Medicare Blog

what is included in the ymca united health care medicare advantage program program

by Else Gleichner Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The YMCA of Western North Carolina partners to provide wellness benefits for Medicare Advantage plans through plans that include Silver & Fit RenewActive by UnitedHealthcare®, and the At Your Best Program through AARP. Each of these options provides a YMCA membership. Some plans require fees and annual enrollment.

We offer unlimited group exercise and water fitness classes, as well as programs to help you manage arthritis, prevent falls, prevent and control diabetes, regain strength after cancer, and more. Clubs, group outings, and volunteer opportunities are also available.

Full Answer

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover YMCA membership?

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Benefits? If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may be able to receive direct benefits for YMCA membership or receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses for YMCA membership or services.

Is YMCA membership free with UnitedHealthcare?

The YMCA has a partnership with UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans that provides a free membership through its Renew Active program. Available exclusively from UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans, Renew Active members receive a waived join fee and a senior individual membership at no cost.

What kind of Medicare Advantage plans does UnitedHealthcare offer?

UnitedHealthcare offers several kinds of Medicare Advantage plans, and they vary in terms of structure, costs and benefits available. In general, UnitedHealthcare offers Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans, as well as stand-alone prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans without drug coverage.

How do I sign up for the YMCA Medicare Supplement Program?

To enroll in the program, members must obtain an Activation Letter by calling the AARP Medicare Supplement Plan call center at 1-800-523-5800. Q: Ive heard about this new membership benefit at the YMCA because I have an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan. Can you tell me more about this?

What are Medicare Advantage fitness benefits?

Original Medicare Part A and Part B, which covers hospitalization and outpatient medical visits respectively, does not pay for gym memberships. However, in some circumstances, Original Medicare will cover some prescribed treatments related to fitness, including nutritional therapy and physical or occupational therapy.

Is Silver Sneakers the same as 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.

Is UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage the same as Medicare?

Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, combine Original Medicare (Parts A & B) into one plan and include additional benefits. Instead of receiving the Part A & B benefits through Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans are offered through Medicare-approved private insurers, like UnitedHealthcare.

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 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.

Is Silver Sneakers going away?

Graves, who works out four to five days a week and has a UnitedHealthcare Medigap policy, decided to seek coverage elsewhere after the company raised his policy's rates and eliminated SilverSneakers in California.

What is the biggest disadvantage of Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Advantage can become expensive if you're sick, due to uncovered copays. Additionally, a plan may offer only a limited network of doctors, which can interfere with a patient's choice. It's not easy to change to another plan. If you decide to switch to a Medigap policy, there often are lifetime penalties.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

If they don't say under budget, they end up losing money. Meaning, you may not receive the full extent of care. Thus, many doctors will likely tell you they do not like Medicare Advantage plans because private insurance companies make it difficult for them to get paid for their services.

What is the highest rated Medicare Advantage plan?

Best Medicare Advantage Plans: Aetna Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are number one on our list. Aetna is one of the largest health insurance carriers in the world. They have an AM Best A-rating. There are multiple plan types, like Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs).

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 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.

Does United Healthcare Plan F cover 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 YMCA committed to?

The YMCA is committed to helping people reach their full potential through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body. We serve people of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, and incomes. It is our belief that no one should be turned away for their inability to pay.

Do Silver Sneakers have the same benefits as YMCA?

Silver Sneakers doesn’t offer the same benefits as a YMCA membership or a membership through the AARP Medicare Supplement Program, FirstMedicare Direct Healthy State, RenewActive, or Silver & Fit. Members of the YMCA of SENC have full access to several indoor pools, hundreds of group exercise classes, a host of health education ...

What is the Medicare Advantage number?

Read our Medicare Advantage FAQ or call 828 251 5910 for more information on the Y's wellness benefits for older adults.

Does the YMCA of Western North Carolina have Medicare?

The YMCA of Western North Carolina partners to provide wellness benefits for Medicare Advantage plans through Silver&Fit , RenewActive by UnitedHealthcare, First Carolina Care, and for Part B subscribers, we also work with a Medicare Supplement through AARP's At Your Best Program .

