[Benefits Guide]
Your insurance plan might already include SilverSneakers benefits.
You could be among the 13 million people eligible for this prominent fitness program. SilverSneakers gives adults over 65 access to more than 15,000 facilities throughout the United States, including recreation centers, churches, senior communities, and gyms.
The results tell a powerful story. A remarkable 88 percent of members report that SilverSneakers has enhanced their quality of life—even more impressive, 95 percent rate their health as excellent, outstanding, or good.
Physical activity plays a crucial role here – just 150 minutes per week helps prevent disease, reduces fall risks, and boosts mental wellbeing. Members also gain access to live online fitness classes and an on-demand video library featuring prerecorded workouts. This detailed piece will show you which insurance plans include SilverSneakers, who qualifies, and how to maximize this valuable benefit that comes at no cost with many Medicare Advantage plans.
Understanding SilverSneakers and Medicare coverage
Image Source: SilverSneakers
SilverSneakers is a prominent fitness program made just for seniors. Here’s what you need to know: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover SilverSneakers or any fitness programs [1][2][3]. However, many Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) offer this great benefit without additional costs [4].
Private insurance companies run Medicare Advantage plans that give you all Original Medicare benefits and extra perks [1]. These plans extend beyond basic Medicare coverage and often include SilverSneakers as one of their added benefits. Some Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans also give you access to SilverSneakers [5][6].
Your Medicare plan with SilverSneakers allows you to use more than 15,000 facilities nationwide [5]. You’ll find them in recreation centers, churches, senior communities, and gyms of all types. The program’s benefits are extensive, ranging from fitness equipment to exercise classes such as Zumba, yoga, tai chi, water aerobics, and social events [5]. The best part? If your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan includes SilverSneakers, you won’t pay any additional fees for membership [4][3].
Many major insurance carriers’ plans come with SilverSneakers benefits.
Aetna, Humana, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wellcare, CareFirst, Clear Spring Health, Innovation Health, Sentara Health Plans, and Washington National all offer this benefit [2][6]. All the same, insurance companies might change their SilverSneakers offerings. For instance, UnitedHealthcare discontinued offering SilverSneakers as a benefit for Medicare Advantage Plans in 11 states in 2019 [3].
While SilverSneakers targets adults 65 and older, it doesn’t have an age requirement [7]. You need a qualifying insurance plan that has this benefit [5]. It’s worth mentioning that you should check your plan’s details to confirm your coverage.
How to find out if your insurance covers SilverSneakers
You can easily check if your insurance plan covers SilverSneakers. The official SilverSneakers online eligibility tool lets you verify your status in four simple steps. Just enter your name, birthday, location, and contact details.
Here are some other ways to find out if your Medicare Advantage plan has this fitness benefit:
- Check your insurance plan’s website for SilverSneakers in the benefits section
- Look through your plan’s Evidence of Coverage document that you got when you enrolled
- Call your insurance provider using the number on your plan card
It’s worth noting that SilverSneakers is unlike a typical gym membership. You can only get it as a benefit through qualifying Medicare plans. If you get an “ineligible” result, your current health plan probably doesn’t take part in the program.
Several major insurance carriers offer plans with SilverSneakers in many states, including Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, and Texas, among others. These carriers include Aetna, Anthem, Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wellcare, CareFirst, and Clear Spring Health. The availability depends on your location and specific plan.
Most Medicare Advantage plans come with SilverSneakers benefits. However, Humana omits SilverSneakers in its Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.
You still have options if you find out you’re not eligible. You can inform your provider of the significance this benefit holds for you. Another option is switching to a plan that offers SilverSneakers during the yearly open enrollment period. This could give you access to thousands of fitness locations, SilverSneakers classes, and on-demand videos at no extra cost when it’s part of your Medicare Advantage Plan.
Making the most of your SilverSneakers membership
Image Source: SilverSneakers
After confirming your SilverSneakers eligibility, you can realize the full potential of this detailed fitness program. Your membership offers exceptional flexibility with thousands of locations nationwide, a reliable online platform, and numerous class options.
SilverSneakers provides access to over 15,000 fitness facilities nationwide. You’ll find cardio equipment, weights, pools, and walking tracks at these locations [8]. The program lets you join group fitness classes led by instructors who specialize in senior fitness [9].
Classes are available for everyone, from beginners to advanced fitness enthusiasts. SilverSneakers Yoga and SilverSneakers MIND are the gentler options, while SilverSneakers BOOM MOVE IT provides more challenging high-intensity workouts [10]. Most classes last 45-60 minutes, but BOOM classes take just 30 minutes [11].
The free SilverSneakers GO mobile app will improve your experience by letting you:
- Access your digital membership ID anytime
- Find nearby participating locations and classes
- Schedule and track your workouts
- Access on-demand workout videos [12]
You can sign up at multiple participating locations and use any facility in the network. There’s no limit on visits [13]. This flexibility means you can work out at your local gym, swim at another location, and take classes at a community center—all with one membership.
