Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Is Silver Sneakers Available To Anyone On Medicare

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Staying In Shape And Feeling Good Is Important At Any Age

Is Silver Sneakers Part of Medicare?

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?

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 16,000 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:

  • Yoga
  • Senior sports teams or recreational leagues
  • Outdoor exercise activities
  • And more

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.

How Does Silver Sneakers Gym Membership Work

Youll get a basic membership at any gym and participating location in the SilverSneakers network. Facilities, amenities, and classes vary by location, but if available, that generally means you can use: Cardio equipment, such as treadmills and ellipticals. Strength equipment, such as weights and strength machines.

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Get Better Health And Save With Silversneakers

In addition to saving money on a gym membership and other local services and products, you could potentially save money on health insurance and out-of-pocket costs. A two-year study followed SilverSneakers participants and found that they had lower overall healthcare costs.

It was also found that seniors who frequently participated in the SilverSneakers program had a higher quality of life with improved physical and emotional health.

With all the benefits, including improved health, theres no reason not to take advantage of SilverSneakers if it is available to you. And if it isnt covered under your health insurance good news. Open enrollment is just around the corner.

Consider making SilverSneakers one of your criteria for selecting a new Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan. It could just save you in the long run. Contact VIPcare to start exploring your Medicare options!

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How To Qualify For Silversneakers

Medicare Wellness and SilverSneakers Programs

Unfortunately, Original Medicare plans dont cover a SilverSneakers membership. SilverSneakers is considered a gym membership or fitness program, and the Medicare website explicitly says it wont cover those.

However, there is the chance that a Medicare Advantage plan will cover it. A supplemental plan could also cover the SneakerSilvers program. The SilverSneakers website says the program is covered by one in four Medicare programs, though the organization doesnt specify if this is 25 percent of Medicare Advantage plans or 25 percent of all Medicare plans.

You can check if your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan covers SilverSneakers on the programs website. You can visit that same link if youre in the market for a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan and want to find one that include SilverSneakers in its coverage.

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Can I Pay For Silver Sneakers

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. You can also take Silver Sneakers classes, which may include everything from cardio to tai chi to yoga, at no cost.

Why Take Advantage Of Silver Sneakers

The Silver Sneakers program has both physical and emotional effects. You can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, lessen the side effects of diabetes, and have more energy just by walking 30 minutes a day. Working out can improve mental health by lowering depression and loneliness while meeting new people.

According to Pychs Central, researchers at the University of Chicago have found: the impact of loneliness on premature death is nearly as strong as the impact of disadvantaged socioeconomic status, which they found increases the chances of dying early by 19%

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Silver Sneakers: Medicare Includes It

This is a great question.

Medicare and the Silver Sneakers program go hand in hand as Silver Sneakers is the leading wellness provider for Medicare Advantage plans across the US. With nearly 10 Million members, there is a good chance your Medicare plan offers Silver Sneakers.

To check if your Medicare plan includes the Silver Sneakers program, you need to check your summary of benefits. Below is an example of what you will see in your summary of benefits booklet.

As you can see, Silver Sneakers is listed as included which means you can begin your fitness plan through Medicare Silver Sneakers immediately. If its not listed in your Medicare plans summary of benefits, then you should check Silver Sneakers Eligibility to a find a participating plan.

Checking if your health plan includes Silver Sneakers is simple.

  • Check your state by
  • Review the Medicare plans that offer Silver Sneakers program.
  • If your plan isnt listed, contact a local independent agent to get information about enrolling in a health plan that offers the Silver Sneakers program.
  • Or, you could simply go to Google and type in Silver Sneakers followed by the city or state you live in. Below are some hypothetical examples and step-by-step instructions how you can find information on Medicare Advantage plans that offer Silver Sneakers near you. Just insert the city or state of your choice.

    Silver Sneakers Tucson

    Silver Sneakers Ohio

    Silver Sneakers CT

    Silver Sneakers LA Fitness

    The Silver Sneakers Medicare Program // What It Is & How It Works

    Silver Sneakers and Medicare – Is it covered by your Medicare Plan?

    As you get older it is very important to stay active and keep the blood flowing.

    Studies even show that if you start working out at the age of 65 you will have an additional 12 years of a disability free lifestyle.

