selecting a plan for the non-Medicare related benefits. There are a few reasons why.
What Is The Silver Sneakers Fitness Program That Aarp Offers
The Silver Sneakers Fitness program is a value added no-cost program offered to AARP Medicare Supplement insurance members. The Silver Sneakers program encourages healthy and active living. Members get a basic health club membership which gives them access to over 9,000 participating health centers across the nation. Members can access the health clubs in their home state and even when they travel around the country. Its an excellent program for snow birds that dont want to maintain or pay for two gym memberships.
Members participate in classes specifically designed for seniors. The signature classes are taught by certified trainers. Classes to teach seniors how to managing diabetes, quit smoking and lose weight are quite successful. Besides the signature classes reserved for Silver Sneakers members, members also have free access to the clubs treadmills, weights, heated pools and additional fitness classes that are offered to general members.
Which Parts Of Medicare Cover Silversneakers
Original Medicare does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs. Since SilverSneakers falls under this category, original Medicare doesnt cover it.
However, gym memberships and fitness programs, including SilverSneakers, are often covered as an additional benefit in Medicare Part C plans.
Private insurance companies approved by Medicare offer these plans.
Part C plans include the benefits covered by Parts A and B. They also typically have additional benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
Some Medigap policies will also cover gym memberships and fitness programs. Like Part C plans, private insurance companies offer Medigap plans. Medigap plans help to cover costs that original Medicare doesnt.
SilverSneakers members have access to the included benefits free of charge. Youll have to pay for anything that isnt covered in the SilverSneakers program.
If youre unsure about whats included at a specific gym, be sure to ask.
Additionally, its important to note that the specific amenities and classes available to you can vary by gym. You may have to search for a participating gym that meets your specific fitness needs.
SilverSneakers is a fitness program specifically geared toward older adults. It includes:
- access to gym facilities
Don’t Miss: How To Reserve Nike Shoes
Here’s Why Medicare Plans With Silversneakers Are So Popular
If youre new to Medicare, you might be wondering, What is SilverSneakers®? Well, its a fitness program for seniors that comes with qualifying Medicare health plans and provides access to thousands of fitness locations across the country.
From weights and machines to group classes led by trained instructors, SilverSneakers has something for everyone at all levels of ability.
What’s so great about SilverSneakers?
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.
You May Like: What Shoes To Wear For Whitewater Rafting
I Have Silversneakers And Have Access To Three Gyms But I Have No Transportation What Can I Do
Unfortunately, it does not look like SilverSneakers® offers transportation at this time. However, you do have options.
You can start by downloading the SilverSneakers® GO app, which includes exercises and activities that you can do from home.
You can also check with your Medicare Advantage plan to see if they offer transportation benefits, or find out if your city or county offers transportation that can get you to a gym.
For more information about Medicare transportation benefits, .
Which Insurance Companies Cover Silver Sneakers
Health insurance companies vary depending on where beneficiaries live. However, common insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans include Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Anthem Blue Cross. To find out if a beneficiary has a Silver Sneakers membership included in their MA plan, they should speak with a licensed insurance provider. To locate and enroll in an MA plan that includes a Silver Sneakers membership, beneficiaries should use the Medicare Advantage plan comparison tool.
Note: Seeking out licensed insurance agent support is the best method to understand exactly what benefits are offered in many Medicare Advantage plans. Ones insurance company will be able to break down any and all components and aspects included in various affordable medicare plans.
Recommended Reading: Top Menâs Luxury Sneakers
Don’t Miss: How To Clean Xero Shoes
How Do I Get Silver Sneakers
If you arent sure, just ask your agent while considering your options. Sometimes we cannot disclose all perks offered by an insurance company so as not to inadvertently steer clients one way or the other.
Of course, Silver Sneakers is one of the biggest perks and some of our clients will choose a carrier based on this benefit alone. Its important to crunch the numbers, however. If you frequently use the gym and a membership will save you $60 a month, then it might be an easy decision. But if you dont use the gym often you might benefit from a lower cost Medicare plan that does not offer this benefit. We can help compare your best options.
