Medicare Blog

“silver sneakers” is the name of the program where medicare/medicaid pays for gym

by Beverly Brekke Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

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.

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. There are over 16,000 participating Silver Sneaker gym facilities and 70 different types of health and fitness classes available nationwide.

Full Answer

What is the Medicare Silver Sneakers program?

Although the program says it is designed for people 65 and older, membership is available to Medicare Advantage enrollees of all ages if their insurer offers it. Having a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Silver Sneakers is the only way to participate in the program.

Does Medicaid pay for SilverSneakers?

All you have to do to gain access to over 17,000 gyms in the United States through the SilverSneakers program is: Start using your benefits in selected gyms and health clubs. It’s simple to sign up, but does Medicaid pay the costs? Does Medicaid Cover SilverSneakers? No, Medicaid does not currently support or pay for SilverSneakers membership.

Where can I Use my Silver Sneakers membership?

Members have access to over 16,000 gyms, community centers, and fitness facilities across the U.S. Silver Sneakers also provides access to exercise classes taught at recreation centers, parks and other locations. Do all Medicare plans offer Silver Sneakers?

Does SilverSneakers offer free gym memberships?

SilverSneakers partners with more than 16,000 gyms and community centers to offer free gym memberships for seniors. Click here to find a location near you. 5. How Do I Get My SilverSneakers Card? Much like Costco, SilverSneakers is making your membership card digital.

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.

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.

What is Medicare Silver Sneakers plan?

SilverSneakers is a fitness program designed for the 65+ crowd that provides access to gym memberships, weight training, aerobics, and group exercise classes. Many Medicare Advantage plans cover SilverSneakers.

Does Medicare pay for gym for seniors?

Gym memberships & fitness programs After you pay a deductible, Medicare pays its share of the Medicare-approved amount, and you pay your share (coinsurance and deductibles). doesn't cover gym memberships or fitness programs. You pay 100% for non-covered services, including gym memberships and fitness programs.

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.

How do I set up Silver Sneakers?

Find a fitness location near you and call them to see if you need an appointment to set up a no-cost membership with them through SilverSneakers. Once at the location, tell the front desk staff you want to enroll through SilverSneakers and ask for a tour.

What is the difference between silver sneakers and renew active?

UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans that once covered SilverSneakers membership have replaced that coverage with a program called Renew Active. Renew Active is similar to SilverSneakers but also incorporates brain health activities.

Does Medicare pay for exercise equipment?

The short answer is, Yes, Medicare does pay for Durable Medical Equipment (DME)!

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.

Does AARP offer free gym memberships?

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.

How does renew active work?

Renew Active members can enjoy a free membership at a local gym that is selected from a large network of gyms and fitness locations. There, you can do a circuit using the gym's equipment, or try out their fitness classes. You can also get a personalized fitness plan.

What treatments are not covered by Medicare?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:Long-Term Care. ... Most dental care.Eye exams related to prescribing glasses.Dentures.Cosmetic surgery.Acupuncture.Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.Routine foot care.

What is the Silver Sneakers program?

Silver Sneakers is a free fitness program for people receiving Medicare benefits with over 16,000 participating gym locations .

When does Silver Sneakers Medicare start?

The Silver Sneakers Medicare Program // What It Is & How It Works. April 6, 2019. 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. That’s what we are here to talk about today, ...

How to get Silver Sneakers?

The only way to get a Silver Sneakers membership is by enrolling in Medicare Part C , also known as Medicare Advantage, or a Medicare Supplement plan. A majority of the plans that include Silver Sneakers will be Medicare Advantage plans but you can find some Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans that include Silver Sneakers.

Does Whyoming have Silver Sneakers?

As of this writing, the state of Whyoming doesn’t have any plans that include Silver Sneakers. If you haven’t heard the news, United Healthcare has decided to end Silver Sneakers Benefits for a ton of its customers and replacing it with their own program called Renew Active.

Can you choose a Medicare Supplement plan based on Silver Sneakers?

