Medicare Blog

if i change medicare providers what happens to my silver sneakers membership

by Dr. Finn Johnson DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

You are eligible to switch your Medicare Advantage plan every year during the annual election period (AEP is October 15th through December 7th). At that time your Silver Sneakers membership will seamlessly transfer with any Medicare Silver Sneakers partner you enroll with for your health benefits. Back to Top

If you select a plan with Silver Sneakers and need to make a change to a different plan that offers the program, your membership information will transfer and stay with you. This means you will not have to reregister or get new membership materials to keep your membership in good standing.Apr 20, 2022

Full Answer

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.

Is Silver Sneakers covered by Medicaid?

The simple answer is no, the SilverSneakers program is not covered by Medicare. Original Medicare consists of Part A and B of Medicare and covers hospital care and outpatient medical expenses. 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 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 Silver Sneakers include a YMCA membership?

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. Click to see full answer.

Is the SilverSneakers program 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.

Does Medicare Cover Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program that provides gym access and fitness classes for older adults. It's covered by some Medicare plans. A 2019 study of SilverSneakers participants found that individuals with more gym visits had higher self-reported physical and mental health scores.

Is renew active replacing silver sneakers?

The company has replaced SilverSneakers with coverage for a different program called “Renew Active.”

Why did United Healthcare drop silver sneakers?

According to Sam Warner, who leads UHC's Medicare Advantage product team, the company's move away from SilverSneakers® is to “reach a broader portion of our membership” with a “wider variety of fitness resources.” Warner noted that “over 90 percent of policyholders who are eligible for SilverSneakers® “never step foot ...

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 exercise programs are covered by Medicare?

Original Medicare doesn't cover the cost of gym memberships or fitness programs. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer participation in national fitness programs like SilverSneakers or offer members an allowance for fitness program reimbursement. Medigap plans sometimes cover fitness benefits.

What is the difference between silver sneakers and silver and fit?

The main differences between the two programs are the locations, the types of classes, and the availability of home fitness. Silver and Fit® eligibility and SilverSneakers® eligibility are generally the same. Each program partners with a number of different gyms and wellness centers across the country.

How does renew active differ from Silver Sneakers?

As best as I can determine, Silver Sneakers allows use of multiple gyms/health clubs, whereas Renew Active limits one to a single specific gym/health club.

Is Silver Sneakers changing its name?

UnitedHealthcare replaced SilverSneakers with a different fitness program called Renew Active.

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.

What is AARP Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that's included with many Medicare Plans. SilverSneakers members can: Access live online fitness classes and an on-demand video library of prerecorded workouts.

Can I use silver sneakers at more than one gym?

Can I go to more than one fitness location? You can go to as many of locations as you like if they're in our network of over 15,000 fitness locations. We suggest calling the location before your first visit to see if you need an appointment to set up a no-cost membership with them.

How Does Silver Sneakers Work?

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Silver Sneakers Program Requirements

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Common Medicare Advantage Plans That Include Silver Sneakers Eligibility

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Where Can I Go to Use The Medicare Silver Sneakers Program? What Gyms Or Fitness Centers accept Silver Sneakers?

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How Do I Get A Silver Sneakers Card?

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How Can I Find A Silver Sneakers Near Me?

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What Type of Services Does Silver Sneakers Medicare Cover?

Once you’re a Silver Sneakers member you have access to all the benefits. That is the beauty of the program.Below are some of the conditions / scen...

Silver Sneakers Video: Great at Home Exercises

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Best Exercises For Seniors

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What is SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a free fitness program that helps millions of seniors set fitness goals and keep in shape all year round. To be eligible for the SilverSneakers program, you must be 65 years of age, and must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan.

What Happens if I Do Not Live Near Any Participating Fitness Centers?

Most plans offer the SilverSneakers Steps. The Steps program will give you the opportunity to choose one of their four kits. The kits include: general fitness, walking, strength and yoga. You can use the kits at home or when you travel. For instance, if you sign up for the Steps Strength Kit, you will receive the following items:

What is Included?

