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.
Which Plans Offer Silver Sneakers
Remember most plans do not offer Silver Sneakers. Check out our Silver Sneakers Search tool to see if there are any in your area. You can see which Medigap plans participate in Silver Sneakers and can get quotes and apply directly.
Related Articles:
- New to Medicare: Everything you need to know. Medicare is the United States federal health insurance program for Americans 65 and older, as well as people with certain disabilities or End Stage Renal Disease .
- Part D Overview If you are already familiar with how Medicare works, you know that it does not cover prescription drugs. Throughout this article we will explain how to get this sorted out easily.
- Can’t afford Medigap Plan F? Consider Plan G Medigap Plan F was once the most popular, most comprehensive plan available. This has recently changed as Medigap Plan G is now a better deal in almost every market.
What Are The Silversneakers Eligibility Requirements
- byChristian Worstell
- May 12, 2021
SilverSneakers, a popular exercise program for older adults, offers memberships to qualifying seniors who are enrolled in participating Medicare Advantage plans.
Before you choose your Medicare health plan, consider the SilverSneakers program and whether its something youd like included in your plans benefits.
Don’t Miss: How Much Is Medicare B Deductible
Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits Focus On Your Well
Most Medicare Advantage plans from Aetna offer a wide range of benefits in addition to SilverSneakers membership. These benefits are designed to help take care of your total health.
Many Aetna Medicare Advantage plans also include:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental, vision and hearing benefits
- Non-emergency transportation coverage for things like doctors office visits or trips to the pharmacy
- Home meal delivery services after a hospital stay
- Over-the-counter benefit that allows you to get certain items like vitamins and cold medicine at no additional cost
- Prescription home delivery for plans that include prescription drug coverage
- 24/7 nurse hotline
- No-added-cost annual flu shots
Plan availability and features can vary by service area. Be sure to ask a licensed insurance agent or check your plans Evidence of Coverage to see what benefits are offered with your plan.
When Can I Enroll In A Medicare Advantage Or Medicare Supplement Plan
The Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15 December 7, which is the time of year many Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in new plans or make changes to existing ones.
Some members qualify for a Special Enrollment Period . Depending on your eligibility, you may have a lifelong SEP, which allows you to make one change per quarter for the first three quarters of the year instead of only during AEP. Some people may only be eligible for a temporary SEP due to a life change, like moving to a new service area.
If you have just become eligible for Medicare for the first time, you can enroll in Medicare Advantage during your Initial Enrollment Period .
Read Also: What Does Part B Cover Under Medicare
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.
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.
Also Check: Does Medicare Cover Skin Removal
Which Medicare Supplement Plans Include Sneakers
Currently in Georgia there are only three marketers that include a Sneakers membership when you buy their Medigap coverage. That would be Anthem/Blue Cross, Humana and United Healthcare through AARP.
Bob Vineyard and Georgia Medicare Plans has two of the three available for our clients.
We are more of a purist when it comes to insurance. Generally, the carriers and marketers that use gimmicks such as add-on services or family discounts usually incorporate those things to make amends for the lack of value in their plans.
An age 67 female living in Macon Georgia would pay the following if they picked the popular plan F sold by the Sneakers marketers
- Anthem/Blue Cross $154
- United Healthcare $182
In contrast, the BEST current rate for plan F is $130.
Why pay an extra $300 per year for your Medigap coverage JUST to get a free Silver Sneakers membership?
Even more, we almost NEVER recommend plan F for our clients. Most will find plan G to be a much better value and can save an extra $300+ per year or more vs. plan F.
If you are looking for a solid Medigap plan that saves you money and delivers value, shop and compare our rates now. Buy your own gym membership with the savings.
Some Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Silversneakers
If you are enrolled in Original Medicare , adding a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan that offers SilverSneakers as a benefit may help provide you with the coverage you are looking for.
Also known as Medigap, Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are privately sold insurance policies help cover some of Original Medicare’s out-of-pocket costs, including some deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.