    Thats what we are here to talk about today, a program that allows you to focus on staying healthy without the high costs of a traditional gym.

    Today I will go over the Silver Sneakers program and exactly how it works and how you can become eligible for it.

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    Which Gyms Are Included

    There are over 14,000 gyms that accept the SilverSneakers program. Silversneakers.com, such as Snap Fitness, 24-hour fitness, AnytimeFitness, Planet Fitness, and the YMCA.

    The official website for Silver Sneakers can help you find a gym near you. Though many gyms participate in the Silver Sneakers program, you can find some parts of the country where it is less active. Make sure to compare your options before you sign up.

    Which Medicare Plans Offer Silversneakers

    Most leading insurance providers offer Medicare advantage or Medigap plans that participate in the Silver Sneakers program. It depends from your state and local area whether a plan is available to you.

    Regular exercise has been found to help seniors to improve many conditions associated with aging, but make sure to ask your doctor before starting a fitness routine. In addition to a healthy workout, SilverSneakers is a great way for like-minded seniors to meet and socialize.

    SilverSneakers® is a registered trademark of Healthways, Inc. © This website and its owner are not affiliated with the described programs or providers. This is not a recommendation or solicitation of insurance. Healthways, Inc. has neither reviewed nor endorsed this post. Although we strive to keep this website current, the information may be incorrect or have changed at the time you read it. Visit silversneakers.com for details.

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    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.

    Where Is Silversneakers Offered

    What is Silver Sneakers?

    SilverSneakers has more than 15,000 locations at participating gyms, community centers, and fitness centers around the country. This includes some of the countrys largest chains, like LA Fitness, the YMCA, and Planet Fitness.

    In order to find the SilverSneakers classes that are available in your community, visit the SilverSneakers website, enter your zip code on the map, and discover all your fitness opportunities.

    If you have any questions regarding the SilverSneakers program, how to enroll in it and have it covered by Medicare, and where you can attend a class, visit the SilverSneakers website or contact your Medicare Advantage provider.

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    Be A Member Of Multiple Gyms In Multiple Locations

    The Silver Sneakers program is accepted in various gyms. But did you know that you can use multiple gyms?

    With this card, you can be a member of different gyms in various states at the same time!

    This is great for travelers or for those who live part-time in different states. You can enjoy your vacation or winter home without missing the opportunity to conveniently and inexpensively stay fit.

    Being a member of multiple gyms also gives you the chance to use different gym equipment, amenities, and classes. Depending on the gym policy, some may allow the Silver Sneaker members to make use of the other amenities offered by the gym, but often youll only get access to the basic levels.

    Note that the classes offered as part of the Silver Sneakers, or classes that are specifically for older adults, may be limited in some gyms. There will be participant limits and requirements, so check with your local gym for their rules.

    This is also helpful when you want to select different classes in different styles, such as Zumba, Yoga, etc. in order to learn which types of classes are the right fit for your needs.

    Good luck, and get that heart rate pumping!

    See more

    Do Medicare Supplements Offer The Silversneakers Program

    For those who are eligible for Medicare or are 65+, the SilverSneakers® health and fitness program might be a free perk included with your Medicare plan.

    Are you eligible for SilverSneakers®? Learn more about the SilverSneakers® program, which Medicare plans it comes with, and more.

    â If youâre 65+ and are enrolled in Medicare, there are plans that offer free gym memberships as a part of your health insurance. It’s never been easier to get motivated and stay in shape! Learn more

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    How We Reviewed Medicare Providers

    Even Medicare health plans with a national presence can vary locally in their cost, quality, and customer satisfaction. To evaluate Medicare plans, we looked at health insurance industry ratings from the primary accrediting agency for health plans, the National Committee for Quality Assurance , and the Medicare Star Ratings from CMS, the regulatory agency that oversees Medicare. We included the National Association of Insurance Commissioners complaint index, and AM Bests financial stability ratings. We also considered information from the companies on their programs and strategies.

    Which Insurance Plans Include Silver Sneakers

    What is Silver Sneakers and are you Eligible?

    Your eligibility for a free Silver Sneakers membership depends on the Medicare plan you choose to enroll in. There are multiple insurance carriers that provide Silver Sneakers memberships to their clients in some of their plan offerings.

