Medicare Blog

how does silver sneakers work with medicare

by Ms. Lizeth Conn PhD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How does Silver Sneakers work?

  • Meet Silver Sneakers eligibility requirements by enrolling in a participating Medicare plan
  • Enter your information on the Silver Sneakers website.
  • Get a copy of your Silver Sneakers card
  • Google “Silver Sneakers near me”
  • Take your card to the Silver Sneakers gym of your choice
  • Join your favorite exercise program such as cardio or other active aerobics.

Since SilverSneakers falls under this category, original Medicare doesn't 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.

Full Answer

Which Medicare Advantage plans offer Silver Sneakers?

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: Aetna; Humana; UnitedHealthcare; Anthem Blue Cross

Does Medicare pay for the Silver Sneakers program?

Since SilverSneakers falls under this category, original Medicare doesn’t 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.

What insurances offer Silver Sneakers?

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer valuable additional benefits, such as:

  • Vision coverage
  • Dental coverage
  • Hearing coverage
  • Fitness program coverage (including gym memberships or discounts)
  • Transportation to doctor visits
  • Over-the-counter drug coverage
  • Other services that promote health and wellness

Does Medicare include Silver Sneakers?

Some of these AARP Medicare plans used to offer a free membership to the SilverSneakers fitness program. But in 2018, UnitedHealthcare announced that it would no longer include SilverSneakers as a Medicare plan benefit, but they would instead offer a program called Renew Active.

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Does Medicare automatically include Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers comes automatically with qualifying Medicare health insurance plans. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries 65 years of age and older just need to get a SilverSneakers membership card to show at participating fitness locations.

Is Silver Sneakers available to anyone on Medicare?

Silver Sneakers is a private health and fitness membership program designed for seniors. It's available at no cost to those enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage plan.

Does Medicare Part B Cover Silver Sneakers?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not include the Silver Sneakers fitness program. The only way you can receive a Silver Sneakers membership is if you apply and enroll in either a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan that offers a Silver Sneakers membership along with the plan.

What is one of the benefits of the SilverSneakers program?

The main goal of SilverSneakers is to promote good health through physical activity. However, because the program involves opportunities to socialize, it can also foster good emotional and mental health.

Is Silver Sneakers being discontinued?

Some of these include AARP Silver Sneakers (also known as United Healthcare), but they have discontinued this relationship in several states. Many Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage insurance plans include this benefit at no extra cost.

What is Silver Sneakers called now?

UnitedHealthcare replaced SilverSneakers with a different fitness program called Renew Active. Renew Active works similar to SilverSneakers. The program offers a list of participating gyms and fitness centers, which you can find using the “Find a Fitness Location” search tool on the company's website.

Which Medigap plans offer Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers is available for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plans. The program is also available within many Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.

Does AARP pay for gym membership?

It includes: A free gym membership. Access to our nationwide gym network of gyms and fitness locations—the largest of all Medicare fitness programs. View thousands of on-demand workout videos and live streaming fitness classes.

Is Silver Sneakers part of AARP?

It's not part of your Original Medicare coverage. Currently, the following major insurance companies offer plans with the SilverSneakers fitness benefit: AARP.

How do I print my silver sneakers card?

Go to SilverSneakers.com/StartHere and create your online account. 2. Log in to view or print out your member ID number.

What is Silver Sneakers splash?

A fun, shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement and intensity options. Splash is suitable for all skill levels and is safe for non-swimmers. The pool provides many benefits when used for aerobic exercise and resistance training.

Does Medicare cover exercise programs?

Gym memberships & fitness programs You pay 100% for non-covered services, including gym memberships and fitness programs. Gym memberships or fitness programs may be part of the extra coverage offered by Medicare Advantage Plans, other Medicare health plans, or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans.

SilverSneakers Medicare Health Plans and Locations

Original Medicare (Part A and B) does not include this benefit, but many additional Medicare health plans offered by private insurance companies do. To find out which Medicare Advantage or Supplemental insurance plans include a SilverSneakers membership, check out the company’s Medicare health plan locator.

