Medicare Blog

what medicare ins will cover silver sneakers

by Aracely Hahn Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Insurance plans that offer SilverSneakers include Humana, Aetna

Aetna

Aetna Inc. is an American managed health care company that sells traditional and consumer directed health care insurance and related services, such as medical, pharmaceutical, dental, behavioral health, long-term care, and disability plans, primarily through employer-paid insuranc…

, Avmed, Kaiser Permanente, Wellcare and United Healthcare

UnitedHealth Group

UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American for-profit managed health care company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It offers health care products and insurance services. It is the largest healthcare company in the world by revenue, with 2018 revenue of $226.2 billion and 115 million cu…

. Many Medicare beneficiaries enjoy SilverSneakers, which is a free fitness program that allows them access to gyms, weight training, group fitness classes, health education and fitness-related events.

Key takeaways:
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults age 65 and older. SilverSneakers is included in many Medicare plans, including both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance.
Sep 22, 2021

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

What are Medicare supplement plans include Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers® is sort of like a gym membership included in your Medicare plan (if your plan includes it as a benefit – not all plans do). The program includes various kinds of fitness classes with a focus on aging and senior health, hosted at local YMCAs, wellness centers, and local gyms, like select Planet Fitness locations.

Does Medicare Part or B cover the Silver Sneakers program?

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 do Medicare Advantage plans cover?

When you have an Advantage plan, Medicare Parts A and Part B do not act as secondary coverage for your Advantage plan. You don’t get healthcare services from both, because when you choose a Medicare Advantage plan you are deselecting CMS as the ...

image

Do you get silver sneakers automatically with Medicare?

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.

Which Medigap plans have silver sneakers?

Currently, the following major insurance companies offer plans with the SilverSneakers fitness benefit:AARP.Aetna.Amerigroup.Anthem.BlueCross BlueShield.Bankers Life.CareFirst.Clover.More items...•

Do AARP members qualify for Silver Sneakers?

AARP Medicare plans no longer cover SilverSneakers as a benefit, but plan members may now take advantage of the Renew Active program.

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 Aetna plan g cover Silver Sneakers?

The SilverSneakers benefit is part of Aetna Medicare Advantage plans at no added cost (if applicable); it's included in your monthly plan premium. You won't pay an extra fee to SilverSneakers or to the gyms and exercise centers you visit.

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.

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 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 do you become a Silver Sneakers member?

To be eligible for SilverSneakers, you must join a participating Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. If you are already enrolled in one of those types of private insurance plans, you can visit SilverSneakers.com to see if your current plan offers the program.

Does Mutual of Omaha plan G have silver sneakers?

0:104:05Does 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.

What are the benefits of silver sneakers?

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.

Does USAA Medicare Supplement offer Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults age 65 and older. SilverSneakers is included in many Medicare plans, including both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance.

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.

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.

Which Plans Offer Silver Sneakers

Remember most plans do not offer Silver Sneakers. Check out our Silver Sneakers Search tool to see if there are any in your area. You can see which Medigap plans participate in Silver Sneakers and can get quotes and apply directly.

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits Focus On Your Well

Most Medicare Advantage plans from Aetna offer a wide range of benefits in addition to SilverSneakers membership. These benefits are designed to help take care of your total health.

When Can I Enroll In A Medicare Advantage Or Medicare Supplement Plan

The Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15 December 7, which is the time of year many Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in new plans or make changes to existing ones.

How We Reviewed Medicare Providers

Even Medicare health plans with a national presence can vary locally in their cost, quality, and customer satisfaction.

How Can I Find A Medicare Plan 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.

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.

Does Original Medicare Cover Silversneakers

Original Medicare does not provide the SilverSneakers program as a benefit.

What is silver sneakers?

Silver Sneakers is a gym and fitness membership organization for those age 65 and older. It partners with several health insurance plans in order to offer unlimited gym access to over 13,000 locations across the country. This program also offers free fitness classes (both in and out of the gym) to accommodate all levels of experience.

How many digits are in a health insurance card?

You’ll receive a 16 digit code or card from your health insurance company. Once you have that, you can access any participating gym or center. You will also receive a card you can use at any participating gym or fitness location.

Does Medicare cover silver sneakers?

Medicare Supplements With Silver Sneakers Membership. As a rule of thumb, more Medicare Advantage plans offer Silver Sneakers than do Medicare supplement policies. Membership availability will depend on the State where you live. It’s more common to see larger insurance Medicare supplement providers offering this benefit.

Is Silver Sneakers a perks?

Of course, Silver Sneakers is one of the biggest perks and some of our clients will choose a carrier based on this benefit alone. It’s important to crunch the numbers, however. If you frequently use the gym and a membership will save you $60 a month, then it might be an easy decision.

Does Medicare Supplement cost extra?

Popular insurance companies like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare (AARP), and Medical Mutual of Ohio offer this program in many states. This benefit does not cost extra.

Can Medicare Advantage plan offer dental?

Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to offer ancillary benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Conversely, Supplements, by rule, cannot usually offer as many added benefits.

Can you have both Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans at the same time?

It’s important to know that Medicare Advantage plans are much different than Medicare supplement plans and you cannot have both at the same time. While Silver Sneakers is a nice perk, it may not be reason enough to choose one policy over the other.

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.

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 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, ...

Do all anthem plans include Silversneakers?

Also remember that just because Anthem, for example, sells plans in your area, it doesn’t mean all Anthem plans include SilverSneakers.

Does insurance cover exercise?

According to the National Institutes of Health, exercise protects against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and can even help prevent some forms of cancer. It also improves mental health and contributes to a better quality of life.

Does Medicare Supplement include Silversneakers?

In some states, the major Medicare Supplement insurers — such as Humana, BlueCross Blue Shield, AARP — include SilverSneakers membership with some Medigap plans. These instances are few and far between though, as most Medigap plans do not include SilverSneakers, especially those offered by smaller insurance companies.

Is Silversneakers covered by Medicare?

If something isn’t covered by Original Medicare, it usually isn’t covered by a Medicare Supplement plan. Medica re rules prohibit Medigap plans from offering extra benefits, but gym memberships such as SilverSneakers are the rare exception to the rule. In some states, the major Medicare Supplement insurers — such as Humana, BlueCross Blue Shield, ...

Can you get Silversneakers with Medicare?

You can only get SilverSneakers if you’re enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. SilverSneakers is a private fitness program only available to people with Medicare. It’s not part of your Original Medicare coverage.

Can you work out with Silversneakers?

If you have a plan with the SilverSneakers benefit, you can work out, take fitness classes, and even get advice from a personal trainer for free. What’s most important is finding a Medicare plan that includes fitness benefits and meets your other health needs and personal goals. Here’s what you need to know about which insurance plans include ...

Is Silver Sneakers a gym?

SilverSneakers is much more than just a gym membership, although it does include all the perks of a basic membership at participating fitness and community centers. You can work out on weight machines, join a group fitness class, swim a few laps, and even relax in the sauna or hot tub (if your gym has one).

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.

image
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9