To find Medigap plans in your area that help pay for the SilverSneakers program, speak with a licensed agent at .
You May Like: Will Medicare Pay For Handicap Bathroom
Does Original Medicare Cover Silversneakers
Original Medicare does not provide the SilverSneakers program as a benefit.
However, if you are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, you have the choice each year to forgo Original Medicare and choose a Medicare Advantage plan instead. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer SilverSneakers at no extra cost to their members.
Some Medicare Supplement plans offer SilverSneakers as well. Although supplement plans generally do not offer additional benefits on top of what Medicare Part A and Part B cover, SilverSneakers is a benefit that some Medigap plans are able to add to your existing Medicare coverage.
How Does Silversneakers Work
When SilverSneakers is available to you under your plan coverage, it is offered as one of the basic benefits. All that you have to do is activate your membership. To get started, simply:
- Create your profile online.
- Get your digital membership card.
- Start using your benefits.
SilverSneakers is most known for its gym membership program. As a member of SilverSneakers, youll have access to over 17,000 gyms and health clubs nationwide. At these clubs, you can take advantage of numerous healthy activities, including:
- Instructor-led fitness classes
- Use of gym equipment like weights and machines
- Use of pools, basketball courts, and other gym amenities
Beyond the gym memberships SilverSneakers is known for, you also have access to live fitness and wellness classes that you can stream online. This is a particularly useful benefit given the current concerns over COVID-19.
SilverSneakers also offers access to health and wellness discounts, as well as a fitness mobile app that helps you set and attain healthy goals.
You May Like: Should I Enroll In Medicare If I Have Employer Insurance
Which Plans Include Silver Sneakers
As indicated, some of the Medigap and Medicare Advantage marketers include Sneakers in your coverage when you sign up through them. The list of participating marketers is constantly changing but here are a few:
- United Healthcare Medicare supplement through AARP
You can review the current list of marketers by usingthis link.
As best we can tell you cannot sign up direct with Silver Sneakers for a membership.
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.
Don’t Miss: Does Cigna Have A Medicare Supplement Plan
Which Insurance Plans Include Silver Sneakers
If you are looking forward to starting a steady, exciting, and rewarding exercise program, Silver Sneakers may be a suitable option for you. Getting active and setting up an exercise regime is important to keeping good health and leading a well-balanced lifestyle. Some insurance plans even offer coverage for the Silver Sneakers program. If youre wondering how to enjoy the benefits of the extensive program and what your insurance offers, keep reading.
Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover Silversneakers
SilverSneakers is considered a basic fitness service and Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, does not cover this benefit. However, Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, may provide this benefit. To see if your current Medicare Advantage plan includes the SilverSneakers program, contact your health plan directly, or visit the SilverSneakers online health plan finder to check.
If you are looking to enroll into a Medicare Advantage plan with SilverSneakers coverage, take a look at our eHealthMedicare plan comparison tool on this page. The tool lets you review a list of Medicare Advantage plans available in your service area and explore your Medicare plan options.
Coverage of the SilverSneakers program will vary by Medicare Advantage plan, and availability may depend on location. Many Medicare Advantage plans cover this benefit at no additional cost, while others cover it as an optional rider. If youre currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may want to contact your plans Customer Service to find out if the plan includes the SilverSneakers benefit.
Some employer or union sponsored group retirement plans may cover this benefit as well. If you are enrolled in a group retirement plan and you are uncertain whether SilverSneakers is included in your benefits, you may want to contact the plan administrator.
Also Check: Does Medicare Pay For Eyeglasses For Diabetics
Medicare Wellness And Silversneakers Programs
Home / FAQs / General Medicare / Medicare Wellness and SilverSneakers Programs
SilverSneakers is a program that helps keep seniors active and fit. You may have access to gym benefits now, and not know it.
The SilverSneakers program consists of gym memberships, group fitness classes, and access to well-trained instructors and reputable fitness centers. Many plans offer fitness benefits to their members.
