Is Silver& Fit The Same As Silversneakers
SilverSneakers is perhaps the most widely used fitness program included in many Medicare insurance plans, but its not the only one.
Silver& Fit is a program like SilverSneakers that is included in Medicare plans by some carriers. While the programs are sure to have their subtle differences, they are very similar in what they offer.
What Medicare Supplement Plans Include Silversneakers
Most Medicare Supplements do not offer SilverSneakers®, but as of 2021, some plans are starting to include this free fitness membership program.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, and Montana has a product called Plan G Plus, which includes SilverSneakers® benefits along with other perks like $0 dental, vision, and hearing exams.
Any innovative benefits offered with Medigap plans must be approved by the state, so not all states have access to Plan G Plus.
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 .
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Do I Qualify For Silversneakers
Eligibility for SilverSneakers is simple. In order to be eligible, you must be:
- At least 65 years old, or under 65 and eligible for Medicare
- A resident of the U.S.
- An enrolled member of a private Medicare Advantage plan that offers the SilverSneakers benefit
Be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new fitness and exercise program.
How Does The Silver And Fit Program Work
Online Healthy Aging resources: Silver and Fit gives you access to an online catalog of Healthy Aging materials containing health and well-being resources. Once enrolled, you can opt to receive the Healthy Aging materials via mail. Topics include meditation, staying active, and community involvement.
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Question: Fitness Centers Who Take Silver Sneakers Program
Posted: Is Planet Fitness part of Silver Sneakers? We get this question a lot. Various Planet Fitness locations throughout the country participate in the SilverSneakers ® program. It all depends on where you live and what is included in your SilverSneakers ® membership. Planet Fitness is one of many large gym chains that participate in the program.
What Does Membership Include And Exclude
Membership offers classes designed for seniors, from chair-supported yoga to high-intensity interval workouts.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests adults get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week, plus two days of muscle-strengthening activity.4 You can meet that with a few SilverSneakers classes.
You can work out at any SilverSneakers-affiliated facility in the U.S.
You can also access over 120 online guided workouts at SilverSneakers.com. These videos include:
- Cardio.
- Fall prevention.
- SilverSneakers EnerChi.
You can install a mobile fitness app called SilverSneakers Go that lets you find locations, schedule activities, and track your progress. The app also offers access to a video library of guided workouts. For walking programs, you can give the app permission to track your route and save your activity to your activity log.
You get a basic membership at any participating location in the SilverSneakers network. But you are not limited to using one site. Facilities, amenities, and classes vary by location. In general, membership provides access to:
- Fewer hospital admissions.
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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
United Healthcares New Program Renew Active
Despite the partnership between SilverSneakers and United Healthcare ending, United Healthcare is promoting fitness for seniors with a new program.
Renew Active is a new program that is covered by United Healthcare to promote the same fitness goals seniors have been achieving through SilverSneakers.
Along with typical workout routines, Renew Active provides brain fitness activities. This program, known as AARP Staying Sharp, comes at no additional cost to subscribers who already receive Renew Active as a benefit. Staying Sharp allows users to take a quiz that builds a personalized routine. Articles on mental fitness and workouts are all provided virtually.
Renew Active provides many of the same benefits as SilverSneakers. Gyms are available to members at no additional cost with instruction-based classes and open gym equipment. Renew Active also offers a FitBit sponsored community in which members can track their progress with other members, supporting the social aspect of this program.
Regardless of your fitness level, you can find programs that fit your needs. Here are some examples of programs available:
- Strength programs including dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, calisthenics
- Aquatic programs such as water yoga, aqua aerobics, and swimming
- Cardio such as cycling, kickboxing and aerobics.
- Speciality programs such as personal training, Zumba, and self-defense
- Mind/Body activities like yoga, pilates, and tai chi
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Which Medicare Plans Have Silver Sneakers In 2022
SilverSneakers is a fitness program that is specifically targeted to seniors in order to help them stay fit and healthy.