Here are a few FAQs that will help you:
How Does The Silversneakers Medicare Program Work
The SilverSneakers Medicare program is available only through select Medicare Advantage plans or a few Medicare Supplement plans. Once you get on a qualifying Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, youll sign up for the SilverSneakers program and receive a card with a 16-digit number. This number will give you immediate entry to all the classes and equipment the SilverSneakers Medicare program offers.
To see if your current Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan grants you SilverSneakers eligibility, you can use the instant SilverSneakers eligibility checker.
Recommended Reading: How To Polish Brown Shoes
What Other Benefits May Be Available From An Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan
A SilverSneakers membership is just one of the many benefits that may be available in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan. Some of the additional perks may include:
- Concierge services to help you find local health-related resources
- A 24-hour nurse hotline
- Home delivery of prescription medications
- Dental, vision and hearing coverage
- Discounts on over-the-counter health products like vitamins or cold medicine
- Home-delivered meals following a hospital stay
All of Aetnas Medicare Advantage plans include all coverage found under Medicare Part A and Part B.
Why Do Medicare Plans Offer A Silversneakers Benefit
Many insurance companies have started offering unique benefits and incentives to those who are working to improve their health through fitness and diet.
For example, the Attain by Aetna program is built around customizing your activity goals, such as how many steps you take or how many laps you swim. The weekly challenges are issued through the Apple Watch, and the points you earn by completing the challenges can be used to actually pay for said Apple Watch.
You also have life insurance companies like John Hancock, who have put together a âVitality Program,â which gives policyholders the chance to reduce premiums by up to 15% for living a healthy life. You can earn rewards like Amazon discounts, an Apple Watch, a Fitbit device, and even a Vitality Healthy Food benefit with up to $600 in annual savings on healthy food purchases.
Many insurance companies recognize the value of encouraging their policyholders to stay on top of their health. The SilverSneakers® program is just one more way for insurance companies to help their members stay healthy for longer.
Healthier members mean lower medical bills, which ultimately saves the insurance company money in the long run. Thatâs the idea, anyway.
Their program has also had a âsignificant impactâ on social isolation and loneliness.
Best of all, SilverSneakers® reports that group exercise class attendees have $2,144 lower average healthcare costs than matched non-enrollees after only a single year in the program .
Also Check: Can I Sell Shoes On Amazon
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.
What Silversneakers Benefits Can A Wellcare Medicare Plan Cover
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed specifically for older adults. In addition to a basic gym membership, the program includes several senior-focused fitness groups, clubs and activities such as:
- Brain health workouts
- Stress management
There are more than 15,000 participating gyms and fitness centers throughout the U.S. that host SilverSneakers programs, and members can enjoy access to any amenities included with a basic membership at those facilities.
Some exercise classes may even be available outside of gyms, in other areas like parks or senior centers. And if you dont live near a SilverSneakers facility, you may still participate virtually from your own home using online videos and live online fitness classes. The SilverSneakers home workout kit includes a Fitbit fitness tracker as an included benefit.
SilverSneakers also features a mobile app to track and schedule activities and to access discounts on healthy living products.
SilverSneakers is included as a benefit in many Medicare Advantage plans, often at no added cost. You may search for a participating SilverSneakers location near you.
Wellcare is one of many insurance companies to cover SilverSneakers as an included benefit in many Medicare Advantage plans. Some insurance carriers may offer similar programs that operate under a different name but provide similar fitness benefits, such as the Silver & Fit program.
Don’t Miss: How To Pronounce Schutz Shoes
What Insurance Plans Include The Silversneakers Fitness Program
SilverSneakers is a popular fitness program offered through select Medicare plans to adults ages 65 or older. Members get access to exercise classes and events held at their local gyms or fitness facilities.
Members can also participate from home using the programs on-demand video library.
The program is not covered by all parts of Medicare, and not every private insurance provider offers it as a benefit. In this guide, we will outline which providers include it in their coverage, what parts of Medicare cover it, program eligibility and more.
Several large health insurance companies provide SilverSneakers membership at no cost to enrollees.
Staying In Shape And Feeling Good Is Important At Any Age
Do you want to:
- help improve your blood pressure and bone health?
- better manage conditions such as diabetes or arthritis?
- take advantage of exercise and activity options at the gym, in classes and through videos at home?
- meet other active folks and make new friends?
