Medicare Blog

which medicare supplement includes silver sneakers

by Roma Casper II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.

In some states, the major Medicare Supplement insurers — such as Humana, BlueCross Blue Shield, AARP — include SilverSneakers membership with some Medigap plans.Sep 15, 2020

Full Answer

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.

What insurances offer Silver Sneakers?

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer valuable additional benefits, such as:

  • Vision coverage
  • Dental coverage
  • Hearing coverage
  • Fitness program coverage (including gym memberships or discounts)
  • Transportation to doctor visits
  • Over-the-counter drug coverage
  • Other services that promote health and wellness

Does Medicare include Silver Sneakers?

Some of these AARP Medicare plans used to offer a free membership to the SilverSneakers fitness program. But in 2018, UnitedHealthcare announced that it would no longer include SilverSneakers as a Medicare plan benefit, but they would instead offer a program called Renew Active.

What plans offer Silver Sneakers?

What Is Mutually Well

  • Discounts Members can save on healthy living products and services. ...
  • Mobile app The Mutually Well mobile app allows you to create and follow a plan for healthy living. ...
  • Gym membership Members have the option of purchasing a gym membership for $25 per month that grants access to more than 10,000 fitness locations nationwide. ...

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Do Medicare Supplement plans cover 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.

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.

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.

Does Medicare Part C cover Silver Sneakers?

Does Medicare cover SilverSneakers? Some Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans cover SilverSneakers. Additionally, some Medigap (Medicare supplement) plans offer it as well.

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.

How do I know if I have silver sneakers?

In order to be eligible for the SilverSneakers Fitness program, you must be:65 or older, or eligible for Medicare because of a disability.Living in the U.S.Enrolled in a private Medicare plan that offers the SilverSneakers benefit.

What replaced silver sneakers?

Not so very long ago, there was one main senior fitness program when you joined a Medicare Advantage Plan: SilverSneakers®. Then, in January 2019, one carrier dropped SilverSneakers and replaced it with Renew Active™.

Does Aetna supplement 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.

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 ...

What is Medicare Part C called?

A Medicare Advantage is another way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare.

Does the Empire Plan include Silver Sneakers?

Empire offers SilverSneakers – as well as many other health plan benefits – to members enrolled in the following plans: Empire MediBlue Plus (HMO) Empire MediBlue Select (HMO)

How does the Silver Sneakers program work?

The SilverSneakers program provides health and fitness benefits for adults 65 and older. It includes live online fitness classes, on-demand videos, and access to thousands of gyms across the country.

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 sneaker?

This is a program started by the US Government that enables seniors to participate in workout classes and have an advisor work with them to help them stay in shape. It is something that a lot of gyms around the United States participate in, and it promotes physical activity in older people. It is not available everywhere, and there are limitations based on location and insurance providers. Some providers offer this plan, while others do not. It is not a requirement, so it is always considered an optional extra. It can be useful to know where it is available, though, as its inclusion could help you make a decision between one provider and another and between one coverage plan and another.

Is Silver Sneakers free?

How much will you pay for this service? In every case, Silver Sneakers is free to you. It’s not something that you are charged for, which could explain why it isn’t offered everywhere. It is essentially something that the insurance company pays for on its own and does not get reimbursed for, so it makes sense that they would only offer it in places where there would be a high demand for such a program or where facilities that offer it would be widely available.

Is Silver Sneakers included in Medicare Advantage?

There are definitely Supplement plans that include it, but its inclusion is not the norm. It is far more common to find this program included in Medicare Advantage plans, but since both kinds of plans cater to seniors, it makes sense to have Silver Sneakers in both of them.

Is Silver Sneakers covered by Medicare?

Silver Sneakers is a great fitness program for seniors that is included in many medical insurance plans. It is a part of most Medicare Advantage plans, but what Medicare Supplement plans include Silver Sneakers? Let’s take a look.

Can you get silver sneakers with a supplement?

Silver Sneakers is not a requirements for any of the 10 different kinds of Supplement plans, but private insurers that sell the plans are allowed to include them in their Supplement plans, if they want.

Is silver sneaker available?

If you can find Silver Sneakers available in your area through some of the Supplement plans offered by providers operating near you, then you should take advantage of it. It is something that can improve your lifestyle and help you to live longer and healthier. It’s a very beneficial program, and it is unfortunate that it is not available ...

Do you need silver sneakers for Medicare?

You may not really need Silver Sneakers on top of that, but as an added bonus, you can’t really go wrong with it. It is worth asking what Medicare Supplement plans include Silver Sneakers, because it helps out so many seniors to live better and stay more active in their later years.

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.

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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