Medicare Blog

who covers silver sneakers medicare

by Grayson Heidenreich Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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seniors

Full Answer

What Medicare plans cover Silver Sneakers?

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

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.

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.

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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 pay for senior gym memberships?

You pay 100% for non-covered services, including gym memberships and fitness programs. Gym memberships or fitness programs may be part of the extra coverage offered by Medicare Advantage Plans, other Medicare health plans, or Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans.

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 exercise programs are covered by Medicare?

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.

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.

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.

Is AARP owned by UnitedHealthcare?

AARP® Medicare Supplement insurance plans for retirees. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company (UnitedHealthcare) is the exclusive insurer of AARP Medicare Supplement insurance plans.

Is silver and fit the same as Silver Sneakers?

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.

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 the activities that Silver Sneakers do?

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. Some of the outdoor activities include tai chi, yoga, or walking.

Why is it important to join a fitness organization?

Joining a fitness organization motivates you to stay socially involved, too. Through available programs like those that Silver Sneakers offers, you can meet new friends, have fun in groups, and avoid isolation and loneliness which are all too common for people who are past the age of retirement.

Does Medicare cover Silver Sneakers?

Even though Original Medicare coverage does not include fitness programs like Silver Sneakers for Medicare beneficiaries, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do cover this wellness program. If being active is a priority for you, and Silver Sneakers sounds like a great option, make sure to find a Medicare Advantage plan that includes free coverage.

Can you do a workout at home with Silver Sneakers?

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.

Is it important to stay active in your senior years?

Even though it’s common knowledge that physical activity is important for good health, for many people, staying active in their senior years, especially after retirement, is not always an easy feat.

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.

Is Silver Sneakers Covered by Medicare?

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.

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.

What is a Silversneakers gym membership?

Different types of Medicare plans include the SilverSneakers gym membership which allows you to use fitness facilities nearby.

How to find Silversneakers Medicare?

Fitness programs like SilverSneakers Medicare can be a great way to improve your health. If you want to find a plan that offers this program, call us at 800-208-4974. We are independent of any insurance company, so we can help you look at your options to find a plan to fit your needs.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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