Other Forms Of Related Coverage
In addition to the wellness programs described above, Medicare will sometimes cover chiropractic care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and more. Some of this will involve guided exercise and can help with your general fitness and health even while the care is focused on a specific set of symptoms.
Does Original Medicare Ever Pay For Gym Memberships
Original Medicare rarely covers the cost of exercise classes or the services of a personal trainer or exercise therapist. However, in a small number of cases, you may have Medicare coverage occupational and physical therapy, which could include some exercise and fitness training. This coverage only applies if your physician specifically prescribes the therapy.
Which Is Better Medicare Advantage Or Supplements
Its important to know that Medicare Advantage plans are much different than Medicare supplement plans and you cannot have both at the same time. While Silver Sneakers is a nice perk, it may not be reason enough to choose one policy over the other. Its a good idea to discuss the differences with an independent agent before enrolling.
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Medicare Part B Covers Physical And Occupational Therapy
Medicare Part B helps pay for physical and occupational therapy deemed medically necessary by your doctor. He or she must prescribe and regularly review the therapy, which must be provided by a Medicare-certified therapist on an outpatient basis.
Part B pays 80 percent of the Medicare-approved amount, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20 percent. In addition, the Part B deductible applies. All Part B beneficiaries are covered assuming the services are medically reasonable and necessary.
Always talk to your provider to determine your costs as well as why they recommended the services. Medicare doesn’t cover a cost just because your doctor recommended it. The service must be deemed medically necessary.
Medicare Advantage Plans May Help Pay For Gym Memberships
Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Part C or MA plans, are sometimes referred to all-in-one packages for Original Medicare services. They cover Part A and Part B, and most include Part D as well. Some Medicare Advantage plans also offer health and wellness benefits that arent available with Original Medicare. The extra benefits in differ by insurance company and location. If a paid gym membership or fitness program is important to you, make sure this benefit is offered in the plan you choose.
, sign up for online fitness programs and begin your journey to better health.
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Silversneakers: Free Health Club Membership For Medicare Seniors
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When I first heard about this program, I was skeptical. Free health club membership for seniors 65 years and older? It is true. SilverSneakers is a free fitness membership through Medicare if a Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplemental plan is purchased. Group retiree plans may also participate!
Most insurance providers participate in SilverSneakers and provide the wonderful benefit of free membership to a local health club. But Silversneakers is not just membership to a health club! Silversneakers is a comprehensive long term health program to help you navigate life over 65 with health and fitness in mind.
Does Medicare Advantage Pay For Gym Memberships
If you opt for a Medicare Advantage plan through a private insurer instead of original Medicare, coverage for gym memberships and fitness centers is available.
Almost all Medicare Advantage members were in plans that covered some fitness benefits in 2022, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation study. These benefits take several forms, including membership in the popular SilverSneakers program for people 65 and older or its competitors Renew Active and Silver& Fit.
SilverSneakers provides access to more than 15,000 fitness locations across the country online dance, exercise, meditation, stretch and yoga classes and an on-demand video library of prerecorded workouts. A free SilverSneakers GO fitness app for Apple and Android phones is also available. Other Medicare Advantage plans also offer free gym memberships with access to a nationwide network of health clubs and exercise locations, personalized fitness plans and on-demand workout videos.
In addition to gym access, many plans provide incentives to stay active, such as a free fitness tracker every two years, discounts on a smartwatch or exercise equipment if you meet activity goals, or gift cards if you take certain healthy actions, such as exercising or getting a flu shot.
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Does Medicare Offer Other Healthy Lifestyle Benefits
Outside of coverage for fitness programs or gym memberships, Medicare covers a variety of services geared toward wellness.
Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans cover many wellness services either considered medically necessary or as a supplemental service under an Advantage plan. These services include:
What Is The Silversneakers Fitness Membership
Silver Sneakers is a program which promotes health and fitness for older adults beginning at age 65. The program is offered through a partnership between Healthways and insurance providers with the emphasis on long term health and fitness.
SilverSneakers provides a free basic membership in a local participating health club. If you already belong privately to the health club, you may be able to park your current membership and belong to the health club with enrollment in the free Silver Sneakers program. Please note that each participating facility does have their own rules regarding membership and SilverSneakers.