The social benefits are incredible. Approximately 73% of members attend classes with friends, and 49% report that other members help them stay motivated to exercise [14]. Many groups even plan social activities outside their regular classes [12].
SilverSneakers isn’t just about staying fit – it’s about enjoying life through movement, friendship, and community. As one member says, “The best outcome has been the fun, the laughter and the friendships” [9].
Conclusion
SilverSneakers is an excellent fitness benefit that may already be included in your Medicare Advantage plan. This comprehensive program provides access to thousands of fitness facilities nationwide, spanning from Alabama to Wisconsin, and from Las Vegas to Washington, D.C. The best part? Eligible members pay nothing extra.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover fitness programs. However, many Medicare Advantage and select Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans include SilverSneakers as a standard benefit. You can quickly check your eligibility through the official website or by contacting your insurance provider.
The program’s benefits go way beyond simple gym access. You get specially designed classes for every fitness level, digital resources through their mobile app, and a supportive community of like-minded people. The social connections you make often become as valuable as the physical benefits.
You may already be using your SilverSneakers membership or considering a Medicare plan that includes this benefit. The program provides a straightforward path to improved health in retirement. Ensure you check your eligibility, try different participating locations, and utilize both in-person and virtual fitness options.
The results tell the story: 88 percent of members say their quality of life has improved with SilverSneakers. Yes, it is possible to make your golden years your most active time when you have the right fitness resources available.
Key Takeaways
Understanding your SilverSneakers coverage can unlock access to thousands of fitness facilities and specialized senior programs at no extra cost through qualifying Medicare plans.
• Original Medicare doesn’t cover SilverSneakers, but many Medicare Advantage plans include it free – check your specific plan benefits or use the online eligibility tool.
• Over 15,000 participating locations nationwide offer equipment, classes, and pools – from gyms to community centers, with no restrictions on visits.
• Major carriers like Aetna, Humana, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield offer SilverSneakers, though availability varies by state and specific plan.
• The program provides both physical and social benefits – 88% of members report improved quality of life through fitness classes and community connections.
• Use the SilverSneakers GO app to maximize your membership – find locations, schedule classes, access on-demand workouts, and track your progress digitally.
If your current plan doesn’t include SilverSneakers, consider switching during open enrollment to access this valuable benefit that combines fitness, social interaction, and health improvement, specifically designed for seniors.
FAQs
Q1. Does insurance cover SilverSneakers? Many Medicare Advantage plans include SilverSneakers as a free benefit. However, Original Medicare and most Medicare Supplement plans do not cover it. Please check with your specific insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
Q2. What age do you need to be to join SilverSneakers? While SilverSneakers is primarily designed for adults 65 and older, there’s no strict age requirement. The main eligibility criterion is having a qualifying insurance plan that includes the benefit.
Q3. Why might someone be ineligible for SilverSneakers? The most common reason for ineligibility is that your current health plan doesn’t participate in the SilverSneakers program. Eligibility can also change if you switch plans or if your existing plan modifies its benefits.
Q4. What fitness options does SilverSneakers offer? SilverSneakers provides access to over 15,000 fitness facilities nationwide, offering equipment use, group classes, and swimming pools. Additionally, members can access online fitness classes and on-demand workout videos.
Q5. How can I make the most of my SilverSneakers membership? To maximize your membership, use the SilverSneakers GO app to find nearby locations, schedule classes, and access on-demand workouts. Participate in various classes, use multiple facilities, and engage with the community to enjoy both physical and social benefits.
References
[1] – https://www.humana.com/medicare/medicare-resources/silver-sneakers-and-medicare
[2] – https://www.healthline.com/health/medicare/silver-sneakers
[3] – https://www.medicareplans.com/how-can-i-get-silver-sneakers-if-i-have-original-medicare/
[4] – https://www.anthem.com/medicare/learn-about-medicare/silver-sneakers
[5] – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/silversneakers-eligibility
[6] – https://askchapter.org/magazine/senior-health-wellness/medicare-resources/what-insurance-plans-include-silver-sneakers
[7] – https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/silversneakers-questions-answered/
[8] – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/silver-sneakers
[9] – https://go.silversneakers.com/help/new-member-guide
[10] – https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/silversneakers-classes-easiest-hardest/
[11] – https://tools.silversneakers.com/Classes
[12] – https://clearmatchmedicare.com/blog/medicare/6-tips-to-make-the-most-of-silversneakers
[13] – https://www.summacare.com/blog/entries/2023/12/getting-started-with-silversneakers
[14] – https://www.silversneakers.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/silversneakers_ourstory_051916-hi-res.pdf