In participating fitness and wellness centers, gyms and YMCAs and currently also online, you will find specially trained instructors to teach SilverSneakers classes. Of course, the availability of SilverSneakers classes varies by insurance plan and your location, and is subject to change, but if one is available to you, you may be able to join group exercise classes, the classic program with a variety of exercises, fitness and workout programs for cardiovascular and muscular strength, aerobics, yoga, as well as relaxation and stretching classes for stress reduction. All programs are designed to be easy-to-follow, low-impact on movement, safe, heart-healthy and gentle on the joints. Many classes offer chair support in order to increase flexibility, balance and range of movement.
What Medicare Supplement Companies Offer The Active And Fit Direct Program
The American Specialty Health Incorporateds new fitness program has millions of members. The Active and Fit Direct Program has been the market a couple of years, and its become the countrys most notable commercial fitness program.
Further, many companies offer programs like Active & Fit. Aetna members may have access to these programs, although supplement insurance may vary.
Learn if your Supplement company offers the Active & Fit Direct Program by contacting your agent.
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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:
Plan availability and specific plan benefits may vary depending on where you live and the type of plan you have.
How Much Does Silver Sneakers Reimburse Gyms
Posted: Silver Sneakers is a private health and fitness membership program designed for seniors. Its 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
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How Can I Enroll In An Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan With Silversneakers
You can find out which Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are available near you and whether or not they include a SilverSneakers membership.
You may enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan beginning 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday or up to 3 months following your birthday. If you choose not to enroll at this time, you may be able to sign up for a plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, also called the Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period, which lasts from October 15 to December 7 every year.
Contact Us For Quotes Coverage & Enrollment
Hyers and Associates is an independent insurance agency specializing in Supplements, Advantage plans and Part D coverage. We help our clients compare and contrast all of their options. Well tell you which plans offer Silver Sneakers and discuss whether or not this value-added benefit puts one plan on top of another. Contact us today!
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Benefits Summary When You Select Aetna Medicare Advantage
Table of rates.If Medicare Parts A & B are not your primary coverage , you will be responsible for the deductible and coinsurance. For coverage details on the Aetna Advantage plan without Medicare, please visit our plan brochure. Please see the Medicare Advantage plan benefits guide for coverage details on the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan.
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of subsidiary companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates .
Aetna Resources For LivingSM is the brand name used for products and services offered through the Aetna group of subsidiary companies . The EAP is administered by Aetna Behavioral Health, LLC. and in California for Knox-Keene plans, Health and Human Resources Center, Inc.
This is a brief description of the features of this Aetna health benefits plan. Before making a decision, please read the Plan’s applicable Federal brochure. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the Federal brochure.
All Aetna plans include discounts on eyewear, LASIK eye surgery, gym memberships, massage therapy, acupuncture, weight-loss programs and more.
For information about our plans available through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program , please visit our Dental PPO Plan site or our Aetna Vision Preferred site.
Planet Fitness Fitness Gym Senior Review
Posted: Planet Fitness was founded in 1992 by Michael and Marc Grondahl. The two founders purchased a small gym in Dover, Massachusetts and focused on offering low-cost memberships to bring in revenue. Chris Rondeaux eventually became acting CEO. In 2003, Planet Fitness expanded into Florida by opening its first franchise store.
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Aetna Medicare Supplement Plans For 2022
AM Best rates Aetna as an A company. It makes sense to choose a reliable company, and many top-carriers offer competitive prices. When searching for your ideal policy, consider premium AND out of pocket costs.
A low premium doesnt always equate to an excellent policy. Sometimes, paying more in premiums can save you money.
Our expert opinion of Aetna is that when it comes to their Medicare Advantage plans, they have a broad range of doctors in-network and some of the most affordable policies.
Further, we find that all Medigap plans excel at claim payment and coverage. Lets discuss the different options in-depth for more clarity.
