Medicare Blog

what medicare insurance plans provide silver sneakers benefits

by Eric Wuckert Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
image

Medicare Advantage plans, otherwise known as Medicare Part C, will often cover a Silver Sneakers membership as an added benefit. Common MA plan providers include but are not limited to 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…

, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Anthem Blue Cross.

You can only get SilverSneakers if you're enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan.
  • AARP.
  • Aetna.
  • Amerigroup.
  • Anthem.
  • BlueCross BlueShield.
  • Bankers Life.
  • CareFirst.
  • Clover.
Sep 15, 2020

Full Answer

What Medicare plans does Humana offer?

Medicare plans offered by Humana include Medicare Advantage plans, stand-alone Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans, and Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap plans. Here’s an overview of each of these types of coverage. What Medicare Advantage plans are available from Humana?

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.

What are Medicare supplement plans does Aetna offer?

What is an Aetna Medicare Supplement Plan? An Aetna Medicare Supplement plan may help you pay for certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, including copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. This coverage could give you some peace of mind, considering that Original Medicare has no out of pocket maximum.

What companies offer Medicare Advantage plans currently?

U.S. News & World Report analyzed and ranked insurance companies' offerings in each state based on their 2022 CMS star ratings. They define a Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage Plans as a company whose plans were all rated as at least 3 out of 5 stars by CMS and whose plans have an average rating of 4.5 or more stars within the state.

image

Which Medigap plans have silver sneakers?

Both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance (also known as Medigap) plans offer SilverSneakers benefits. Be sure to carefully review all of the plans available in your local area.

Does Medicare Supplement cover Silver Sneakers?

SilverSneakers is included as a bundled benefit in most Medicare Advantage plans, which also offer extra perks like vision, hearing, and dental coverage. Medicare Supplement plans may also provide SilverSneakers membership as a benefit.

Is AARP dropping silver sneakers?

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

Does 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.

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.

Is Silver Sneakers 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.

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 ...

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 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.

Is Plan F better than Plan G?

Although the plans have several similarities, there is one key difference between Plan F and Plan G: With Medicare Plan F, you're getting the plan with the most coverage available. In addition to the above coverage, Plan F also covers Medicare Part B deductible payments. Plan G does not.

Which Medicare supplements offer gym membership?

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 Plan F and Plan G in Medicare?

The main difference between the two plans is how Plan G interacts with the Part B deductible. With Plan F, the Medicare Supplement plan pays for the Part B deductible. Under Plan G, you are responsible for the Part B deductible only. Otherwise, all Part A deductibles, copays, and coinsurance are covered.

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.

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 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.

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 Benefits Are Provided?

SilverSneakers is a program that helps adults over the age of 65 stay physically active through a network of more than 17,000 gyms, community centers and fitness facilities in the United States.

Which Medicare Advantage Plans Offer This Benefit?

Medicare Advantage is available through private insurance companies. Typically, these health plans cover all of the services provided by Original Medicare and additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing and wellness.

How to Confirm a Health Plan Offers a SilverSneakers Benefit

Because Medicare Advantage plans vary, those who want a SilverSneakers membership should confirm directly with the insurance company that the benefit is included before enrolling. The SilverSneakers website also provides a search tool to connect seniors to participating health plans.

What is a silver sneaker?

SilverSneakers is a fitness program for older adults. 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.

How does Silversneakers help you?

Getting regular exercise and maintaining a social network have positive effects on physical and emotional health. Participating in a fitness program , such as SilverSneakers, can make it easier for a person to engage in these beneficial lifestyle practices.

How does Silversneakers affect health?

evaluated the effects of SilverSneakers on health. It also tested how the program affected a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living, such as dressing or bathing. The researchers found that program participants had better physical, emotional, and social health than those who did not access the program.

How much does Medicare Advantage cost?

Medicare Advantage costs. One of the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare Advantage plans is the monthly premium, which ranges from $0 to more than $100 per month, depending on the particular plan. The plans also have deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance — all of which can vary.

What is the difference between coinsurance and deductible?

Coinsurance: This is a percentage of a treatment cost that a person will need to self-fund. For Medicare Part B, this comes to 20%.

How does a syringe help the body?

strengthens the bones and muscles. reduces the likelihood of a person developing obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. decreases the risk of falls and functional limitations. increases a person’s chance of living longer.

Does Medicare have Silversneakers?

Many Medicare Advantage plans also include SilverSneakers among their benefits. People with original Medicare are not eligible for SilverSneakers, as the plan does not have the extra benefits of Medicare Advantage.

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