Do you want access to a local gym or on-demand workouts? Are you Medicare-eligible? Below we will discuss the many possibilities, including cost, plans, and companies.
How Much Does The Silversneakers Program Cost
For over two decades weve been on a mission: to make fitness more fun and accessible to boomers and beyond. Weve built a massive network of gyms that offer SilverSneakers membership at no cost to you. Weve designed fitness classes set to your favorite tunes and led by enthusiastic instructors.
Read Also: How To Get A Lift Chair From Medicare
What Silversneakers Programs Does Medicare Cover
SilverSneakers is a fitness program designed specifically for seniors.
If you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan that offers SilverSneakers, you can gain access to:
- A wide network of gymsIf you’re a member of SilverSneakers, you’re not tied down to a single gym membership. You can work out at any participating gym in the SilverSneakers network.
- Community fitness programsSilverSneakers offers group exercise programs that extend beyond the gym. These take place at recreational centers, parks, pools, and other venues.
- A variety of classesMembers can head into a number of different classes on any given day. These range from tai chi, to yoga, to Latin dancing, to shallow-water exercise classes.
- A community of your peersSilverSneakers aims to create a sense of community among its members. In fact, about three quarters of members say they have friends in the program.
What Does Silversneakers Membership Include
The available amenities and fitness activities can vary by location. But some of the options that may be accessible to SilverSneakers members include:
- Group exercises
- Organized classes such as yoga, tai chi and many more
- Equipment for cardiovascular and strength training
- Education about health and nutrition
- Social activities and events
- Sports teams and leagues exclusively for seniors
Plus, youll have access to facility amenities such as saunas, hot tubs, pools, basketball courts and more.
If theres no SilverSneakers location near you, you may be eligible for a home exercise kit. The kit includes a workout DVD and any associated equipment you might need.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Annual Deductible For Medicare
Will A Silver Sneakers Gym Membership Improve My Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the Silver Sneakers program may reduce long-term health-care costs and inpatient admissions among seniors. In fact, the study showed people who attended a Silver Sneakers gym or fitness class at least twice a week spent $1,250 less on health care in their second year of the program than those attending just once a week.
If you have diabetes, you may also see a positive impact from a Silver Sneakers gym membership. Research published by the American Diabetes Association showed that diabetic seniors who participated in Silver Sneakers activities saved over $1,600 in medical expenses their first year and had fewer hospitalizations than those who didnt.
Finally, a research article in the professional journal Population Health Management showed the Silver Sneakers gym membership program boosted the overall physical and emotional health of participants. The research showed that higher participation in the program improved quality of life across several different measures. It also reduced some of the physical difficulties associated with aging.
Of course, not everyone will have the same response to a Silver Sneakers gym membership, but research shows that many do see positive health benefits. These studies didnt compare Silver Sneakers to other health club memberships.
You should always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program such as Silver Sneakers, however.
Find Medicare Plans With A Fitness Benefit
If you want a Medicare plan with a fitness benefit or any other supplemental benefit, one of our licensed agents may be able to help. Our agents are highly trained and they can help you sort through the plans available in your location. To set up a no-cost, no-obligation appointment, call 844-431-1832 or contact us here today!
This blog was originally published on October 1, 2019. The latest update was on November 26, 2019.
Read Also: What Is Medicare Part G
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
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.
Also Check: Does Medicare Cover Rides To The Doctor
How Is Silversneakers Different From Mutually Well
SilverSneakers is a senior-focused fitness program included in many Medicare Advantage plans and even some Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.
SilverSneakers includes a basic gym membership at thousands of participating gyms and fitness centers, most of which also feature group fitness classes and programs designed specifically for older adults, such as yoga, water aerobics, walking clubs and more.
Some Medicare plans dont offer SilverSneakers membership as a benefit but instead offer health and fitness benefits through programs such as Mutually Well or Silver & Fit.
