Medicare Blog

what is the silver sneaker program covered by medicare

by Coleman Rowe IV Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

SilverSneakers is a program for Medicare beneficiaries offering free access to thousands of gyms and exercise classes nationwide. Many Medicare Advantage plans and some Medicare Supplement

Medigap

Medigap refers to various private health insurance plans sold to supplement Medicare in the United States. Medigap insurance provides coverage for many of the co-pays and some of the co-insurance related to Medicare-covered hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health care, ambulance, durable medical equipment, and doctor charges. Medigap's name is derived from the notion that it exists to …

plans include SilverSneakers. Insurance plans that offer SilverSneakers include Humana, Aetna, Avmed, Kaiser Permanente, Wellcare and United Healthcare.

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

Does Medicare provide Silver Sneakers?

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. Medicare Advantage plans are private Medicare plans that pay instead of your Original Medicare.

Which insurance plans include Silver Sneakers?

  • AARP
  • Aetna
  • Amerigroup
  • Anthem
  • BlueCross BlueShield
  • Bankers Life
  • CareFirst
  • Clover
  • Highmark
  • Humana

More items...

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.

Who offers Silver Sneakers program?

While Powell and other seniors equate Silver Sneakers with their Medicare Advantage plans – in his case through Florida Blue – Silver Sneakers is actually operated by Franklin, Tennessee-based Tivity Health. “Tivity is the bridge between us and the insurance companies,” Bishop noted.

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 Silver Sneakers go free?

How Much Does SilverSneakers Cost? There is no cost to you if you have SilverSneakers included in your Medicare Advantage plan.

What exercise program does Medicare cover?

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 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 Part B Cover Silver Sneakers?

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.

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.

Do you get free gym membership with Medicare?

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.

Does Plan G include Silver Sneakers?

0:004:05Does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover Silver Sneakers - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd Advantage plans are including silver sneakers as part of their benefit offering as a way to tryMoreAnd Advantage plans are including silver sneakers as part of their benefit offering as a way to try to get people to choose that carrier over another one.

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 other programs are like Silver Sneakers?

Silver&Fit. If you're looking for an alternative to SilverSneakers, or there doesn't happen to be a location near you, check out Silver&Fit. Much like SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit is covered by many Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans.

Which is better silver sneakers or 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.

Did UnitedHealthcare drop silver sneakers?

1, the company is dropping SilverSneakers — an optional benefit — for 1.2 million customers with Medicare Advantage plans in 11 states (California, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina and Utah) as well as 1.3 million customers with Medicare supplemental (Medigap) ...

Does Medicare automatically include Silver Sneakers?

No, not all Medicare plans include Silver Sneakers. However, for qualifying Medicare plans, it is included automatically at no additional cost.

Does Medicare Supplement Plan G cover Silver Sneakers?

Most Plan G's nowadays no longer come with Silver Sneakers because of lack of use by beneficiaries.

How Do I Get Silver Sneakers?

To get Silver Sneakers you need to enroll in a qualifying Medicare Advantage plan. Most Medicare supplements no long cover Silver Sneakers.

How to choose a Medicare plan?

So how can you choose a Medicare plan that fits your needs? Follow the tips below to get started: 1 Think about your health needs. Since everyone has different health needs, it’s important to consider what kind of health or medical services you’ll need in the coming year. 2 Look at the coverage options. Compare the coverage provided in the different Medicare plans with your health needs. Focus on plans that’ll meet these needs in the upcoming year. 3 Consider cost. Costs can vary by the Medicare plan you select. When looking at plans, think about things like premiums, deductibles, and how much you’d be able to pay out of pocket. 4 Compare Part C and Part D plans. If you’re looking at a Part C or Part D plan, remember that what’s covered varies by each individual plan. Use the official Medicare site to carefully compare different plans before deciding on one. 5 Check the participating doctors. Some plans require that you use a healthcare provider in their network. Be sure to double-check to see if your healthcare provider is included in a plan’s network before enrolling.

What is a silver sniper?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program that’s specifically aimed at adults age 65 and older. It includes the following benefits: use of participating gym facilities, including fitness equipment, pools, and walking tracks. fitness classes specifically designed for older adults of all fitness levels, including cardio workouts, ...

Can you use a Silversneakers membership card to enroll in a gym?

SilverSneakers members have access to any gym that participates in the program. You can use your membership card to enroll at your gym of choice. You’ll then have access to all SilverSneakers benefits free of charge. Tips for choosing the best Medicare plan for your needs.