    Members can choose to use their Silver Sneakers at various gyms in the network, which have often included YMCA, Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness and others. Whenever you use your membership, Silver Sneakers reimburses gyms for each of your visits up to a certain limit each month.

    Several of the carriers that we represent here at Boomer Benefits offer plans that include Silver Sneakers. Keep in mind that this membership will not be part of every plan that an insurance company offers though. For example, many Humana plans include Silver Sneakers but not all of them.

    If a membership is important to you, be sure to ask our representative about this when you call in. We can help you find a plan that includes the Silver Sneakers Medicare membership.

    • Aetna

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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:

    What Is Silver Sneakers

    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 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.

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    Silversneakers How Does It Work

    SilverSneakers is a program encouraging older adults to participate in physical activities that will help them to maintain greater control of their health. SilverSneakers sponsors activities and social events designed to keep those 65 and older healthy while encouraging social interaction. As well as keeping you physically healthy, SilverSneakers can contribute to your overall well-being by connecting you to others in fitness classes and helping you stay social. According to SilverSneakers.com, 88 percent of SilverSneakers members say that SilverSneakers has improved the quality of their life.

    SilverSneakers is available around the country, and membership provides access to any participating gym locationincluding all amenities included with basic level access. Each SilverSneakers location is outfitted with an advisor who will introduce you to the program and help get you started. SilverSneakers also includes an invitation to sponsored health education seminars and other fitness-related events.

    What Is The Silver Sneakers Program

    Silver and Fit &  Silver Sneakers Medicare Fitness Programs ...

    SilverSneakers is a fitness program designed for seniors to help them stay healthy and fit. The benefit can be found in many Medicare advantage or supplemental health plans, typically at no additional cost over the premium you already pay.

    The Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness® program offers fitness classes targeted to seniors in participating gyms, fitness studios or YMCAs.

    Currently more than 65 Medicare advantage plans nationwide offer SilverSneakers memberships at over 17,000 participating fitness locations as an additional benefit to their members. You may also participate in the program from the comfort of your home by joining online classes.

    Millions of Medicare beneficiaries use it as a fun way to stay or become fit and healthy thus improving their overall health and lowering their health care expenses. Most participating fitness locations offer a variety of equipment and classes, specifically targeted to older adults in order to increase flexibility and agility. The classes are designed for all fitness levels and held by certified and specialized trainers. Some offer chair support, outdoor activities or even workshops about health and nutrition.

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    Cant Get To The Gym No Problem

    Silver Steps is a program for seniors and other members who live 15 miles or further from a gym. It is a personalized workout program that includes a kit with how-to DVDs, resistance belts, and an exercise video. So you wont be left out if you live in a rural area. Silver Sneakers also offers an online component to help with nutrition, streaming exercises, and a forum to talk to other members.

    A Program That Keeps You Active

    SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65 and older. It is included in many Medicare plans, and it makes staying fit fun, social, and affordable.

    SilverSneakers provides participants access to more than 15,000 fitness locations nationwide and 70 plus classes. Fitness locations include local gyms and community centers. And exercise classes include a wide range of fitness activities, including cardio and strength training, water aerobics, yoga, and Tai chi.

    All fitness classes are taught by instructors who are trained in senior fitness. They know what you need and how to help you achieve it.

    In addition to in-person classes, online and at-home fitness options are also available. As a member, you have access to full-length LIVE classes via Zoom as well as hundreds of prerecorded on-demand video workouts. These at-home options have proven beneficial during Covid-19. Fitness levels for each class vary, so you will always be able to find one that fits your level of experience.

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    What Is Silversneakers And How Do You Join

    Physical activity is essential to healthy aging. Its important to stay active no matter if youre 35, 65, or older. Regular exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your body as you age. Thats why more and more older adults are taking advantage of exercise programs such as SilverSneakers.

    The health benefits of exercising are endless and significant. Physical activity not only helps increase your life span but also lowers your risk for a host of serious conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, depression, and dementia.

    Studies have found that physically active older adults spend less on health care than their inactive peers. This is mainly due to needing fewer doctor visits and medications.

    Regardless of the benefits, though, it can be hard to get up and move. Plus, going to the gym or participating in workout classes can be intimidating for many. Fortunately, thats where SilverSneakers steps in and helps motivate and ease any inhibitions. No more excuses!

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