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.

Who is eligible for Silversneakers?

SilverSneakers® Eligibility. Anyone over the age of 65 who has a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan with the SilverSneakers® benefit included is eligible for the program. Whether or not your health plan includes the program will vary based on your location and the plan you selected.

How often can you go to Silversneakers?

There are no restrictions on visits, so you can attend once a month or every day! You can swim a few laps in the pool and an hour on the elliptical, or you can join a group yoga class. The program also has a new fitness app called SilverSneakers Go!® The app includes easy-to-follow exercise videos.

Is Silversneakers Splash safe?

Since the classes happen in the shallow side of the pool, it is safe for non-swimmers.

Does Medicare Advantage add coverage to Medigap?

Medigap plans are also offered by private insurance companies but most of the time, they do not add coverage in the same way that Medicare Advantage plans do. In most cases, the extra coverage that Medigap plans provide relates more to coverage for your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

Can you use Silversneakers at multiple locations?

If you move or if you are on vacation and want to use a different facility, you can ask to switch facilities. In some cases, like if you belong to the YMCA or a chain gym, you can use your existing membership at multiple locations.

Does Medicare cover Silversneakers?

You can find the SilverSneakers® benefit inside a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies but approved by Medicare. That means that they cover everything that Medicare covers, but can also add additional benefits (like fitness programs).

What is silver sneakers Medicare?

Well simply put, Silver Sneakers Medicare is a fitness program for seniors. Let me elaborate on that. The primary mission of the program is to help seniors reach a standard of living that applauds optimum health and wellness.

How to contact Silversneakers?

If you have any questions about SilverSneakers, you can contact customer service by phone at 866-584-7389, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, or by email at [email protected]. 65Medicare.org is a leading, independent Medicare insurance agency for people turning 65 and going on Medicare.

Can I go to any participating facility at any time?

You can go to any participating facility at any time, whether in the city in which you live or if traveling outside of your usual geographic location. Just put in the zip code of where you want to work out, and a list of locations will be generated.

When to enroll in Silversneakers Advantage Plan?

If you missed the open enrollment, you have to wait, and enroll between October 15 and December 7 or switch to a Medicare advantage plan with SilverSneakers benefits.

What is a silver sniper?

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.

How long does Medicare enrollment last?

You will have an ‘initial enrollment’ period for Medicare that lasts from 6 months prior to 6 months past your 65th birthday. If you miss this time period, you may be able to join a supplemental policy at a later time, but you won’t have a ‘guaranteed right’ to be accepted anymore.

Can you get Medicare Advantage 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 ...

Can you join Silversneakers at any time?

However, if a 5 Star Rated Medicare advantage plan with SilverSneakers is available to you, you may join that plan at any time during the year. Check with Medicare.gov for available 5 Star Rated Medicare advantage plans in your area.

How do silver sneakers save money?

First, Silver Sneakers can save you money on the services you use: gym memberships, classes, and so on. Also, SilverSneakers and other programs can help to reduce future medical expenses by improving your health and fitness levels. This can result in lower healthcare costs.

What is silver sneaker?

Silver Sneakers is an extra benefit that is offered by Medicare Advantage plans, as well as some supplement plans to add to Original Medicare benefits.

What are the most popular fitness programs for Medicare?

The SilverSneakers program is the most popular fitness program for folks on Medicare, but there are others as well. The two most popular programs aside from Silver Sneakers are Silver & Fit and Renew Active. Like Silver Sneakers, the availability of these programs will vary.

What is a Medigap plan?

Medigap Plans are offered by private insurance carriers. These plans cover fees that your Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like coinsurance payments and deductible expenses. These plans also include some medical services like blood work. They will sometimes offer extra perks and benefits as well.

How many gyms accept Silver Sneakers?

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

What are the benefits of Silversneakers?

