Medicare Blog

which medicare part b providers offer silver sneakers prohram

by Skye Fahey Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

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

Currently, the following major insurance companies offer plans with the SilverSneakers fitness benefit:
  • AARP.
  • Aetna.
  • Amerigroup.
  • Anthem.
  • BlueCross BlueShield.
  • Bankers Life.
  • CareFirst.
  • Clover.
Sep 15, 2020

Full Answer

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover Silver Sneakers?

Keep in mind, most of the plans that come with a Silver Sneakers membership are the Medicare Advantage plans, with the supplemental coverage offering the program is more rare. Below are some of the companies that offer plans with a Silver Sneakers membership in them. Keep in mind not all of these companies offer this program in every state.

How do I join the Silver Sneakers program?

To join the SilverSneaker program, you must be eligible for Medicare and have a Medicare advantage or supplemental insurance plan available to you that includes a Silver Sneakers membership.

When can I sign up for Medicare Advantage with SilverSneakers?

If you missed the open enrollment, you have to wait, and enroll between October 15 and December 7 or switch to a Medicare advantage plan with SilverSneakers benefits. However, if a 5 Star Rated Medicare advantage plan with SilverSneakers is available to you, you may join that plan at any time during the year.

Does Medicare Part B Cover Silver Sneakers?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs. Since SilverSneakers falls under this category, original Medicare doesn't cover it. However, gym memberships and fitness programs, including SilverSneakers, are often covered as an additional benefit in Medicare Part C plans.

Which Medigap plans offer Silver Sneakers?

Most Medicare Advantage plans cover SilverSneakers. SilverSneakers is available for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plans. The program is also available within many Anthem Medicare Advantage plans. SilverSneakers is available for CareFirst Med Plus Medicare Supplement customers.

Is Silver Sneakers available to anyone on Medicare?

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.

Does Medicare automatically include Silver Sneakers?

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.

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.

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.

Are silver sneakers and silver and fit the same?

Are SilverSneakers ® and Silver and Fit ® the Same? SilverSneakers® and Silver and Fit® are both Medicare fitness programs, but they are not the same. They are two separate companies offering similar benefits.

Is Silver Sneakers part of AARP?

It's not part of your Original Medicare coverage. Currently, the following major insurance companies offer plans with the SilverSneakers fitness benefit: AARP.

Does Aetna offer 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.

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 is Silver Sneakers splash?

A fun, shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement and intensity options. Splash is suitable for all skill levels and is safe for non-swimmers. The pool provides many benefits when used for aerobic exercise and resistance training.

Does Medicare pay for exercise equipment?

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

What is SilverSneakers Classic?

SilverSneakers Classic focuses on strengthening muscles and increasing range of movement for daily life activities. Participants can use hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles and a SilverSneakers ball. Often a chair is used for seated exercises or standing support.

What did UnitedHealthcare replace silver sneakers with?

Renew ActiveUnitedHealthcare replaced SilverSneakers with a different fitness program called Renew Active.

Why did UHC 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 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.

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.

When to enroll in Silversneakers Advantage Plan?

If you missed the open enrollment, you have to wait, and enroll between October 15 and December 7 or switch to a Medicare advantage plan with SilverSneakers benefits.

What is a silver sniper?

SilverSneakers is a fitness program that is specifically targeted to seniors in order to help them stay fit and healthy. In participating fitness and wellness centers, gyms and YMCAs and currently also online, you will find specially trained instructors to teach SilverSneakers classes.

How long does Medicare enrollment last?

You will have an ‘initial enrollment’ period for Medicare that lasts from 6 months prior to 6 months past your 65th birthday. If you miss this time period, you may be able to join a supplemental policy at a later time, but you won’t have a ‘guaranteed right’ to be accepted anymore.

Can you get Medicare Advantage 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. You may use the SilverSneakers Health Plan Locator ...

Can you join Silversneakers at any time?

However, if a 5 Star Rated Medicare advantage plan with SilverSneakers is available to you, you may join that plan at any time during the year. Check with Medicare.gov for available 5 Star Rated Medicare advantage plans in your area.

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.

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.

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. Its more common to see larger insurance Medicare supplement providers offering this benefit. Many smaller companies will not.

Medicare And Gyms: Silver Sneakers And Alternative Gym Programs

Every Senior knows that exercising is one of the healthiest activities to take on once becoming Medicare eligible. Joining a gym is a great way to work out but who will pay for it? With Silver Sneakers or a similar gym benefit, you may find that your Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan will.

What Fitness Plans Do Silversneakers Programs Offer

The SilverSneakers program has agreements with thousands of gyms and trained fitness and exercise instructors at more than 17,000 locations. The trained instructors provide fitness programs designed specifically for seniors.

How Do You Get A Membership

SilverSneakers list of participating health plans changes over time. For example, the parent company, Tivity Health, Inc., dropped some plans around 2016 while it redefined its mission and restructured. In 2020, eight new health plans will offer SilverSneakers.

Can You Get Silver Sneakers Without Medicare

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.

Where You Can Find A Silversneakers Program

The SilverSneakers website suggests there are programs near most Americans. You can check at the SilverSneakers website or on the programs app for locations near you. And youll be able to find programs nearby when you travel.

What If My Plan Doesnt Include Silversneakers

Its in everyones best interests for insurance plans to offer fitness benefits. 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.

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.

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