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Can You Get A Medicare That Covers Fitness
Healthy living usually includes a combination of things like regular health checkups with the appropriate medical and dental professionals, eating nutritious foods and regular physical movement to encourage a healthy body as we age. While those who depend on Medicare can always choose to eat healthy foods regularly and plan visits to the doctor or dentist, paying for a fitness program or gym membership may seem to be financially out of reach for many. But can someone get Medicare coverage for fitness programs, placing this vital piece of healthy living within reach of those who rely on Medicare for their health care needs? Lets take a look at what the different types of Medicare cover for those that desire healthy living options that include gym or fitness club memberships.
Original Medicare
Medicare Advantage
This third option to Original Medicare, called the Advantage plan, may provide fitness center or program plans. The Advantage program is private insurance coverage, not coverage by the governmental plans , so additional healthy living coverage can be included in these plans. Some Advantage plans cover fitness memberships like the Silver Sneakers program, a fitness program to keep older adults healthy that is tied to specific gyms and fitness centers across the nation.
What Types of Fitness Memberships Could an Advantage Plan Offer?
Supplement Medicare Insurance
Fitness Care for Seniors with Medicare
Other Forms Of Wellness Care That Are Covered
As you can tell, getting coverage for things like gym memberships under Medicare is somewhat patchy. However, other forms of preventative care are often covered by both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
This includes things like mental health visits, programs that can help you stop smoking, weight loss surgery, and programs that can help with addiction difficulties. Although these will usually be covered as a result of medical necessity, it is still good to know that Medicare can help deal with some lifestyle-related health issues, even if offerings are limited.
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Does My Medicare Cover Dental
Medicare doesnt cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. Part A can pay for inpatient hospital care if you need to have emergency or complicated dental procedures, even though it doesnt cover dental care.
Gym Membership Coverage With Medicare Supplement Plans
Medigap plans dont cover gym memberships quite as often as Medicare Advantage plans, but it is something you may come across from time to time. Medigap insurance, also known as Medicare Supplement insurance, is primarily oriented towards covering out-of-pocket costs that you incur under Original Medicare. However, from time to time you may find plans that offer additional benefits, such as gym memberships.
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Is It Possible To Get A Medicare Plan That Covers A Health Club Membership
There are many benefits that people often think original Medicare will cover, and health club memberships are one of those. Original Medicare, Part A, and Part B do not cover any of the costs associated with gym memberships or fitness programs. However, other Medicare plan options may cover a gym membership cost as a part of their supplemental benefits. Medicare Advantage plans can offer a supplemental fitness benefit like a fitness club membership in their plans if they so choose. It is important to review the Summary of Benefits for each Medicare Advantage plan to understand if there is a fitness membership included and any limitations. Most of the fitness programs available as a part of Medicare Advantage plans limit you to a network of fitness clubs. Be sure you check and see if there are any located near you or that the one you want to go to is a part of the network. There are also a very few Medicare Supplement plans that also provide supplemental fitness benefits, but they are rare. Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement insurance companies may offer supplemental fitness benefits through companies like SilverSneakers and others.
What Grocery Stores Give Aarp Discounts
What grocery stores give AARP discounts? Albertsons: 10 percent off on the first Wednesday of each month for those 55 and up. American Discount Stores: 10 percent off every Monday for 50-plus. Bi-Lo: 5 percent off every Wednesday for 60-plus. Compare Foods Supermarket: 10 percent off every Wednesday for 60-plus.
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Benefits Of Exercise For Seniors
While regular exercise is important for all age groups, it is especially beneficial for seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, exercise can help seniors prevent, reduce and manage many chronic diseases.
However, according to a 2022 CDC report, 25% of U.S. adults are not active enough to protect their health.
The CDC recommends regular exercise to stave off potential health issues. Keeping active can help you remain capable of doing your regular day-to-day activities as you age. Recommended exercises include a mix of aerobic and strength-building activities, which you can do with equipment available in most gyms.
It is recommended that seniors undergo moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes a week and take part in muscle-building activities twice a week. A gym membership and the programs covered in some Medicare Advantage plans can help seniors achieve this goal.
Reach Your Health And Fitness Goals With The Silversneakers Program
Regular physical activity is a great way to stay strong, keep your mind active, improve your mood, and build your overall health and well-being. Beyond the physical and mental health benefits, seniors who maintain an active lifestyle use health services less often and save money on health care costs.
The SilverSneakers program is a great way to reach your fitness goals and is offered with most HealthPartners Medicare plans at no extra cost to you.
SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program. Its an opportunity to improve your health, maintain strength and mobility, and connect with your community. No matter how you like to stay active, SilverSneakers has you covered.
