Does Medicare Cover SilverSneakers?
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Medicare Advantage plans often cover SilverSneakers.
Medigap plans may also pay for the program. Sometimes, plans include coverage for similar exercise and wellness plans, like Silver&Fit and Renew Active. But Original Medicare, which is just Parts A and B, doesn't have any coverage for gym memberships.
Does Original Medicare pay for SilverSneakers?
No, Original Medicare does not cover SilverSneakers.
Original Medicare has two parts: A and B. Part A covers medical costs in the hospital and Part B covers the cost for doctor visits. Because SilverSneakers doesn't fall under either of these categories, Original Medicare doesn't cover it. But you could buy a Medicare Advantage plan or Medigap plan and get coverage.
Does Medicare Advantage pay for SilverSneakers?
Medicare Advantage plans commonly cover SilverSneakers or other fitness programs.
Most major Medicare Advantage plans pay for SilverSneakers or a similar wellness program. That includes plans from AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana and Kaiser Permanente.
These plans usually cover free memberships in participating gyms across the U.S. You may also have access to other services, like home workouts and mental health tools. Renew Active and Silver&Fit also provide home fitness kits for those who qualify.
Company | Fitness plan | CMS star rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 1 | Renew Active | |
| Aetna Medicare Select | SilverSneakers | |
| Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Value | SilverSneakers | |
| Cigna Preferred Medicare | Silver&Fit | |
| Humana Gold Plus | SilverSneakers | |
| Kaiser Enhanced 1 Plan | Silver&Fit | |
All policies listed include free fitness benefits. Some insurers also have plans that charge for fitness coverage.
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But not every Medicare Advantage plan covers SilverSneakers. If you're shopping for Medicare Advantage, make sure you check the coverage.
When you're shopping for Medicare Advantage, don't decide on a plan just because it offers SilverSneakers or another fitness benefit. Make sure the plan is affordable, covers your medications and is in-network with your doctors. If your ideal policy doesn't cover fitness, you can save in other ways like joining a gym with a senior discount.
Do Medigap plans cover the SilverSneakers program?
Some Medigap plans cover SilverSneakers, but coverage isn't as common as with Medicare Advantage plans.
For example, Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Medigap plans provide SilverSneakers as an added benefit in some states.
But just like with Medicare Advantage, you should compare the costs and benefits of all the Medigap plans and get quotes from different insurance companies to find the right plan for you. Don't just buy a plan because it has a fitness benefit. Make sure it meets your health care needs first.
While SilverSneakers is a free benefit, plans that include it might still be more expensive than other options.
For example, a Medigap plan without fitness benefits might be cheaper than one that covers Silver Sneakers. But the plan that covers SilverSneakers might save enough on the cost of a gym membership to make up for the higher rate.
What is SilverSneakers?
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program for seniors. SilverSneakers benefits include:
- Access to fitness locations across the U.S.
- Group exercise, online or at the gym
- SilverSneakers online classes for other interests such as cooking and art
- A FLEX program to get you active in nontraditional places like malls and parks
- A highly rated SilverSneakers GO app
Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans cover SilverSneakers but Original Medicare doesn't.
To join SilverSneakers, you have to have a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that offers the benefit.
You can't buy a SilverSneakers membership on your own.
How do I locate a SilverSneakers gym?
Once you join SilverSneakers, you can find local gyms by entering your ZIP code or address on the SilverSneakers website. If you want to narrow your search results, you can filter for options like gyms with a pool or group exercise classes. The website also has a section where you can view the online class schedule and join a group exercise session from home.
As a SilverSneakers member, you can use any participating gym in the U.S., even while traveling. You don't have to commit to a single facility.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use SilverSneakers at a YMCA?
You can use SilverSneakers at most YMCA facilities. But before you go, check the SilverSneakers website or call your local YMCA to be sure.
What are the SilverSneakers eligibility requirements?
To qualify for SilverSneakers, you have to have a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that includes the coverage. You can find participating companies and plans through the SilverSneakers website.
How can I find a SilverSneakers near me?
You can find a SilverSneakers gym using the Fitness Locations tool on the SilverSneakers website. Just enter your ZIP code or address, and the tool will show the participating fitness centers near you.
Why did AARP switch from SilverSneakers to Renew Active?
AARP's UnitedHealthcare plans dropped SilverSneakers because not enough members were taking advantage of the program. Instead, AARP/UHC plans offer their own fitness and wellness plan, called Renew Active. The program provides members with different benefits, like the Staying Sharp program to exercise your brain.
Methodology
Details about SilverSneakers and other fitness programs are from the program websites. Company websites including AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana and Kaiser Permanente were used to confirm fitness plan benefits. We verified Medicare coverage of fitness benefits via Medicare.gov.
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