Original Medicare

If you have coverage through Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) alone, unfortunately, you don’t have benefits for a gym or fitness club membership. Original Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for 100 percent of the cost of all non-covered services such as gym memberships and fitness programs.

Medicare Supplement plans

On the other hand, if you have Original Medicare plus a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, you may have coverage for these benefits. While the actual standardized Medicare Supplement plans DO NOT include gym or fitness club memberships, some of the major Medigap insurance companies, in some states, include SilverSneakers or other club memberships as extra benefits bundled with their Medigap plans..

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, is an alternative form of Medicare insurance. Part C plans are sold by private insurance companies that work with Medicare. These providers are required by U.S. federal law to provide at least the same benefits that Original Medicare Part A and Part B provide.

What is Medicare Advantage?

Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans provide all your coverage in one convenient plan, and many even offer additional benefits such as coverage for prescription drugs, routine vision, hearing, or dental services. Also known as the Medicare Part C program, Medicare Advantage plans are offered through Medicare-approved private insurance ...

What is an HMO plan?

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans may be more affordable than other options because private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare negotiate with a network of providers to treat plan members at reduced rates. Here are some features of HMOs you should know before selecting this plan: 1 You are expected to get your health care from in-network providers, or your plan may not cover you. However, if you need emergency care or urgent care services and you use non-network providers, you’ll still be covered. 2 You’ll need to choose a primary care doctor to oversee your medical care; most of the time, referrals are needed to see a specialist. It’s important to follow all plan rules, such as getting a referral or prior authorization, or you may have to pay the full cost of your care. 3 Most HMO plans include coverage for prescription drugs listed in their formulary, or list of covered medications. The HMO plan may change its formulary at any time, but you’ll be notified if needed.

Why is HMO more affordable than other plans?

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans may be more affordable than other options because private insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare negotiate with a network of providers to treat plan members at reduced rates. Here are some features of HMOs you should know before selecting this plan:

Is UHC Medicare Advantage available in every state?

There are several different UHC Medicare Advantage plans to choose from, but not every plan option is available in every location. Each private insurance company contracted with Medicare decides which plans to offer in each state, and plan options and monthly premiums vary by location.

The Y Is Here For You

The YMCA has a partnership with UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans that provides a free membership through its Renew Active program. Available exclusively from UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans, Renew Active members receive a waived join fee and a senior individual membership at no cost.

Aarp Unitedhealthcare & The Y

If you are 65+ and hold an AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plan with United Health Care, you can enjoy 50% off the senior adult membership rate at the Y a savings of $13.50 per month! You also pay no join fee and enjoy full facility membership plus additional wellness classes right in your branch at the Hopkins County Family YMCA and Y Express .

Does Medigap Cover Gym Memberships

Medigap plans can cover gym memberships.

Are Other Fitness Programs Available

Besides SilverSneakers, many Medicare Advantage plans also offer other fitness options. They might provide a dollar amount you can apply toward a fitness or wellness program, or they might offer their own services, like:

Which Clubs Offer Silversneakers

In my area LA Fitness has entered the health club arena which is a huge bonus as LA Fitness has many locations throughout the area. This makes the journey to fitness so much easier to find a close health club with easy parking.

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.

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.

How many points did UnitedHealthcare score in 2020?

Power measured member satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans based on six factors: coverage and benefits, provider choice, cost, customer service, information and communication, and billing and payment. On these measures, UnitedHealthcare scored 800 points out ...

How much is Medicare Advantage 2021?

Even as a Medicare Advantage user, you’ll still be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is at least $148.50 in 2021.

What is an HMO plan?

Other plan offerings include the following types: HMO plans. A health maintenance organization, or HMO, generally requires that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor in order to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually very limited.

What is Silver Sneakers?

Silver Sneakers is a limited gym membership offered as an incentive when you buy a Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage through select marketers. Silver Sneakers is not part of original Medicare, nor is it “built in” to Medicare supplement plans.

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:

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.

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