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Key Things To Keep In Mind
It is useful to think of gym membership and fitness benefits as an extra perk. It will usually not be worthwhile to choose a plan just for this type of coverage. If you are very interested in finding the best fitness benefits and health programs you can, talking to an independent licensed insurance agent can be helpful.
Does Original Medicare Cover Fitness Programs
Original Medicare Part A and Part B, which covers hospitalization and outpatient medical visits respectively, does not pay for gym memberships. However, in some circumstances, Original Medicare will cover some prescribed treatments related to fitness, including nutritional therapy and physical or occupational therapy.1
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Does Medicare Part B Pay For Gym Memberships
Your Medicare Part B coverage does not include gym memberships. Medicare Part B helps you cover medical costs associated with things such as outpatient care, visitors to your doctor, and medical supplies.
Seniors with Medicare Part A and Part B can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and find an option with a gym membership.
If youre looking for a Medicare gym membership, we can help you find the appropriate plan options that fit your needs while covering the preventive care you deserve.
What Are The Benefits Of Silversneakers
Reasons to consider SilverSneakers include:
- Amenities such as swimming pools, saunas, and exercise equipment
- Special classes for seniors run by qualified instructors
- Assistance and guidance from a Program Advisor
- A variety of fun, social activities
The SilverSneakers FLEX option is also a popular choice with seniors. It offers over 50 innovative classes including walking groups, indoor and outdoor boot camp, and dancing.
If you prefer to exercise in the comfort of your own home, the SilverSneakers Steps program is for you. Upon registration, you receive a kit that includes a pedometer, resistance bands, and an exercise DVD. Use these tools to tailor your workout around your lifestyle and individual capabilities.
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Does Medicaid Cover Gym Memberships
- Learn if Medicaid provides gym membership for beneficiaries and discover other options for staying fit through Medicare, health insurance and senior centers.
The CDC states that regular physical activity provides significant benefits to older adults. Despite this, many seniors find it difficult to get enough exercise. Organized exercise through a gym or classes may help encourage regular activity, which is why you may be wondering if Medicaid provides gym membership as part of the benefits.
Medicare Insurance Plans With Silver Sneakers
Many of our clients ask about the free Silver Sneakers gym membership and how to qualify when shopping for supplemental insurance plans. It can save members a lot of money.
Some insurance companies offer this valuable benefit, but many do not. And availability will depend on where you live. We help our clients compare the Medicare insurance policies offering this perk while crunching the numbers to make sure they arent overpaying for their coverage.
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Silversneakers Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if Im eligible?
You can verify eligibility through your health insurance provider by calling the 1-800 number on the back of your health insurance card. Or you can call Tivity directly. If you are eligible, your provider will give a 16-digit Tivity SilverSneakers ID number. To enroll, we ask that you bring this ID number and your photo ID to Life Time.
Can I access multiple locations with Silver Sneakers? Or just one location?
Your membership will include access to most locations that are equal to or less in membership costs nationwide that partners with Silver Sneakers. To verify location access, please contact Tivity and/or your health insurance provider to discover your access level.
Are there specific Silver Sneakers Classes at Life Time?
Are your trainers certified in Silver Sneakers?
Life Time Personal Trainers are nationally certified and customize programs based on a clients goals, preferences, and fitness level. Many trainers also have a degree in Kinesiology or Sports Medicine as well as seek additional certifications that support healthy and active aging. Additionally, weve hand-selected a group of trainers who are certified to train active, older adults. These trainers have extensive knowledge in common injuries, surgeries, medications and more all to customize the personal training experience.
How do I enroll?
Is a card on file required?
Do I pay anything to begin my membership?
Who may I add to my membership?
Is Beach Club included?
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.
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Does Medicare Cover Silversneakers
SilverSneakers is a nationwide fitness program that helps older adults get active with gyms and fitness centers.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that covers SilverSneakers membership, you can visit participating gyms and fitness centers to enjoy a number of programs and amenities, such as:
- Fitness classes
- Workout equipment
Your Medicare Advantage plan may potentially offer gym memberships that arent a part of the SilverSneakers program.
Online Classes Designed For Seniors
Whether youre a beginner or an experienced exercise enthusiast, the SilverSneakers program has online fitness classes to fit everyone, taught by supportive instructors trained in senior fitness.
- Join thousands of other members for
- of workouts, wellness tips and exercise programs
- Exercise however you prefer with classes like yoga, Zumba, strength training, bootcamp and more
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