The most important thing you can do when choosing a Medicare Supplement plan is to focus on things like your doctor being in the network and your benefits. We don’t recommend choosing coverage based solely on the Silver Sneakers program, but with that being said, you can check out your plan eligibility here.

What is Medicaid?

Medicaid is one of numerous government assistance programs in the United States, although its benefits are limited to medical help and emergencies. One of the most perplexing aspects for individuals is the fact that there are different rules and regulations depending on where they live.

What is SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a program for persons aged 65 and over that promotes health and wellness. There are several advantages, such as access to gyms and fitness facilities, online live and on-demand sessions, fitness courses led by instructors, and much more.

Does Medicaid Cover SilverSneakers?

No, Medicaid does not currently support or pay for SilverSneakers membership. This may come as a surprise to some Medicaid recipients, given that gym membership may be extremely useful for illness prevention and maintaining a healthier physique.

Final Thoughts

For the time being, Medicaid does not sponsor SilverSneakers, although this may change in the future. Given how helpful exercise is for everyone, especially the elderly, it’s just a matter of time until it’s acknowledged as one of the strategies to avoid future health problems.

What Exactly is Included in SilverSneakers?

With SilverSneakers benefits, older adults can join a gym free of cost and enjoy the facility and fitness equipment, which often includes cardio machines like the elliptical as well as resistance training equipment, such as free weights and weight benches.

Am I Eligible?

SilverSneakers was designed for adults aged 65 and older, and many people who are enrolled in a Medicare Plan are eligible to participate. Even if you are under the age of 65, you may be eligible for SilverSneakers as a part of your Medicare insurance plan, as there is no official age requirement for program participation.

Who can enroll in Silver Sneakers?

Although the program says it is designed for people 65 and older, membership is available to Medicare Advantage enrollees of all ages if their insurer offers it. Having a Medicare Advantage plan that includes Silver Sneakers is the only way to participate in the program.

What are Silver Sneakers benefits?

Members have access to over 16,000 gyms, community centers, and fitness facilities across the U.S. Silver Sneakers also provides access to exercise classes taught at recreation centers, parks and other locations.

Do all Medicare plans offer Silver Sneakers?

You cannot add a Silver Sneakers benefit to your Medicare Advantage coverage – a plan either comes with Silver Sneakers or it does not. Some Medicare Advantage plans provide reimbursement for gym memberships or fitness programs other than the Silver Sneakers program. Original Medicare never includes a Silver Sneakers membership.

What is a silver sneaker?

SilverSneakers is an exercise and wellness program designed for seniors who are 65 and older. With SilverSneakers, you get access to: Fitness equipment at more than 16,000 gyms and community locations across the country. 2.

What do you need to know about Silversneakers?

Here’s What You Need to Know About the SilverSneakers Program. Staying active is important at any age, but perhaps no more so than in your senior years. The health benefits of exercise for the senior population are widely acknowledged by both physicians and scientific researchers. But if the cost of a gym membership is giving your wallet too much ...

What is the phone number for Silversneakers?

As a test, we pulled data for the state of Georgia and found the following insurance plans include SilverSneakers: If you don’t see your health plan listed online and want to confirm, give SilverSneakers a call at 866-584-7389 or drop them an email at support@silversneakers.com.

Is Silversneakers membership card digital?

Much like Costco , SilverSneakers is making your membership card digital. That means it’s available through their free app ( iOS and Android) and lives on your smartphone. So you never have to worry about losing it! Meanwhile, if you have to replace a lost or stolen physical card, simply call (888) 423-4632.

Is there an age requirement for Silversneakers?

However, there’s actually no age requirement for the program. Instead, anyone who has a qualifying Medicare Advantage plan is eligible for SilverSneakers. Also eligible are those who have health insurance through Medicare Supplement carriers and many group retiree plans. 4.

Can you get a free gym membership with Silversneakers?

In fact, you can get a free gym membership through Silver Sneakers if you qualify. In this article, we’ll take a look at SilverSneakers eligibility, how the program works and how to get your SilverSneakers card, among other topics.

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