Access to all fitness equipment (weights, treadmills, ellipticals etc.)

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 ...

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 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 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 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, ...

What is a Flex program at Silver Sneakers?

Silver Sneakers also has a program, known as FLEX, which offers classes and events outside of the gym, such as swimming, hiking, and yoga. If you are part of the plan, you can use it for any eligible services at any time that works for you. For example, you can use your membership for pool access if you don’t want to go to the gym.

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.

What is Silversneakers community?

What they all know: SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program, and often it’s the friendships that people make that keep them coming back. Many SilverSneakers groups even plan social events outside of classes, like potlucks or outings around town.

What can you use in Silversneakers?

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.

What classes do Silversneakers take?

Cardio and strength classes, which often offer a chair for support. Water aerobics classes. Chair and standing yoga classes. Tai chi, boot camp, and so much more! SilverSneakers classes are led by supportive instructors who are trained in senior fitness.

Is Silversneakers a Medicare plan?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that’s included with many Medicare Plans, but there’s no age requirement. If you have a Medicare Plan, you can check your SilverSneakers eligibility instantly here.

Does Silversneakers work?

According to SilverSneakers members, it works. In fact, 94 percent of members rate their health as excellent, very good, or good. And 88 percent say SilverSneakers has improved their quality of life.

Is Silversneakers included in Medicare?

If SilverSneakers is included in your Medicare Plan, you can have all of that—at no additional cost to you. To help you learn more and take advantage of SilverSneakers, we put together this handy guide to answer your questions.

Can you join Silversneakers on Zoom?

Yes, and lots of them! If you’re a SilverSneakers member, you get access to both live online classes and prerecorded video workouts. SilverSneakers LIVE offers full-length SilverSneakers classes live through Zoom. With over 50 classes a week, there’s something for everyone.

What Is Renew Active?

Renew Active is similar to SilverSneakers but also incorporates brain health into the activities offered.

How Much Does Renew Active Cost?

There is no additional monthly premium to participate in the Renew Active program. Many UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans that include the Renew Active benefit are available with a $0 premium.

What Is AARP Renew Active?

Members of AARP Medicare Advantage plans aren’t entirely out of luck when it comes to fitness program benefits. UnitedHealthcare replaced SilverSneakers with a different fitness program called Renew Active.

How Can I Find an AARP Medicare Plan With Fitness Benefits?

You can shop for an AARP Medicare Advantage plan through UnitedHealthcare in your area. Some plans are available with $0 monthly premiums, and some may include coverage for dental, vision, hearing aids, prescription drugs and more.

What is silver sneakers?

Silver Sneakers is a fitness program for men and women who have enrolled in participating Medicare insurance plans. A membership in Silver Sneakers allows you to work out in various name brand fitness centers across the country. You can take classes there, or at the comfort of your home with online video lessons.

How to contact Medicare Advantage?

Call us at 800-930-7956 to discuss which Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans offer these gym programs in your area and see the cost. Remember we at Senior65 dedicate ourselves to help people enroll in Medigap, Medicare Advantage and Part D.

What is the phone number for Medicare?

If you have an urgent matter or need enrollment assistance, call us at 800-930-7956. By submitting your question here, you agree that a licensed sales representative may respond to you about Medicare Advantage, Prescription Drug, and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.

Does Medicare cover silver sneakers?

Some Medigap and Medicare Advantage offer Silver Sneakers. As you may know, Medigap and Medicare Advantage are two very different ways to help address costs not covered by Medicare. Some of these Medicare insurance plans will bundle a Silver Sneakers membership with its plans. Check out which Medigap insurance providers ...

Can you get silver sneakers with Medicare?

You cannot just call Silver Sneakers and enroll. Silver Sneaker coverage is not available to purchase directly. Silver Sneakers is an ancillary benefit that comes with a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan.

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