Recommended Reading: Are Dr Scholl’s Shoes Comfortable
Medicare Supplements With Silver Sneakers Membership
As a rule of thumb, more Medicare Advantage plans offer Silver Sneakers than doMedicare supplement policies. Membership availability will depend on the State where you live. Its more common to see larger insurance Medicare supplement providers offering this benefit. Many smaller companies will not.
Popular insurance companies like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare , and Medical Mutual of Ohio offer this program in many states. This benefit does not cost extra. It is included as part of your overall monthly premiums.
Taking it a step further, Silver Sneakers is one of the very few benefits that Medicare supplement insurance companies are allowed to include at no additional cost. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, supplemental policies cannot include many ancillary benefits. Gym memberships are one of the few free service available.
Find The Cheapest Insurance Quotes In Your Area
Silver Sneakers Medicare program is one of the best extra benefits offered through Medicare Advantage plans and select Medigap plans across the United States. A recent survey showed nearly 70% of those on Medicare Advantage plans chose their plan based on the simple fact they would receive a Silver Sneakers membership to keep their fitness levels and physical activity a top priority. Its no wonder why more Medigap companies are beginning to offer Silver Sneakers with their Plan G and Plan F.
An awareness of personal health and wellness is spreading more than ever due to the advancements in medicine and technology. More and more people are living with pre-existing health conditions and Silver Sneakers is playing a major role in that.
As with most things related to Medicare, there are a lot of details and Silver Sneakers is no different. This guide will help not only serve as an ongoing resource but also educate you on the following elements of the Medicare Silver Sneakers program. Be sure to click the button to bookmark this page for reference in the future!
Also Check: What Shoe Places Use Afterpay
About Tivity Health Inc
Tivity Health®, Inc. is a leading provider of health improvement, nutrition, fitness, and social engagement solutions at scale to improve clinical outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and create opportunities to feel better, work better and live better. With decades of clinical and operational expertise, the Company touches millions of consumers through its integrated portfolio of brands and works directly with hundreds of healthcare practitioners and many of the nations largest payers and employers. Tens of millions of Americans are currently eligible for Tivity Healths SilverSneakers®, Prime® Fitness, WholeHealth Living, and flip50 programs and millions of people have lost weight with Nutrisystem®, South Beach Diet® and DNA BodyBlueprint. As part of its commitment to tackling social isolation and loneliness, in 2017, Tivity Health launched a rural aging initiative to address challenges unique to older adults in rural communities. Learn more at http://www.tivityhealth.com/
How Can I Find A Silver Sneakers Near Me
Finding a Medicare Silver Sneakers gym near you is extremely simple using the following process.
Step 1: The easiest way to find silver sneakers near me if to go to the Silver Sneakers website and open its location search page.
Step 2: Enter your state, city, ZIP code or full address
Step 3: Choose the Medicare Silver Sneakers location of your choice
You May Like: Tory Burch Beach Flip Flops
Medicare And Gyms: Silver Sneakers And Alternative Gym Programs
Every Senior knows that exercising is one of the healthiest activities to take on once becoming Medicare eligible. Joining a gym is a great way to work out but who will pay for it? With Silver Sneakers or a similar gym benefit, you may find that your Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan will.
We will go over how Silver Sneakers allows anyone with a participating Medigap or Medicare Advantage can access to gyms with little or no additional fees. We will show you how to enroll and review some lessor known free gym alternatives for those who are Medicare eligible.
Find Out If Youre Eligible For Silversneakers
What are the SilverSneakers eligibility requirements?
In order to be eligible for the SilverSneakers Fitness program, you must be:
- Living in the U.S.
- Enrolled in a private Medicare plan that offers the SilverSneakers benefit
To be eligible for SilverSneakers, you must join a participating Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan.
If you are already enrolled in one of those types of private insurance plans, you can visit SilverSneakers.com to see if your current plan offers the program.
Read Also: Where To Buy Dansko Nursing Shoes
Which Medicare Advantage Plans Have Silversneakers
While some companies are more notorious for offering fitness benefits, our agents can usually find solutions to any preference.
Many Advantage plans provide gym benefits to their members, although not every plan or service area offers this benefit.
Some of the major carriers that provide SilverSneakers are:
Donât Miss: Sneakers For Nurses And Doctors