Is Silversneakers covered by Medicare?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program that provides gym access and fitness classes for older adults. It’s covered by some Medicare plans. of SilverSneakers participants found that individuals with more gym visits had higher self-reported physical and mental health scores. Keep reading to learn more about SilverSneakers, ...

Can you sign up for Silversneakers?

If your plan covers the SilverSneakers program, you can sign up for it on the SilverSneakers website. After signing up, you’ll be provided with a SilverSneakers membership card with a member ID number. SilverSneakers members have access to any gym that participates in the program.

Is Healthline Media a licensed insurance company?

Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S . jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance. Last medically reviewed on April 19, 2020.

Does Medicare cover Silversneakers gym memberships?

Original Medicare doesn’t cover gym memberships or fitness programs like SilverSneakers. However, some Medicare Part C and Medigap plans do. If you’re interested in SilverSneakers, check to see if it’s included in your plan or any plan you’re ...

What is silver sneakers?

Silver Sneakers is the name of an organization that provides gym and fitness class memberships to people who are 65 and older and are eligible for Medicare coverage. Silver Sneakers programs are available in over 13,000 locations in the United States.

What are some outdoor activities that Silver Sneakers does?

Some of the outdoor activities include tai chi, yoga, or walking . Silver Sneakers even offers on-demand videos of classes and work outs that you can do at home. You can download their fitness app to your smart phone or tablet and take your workouts with you wherever you go.

Do Silver Sneakers have free gyms?

They offer free fitness programs in gyms, pools, and even outdoors. As a member of Silver Sneakers, you have access to a gym’s cardio equipment, pool, weights, and fitness classes lead by certified instructors. If you prefer being outside, there are programs that arrange member meetings at parks or recreation centers.

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.

Which Medicare Plans Cover SilverSneakers?

Most Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans include a SilverSneakers membership. First, you must be signed up for Original Medicare. Then you can select a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes SilverSneakers.

How Much Does SilverSneakers Cost?

There is no cost to you if you have SilverSneakers included in your Medicare Advantage plan.

What Is The Eligibility For SilverSneakers?

If you’re 65 or older and have Original Medicare, you’re eligible for SilverSneakers. Just be sure you’re enrolled in a Part C Medicare Advantage plan that includes SilverSneakers benefits. See if you qualify.

How Does SilverSneakers Work?

Once you have enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes SilverSneakers, you can go to the SilverSneakers website to sign up. When you register, you'll receive your own personalized ID card with your SilverSneakers number.

How SilverSneakers Benefits Seniors On Medicare

SilverSneakers focuses on important areas of health and wellness for seniors.

SilverSneakers And The FLEX Program

If you're enrolled in SilverSneakers, you also have access to FLEX workout classes for older adults. FLEX goes beyond weights and treadmills. It includes more than 70 types of classes, such as yoga, tai chi, Zumba®, and more. FLEX classes also feature professional instructors who understand what it takes to stay fit after 65.

Take Advantage Of SilverSneakers Programs

SilverSneakers offers a wide variety of fitness benefits and programs to fit many different needs. In addition to physical benefits, exercise for older adults has been proven to have mental health benefits, too. It can even lower your healthcare costs.

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 Insurance Plans Include the SilverSneakers Fitness Program?

SilverSneakers is a popular fitness program offered through select Medicare plans to adults ages 65 or older. Members get access to exercise classes and events held at their local gyms or fitness facilities.

Medicare Providers That Cover SilverSneakers

Several large health insurance companies provide SilverSneakers membership at no cost to enrollees. This makes sense, as insurance providers have a financial interest in the long-term health of their customers and exercising has proven to have tremendous benefits.

SilverSneakers Eligibility and Coverage Areas

Any Medicare-eligible individual age 65 years or older is eligible for SilverSneakers. However, to actually get this coverage, you have to be officially enrolled in Medicare Advantage or a Medicare Supplement plan that offers membership to the program.

What Parts of Medicare Cover SilverSneakers?

The SilverSneakers program is not included under all parts of the Medicare umbrella. Namely, Original Medicare (which includes both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) does not offer the program as a benefit.

What are the Benefits of SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers hosts group fitness classes in 17,000 gyms and community facilities across the United States. Additionally, its FLEX program covers 80 different activities outside of the gym environment, from outdoor walking to yoga to strength training — all of which are activities promoted by public health organizations to benefit older adults.

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