One great benefit of SilverSneakers is that many of the fitness classes are specifically for your health needs. Such as pool exercise classes which are easy on the joints! This program is one way to make sure that you will always find the help you need. thumb.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Often referred to as Part C of Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans offer a way to use your Medicare through a private insurance company. These plans will always cover hospital and outpatient care. In addition to the primary benefits, these plans usually offer additional perks, like vision, dental, and hearing aids, ...

How to check if you are covered by Silversneakers?

Contact your health insurance plan to find out if SilverSneakers is covered, or visit the SilverSneakers website to check your eligibility online. If you’re eligible, then you can fill out the SilverSneakers form online to get and print your membership ID card to bring to participating locations.

How old do you have to be to join Silversneakers?

How do I join SilverSneakers? SilverSneakers comes automatically with qualifying Medicare health insurance plans. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries 65 years of age and older just need to get a SilverSneakers membership card to show at participating fitness locations.

Is Silversneakers membership free?

With a qualifying health insurance plan, a SilverSneakers membership is free. However, any services not included in a basic membership may require additional fees such as personal training, tanning, or a massage.

Does Silversneakers cover health insurance?

SilverSneakers is only available to individuals with qualifying health insurance plans. However, if your insurance plan does not cover SilverSneakers, you can still join a gym! Contact the recreational centers and gyms in your area to learn about special pricing for seniors.

Why do Medicare Advantage companies offer free Silver Sneakers?

The reason Medicare Advantage companies offer free Silver Sneakers memberships is to help keep their claims costs down. The healthier they can keep you, the lower their overall costs. It’s to their advantage to pay for a gym membership to avoid paying for potentially much higher medical costs down the road.

How to check if my health plan has silver sneakers?

Checking if your health plan includes Silver Sneakers is simple. Check your state by clicking here. Review the Medicare plans that offer Silver Sneakers program. If your plan isn’t listed, contact a local independent agent to get information about enrolling in a health plan that offers the Silver Sneakers program.

What is silver sneakers?

Silver Sneakers is the most well-known senior fitness solution available through many Medicare Advantage programs in all 50 states. The goal of Silver Sneakers is to enhance the health and wellness of Medicare policy holders by offering fitness programs in more than 13,000 locations. And, it’s free!

Why are silver sneakers important?

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.

What is Medicare Advantage?

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.

Do you have to have a Medicare Advantage plan to get silver sneakers?

This is one of the benefits of using a Medicare Advantage plan over a Medicare Supplement as most Medicare Supplements do not include Silver Sneakers.

Do Silver Sneakers work with Medicare?

Even when you switch your Medicare during open enrollment you Silver Sneakers membership doesn’t change as long as your new plan offers it.

What is a silver sneaker?

SilverSneakers is a fitness program for older adults. It provides access to gyms, community exercise classes, and workout videos. To be eligible, a person must have a Medicare plan that includes SilverSneakers among its benefits. The main goal of SilverSneakers is to promote good health through physical activity.

How does Silversneakers help you?

Getting regular exercise and maintaining a social network have positive effects on physical and emotional health. Participating in a fitness program , such as SilverSneakers, can make it easier for a person to engage in these beneficial lifestyle practices.

How does Silversneakers affect health?

evaluated the effects of SilverSneakers on health. It also tested how the program affected a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living, such as dressing or bathing. The researchers found that program participants had better physical, emotional, and social health than those who did not access the program.

How much does Medicare Advantage cost?

Medicare Advantage costs. One of the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare Advantage plans is the monthly premium, which ranges from $0 to more than $100 per month, depending on the particular plan. The plans also have deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance — all of which can vary.

What is the difference between coinsurance and deductible?

Coinsurance: This is a percentage of a treatment cost that a person will need to self-fund. For Medicare Part B, this comes to 20%.

How does a syringe help the body?

strengthens the bones and muscles. reduces the likelihood of a person developing obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. decreases the risk of falls and functional limitations. increases a person’s chance of living longer.

Does Medicare have Silversneakers?

Many Medicare Advantage plans also include SilverSneakers among their benefits. People with original Medicare are not eligible for SilverSneakers, as the plan does not have the extra benefits of Medicare Advantage.

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