What Insurance Plans Include Silversneakers Coverage
Key Takeaways:
- Original Medicare does not cover SilverSneakers. However, many Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans do offer this benefit
- SilverSneakers coverage availability varies based on your state and which insurance provider you use
- Most Medicare insurance carriers offer SilverSneakers membership as a benefit. Well outline four options you can take advantage of
- SilverSneakers offers a range of online and in-person programming to seniors seeking to exercise with a community of peers. Well go over some of the key benefits of the program
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Does United Healthcare Pay For Gym Membership
Posted: May 12, 2021 · Silver Sneakers is a gym and fitness membership organization for those ager. Some of these include AARP Silver Sneakers , but they have discontinued this relationship in several states. Who pays for Silver Sneakers program? Silver Sneakers is a completely free to use fitness program for Medicare beneficiaries.
Who Pays For Silver Sneakers
Medicare Advantage plans are private insurance companies approved by Medicare that must offer the same benefits as original Medicare. And, many of the Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits such as Silver Sneakers.
What is the silver sneakers age requirements?
As long as you are eligibile for Medicare Parts A and B, you can enroll in a participating Medicare Silver Sneakers plan.
This means that the private insurance companies are picking up the bill for Silver Sneakers and passing that benefit to you as a member.
This is how you are able to get your free Silver Sneakers membership.
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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:
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Silversneakers
Medicare Supplement plans are designed to help pay out-of-pocket costs with Part A and Part B . If something isnt covered by Original Medicare, it usually isnt covered by a Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare rules prohibit Medigap plans from offering extra benefits, but gym memberships such as SilverSneakers are the rare exception to the rule.
In some states, the major Medicare Supplement insurers such as Humana, BlueCross Blue Shield, AARP include SilverSneakers membership with some Medigap plans. These instances are few and far between though, as most Medigap plans do not include SilverSneakers, especially those offered by smaller insurance companies.
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Aetna Medicare Supplement Plan F
When it comes to comprehensive coverage, Plan F takes the cake. Whether you decide to go with Aetna or another company, Plan F reviews are top-notch.
All Plan Fs cover Part A and B deductibles as well as coinsurances. Basically, with this policy, you have no out of pocket expenses.
While Plan F is the most comprehensive, Aetna is more competitive with Plans G and N.
Medicare Providers That Cover Silversneakers
Several large health insurance companies provide SilverSneakers membership at no cost to enrollees. This makes sense, as insurance providers have a financial interest in the long-term health of their customers and exercising has proven to have tremendous benefits. For this reason as well, many companies even incentivize this behavior by offering free perks to members, like gym membership or fitness classes.
Many private insurers include SilverSneakers in their Medicare Advantage plans. Some Medicare Supplement plans may cover it as well. However, this availability varies depending on the state you live in and the plan you subscribe to.
Coverage isnt offered in all 50 states. You can check your states availability on the SilverSneakers website.
For your reference, below is a rundown of the SilverSneakers offerings at four of the top Medicare carriers:
| PROVIDER | |
|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans | Coverage may not be available for all plans or in all states. |
You might notice that one major provider isnt included on this list: UnitedHealthcare. UnitedHealthcare recently began rolling back its SilverSneakers coverage, replacing it with its own fitness program called Renew Active. Renew Active is available to most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage customers, but SilverSneakers is still included on plans that havent yet added Renew Active.
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If Your Health Plan Doesnt Include Silversneakers
Your plan either offers SilverSneakers or it doesnt you cant add it on separately. If youre interested in joining a Medicare Advantage plan in your area that does include SilverSneakers, one of our licensed insurance agents can help you explore your options.
Find Medicare plans that cover SilverSneakers
Or call 1-800-557-6059TTY Users: 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!
About the author
Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.
His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.
Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelors degree in journalism. He currently lives in Raleigh, NC.
Where you’ve seen coverage of Christian’s research and reports:
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