Which Is Better Medicare Advantage Or Supplements
Its important to know that Medicare Advantage plans are much different than Medicare supplement plans and you cannot have both at the same time. While Silver Sneakers is a nice perk, it may not be reason enough to choose one policy over the other. Its a good idea to discuss the differences with an independent agent before enrolling.
If Your Health Plan Doesnt Include Silversneakers
Your plan either offers SilverSneakers or it doesnt you cant add it on separately. If youre interested in joining a Medicare Advantage plan in your area that does include SilverSneakers, one of our licensed insurance agents can help you explore your options.
Find Medicare plans that cover SilverSneakers
Or call 1-800-557-6059TTY Users: 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!
About the author
Christian Worstell is a licensed insurance agent and a Senior Staff Writer for MedicareAdvantage.com. He is passionate about helping people navigate the complexities of Medicare and understand their coverage options.
His work has been featured in outlets such as Vox, MSN, and The Washington Post, and he is a frequent contributor to health care and finance blogs.
Christian is a graduate of Shippensburg University with a bachelors degree in journalism. He currently lives in Raleigh, NC.
Where youve seen coverage of Christians research and reports:
MedicareAdvantage.com is a website owned and operated by TZ Insurance Solutions LLC. TZ Insurance Solutions LLC and TruBridge, Inc. represent Medicare Advantage Organizations and Prescription Drug Plans having Medicare contracts enrollment in any plan depends upon contract renewal.
Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE , 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.
What Do I Do If My Plan Drops Silversneakers
There seems to have been a recent trend of companies dropping coverage for SilverSneakers. Recently, several YMCAs across the country have discontinued their partnership with SilverSneakers, no longer allowing people with a SilverSneakers membership into the popular recreation center. Just last fall, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee dropped its contract with SilverSneakers entirely according to a story from the Nashville Post.
Luckily, Medicare beneficiaries aren’t necessarily out of luck. If your plan drops SilverSneakers, your plan may replace it with a similar program such as Silver& Fitwhich was the case for BCBS of Tennessee. Or, if you want only SilverSneakers, you may be able to switch to a plan that offers it. If you need help, consider speaking to a licensed agent.
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Aetna Medicare Part D
Aetna does offer Part D plans to cover your prescription medications. You can enroll in a Part D plan to supplement your Aetna Medigap plan. However, just because you choose to enroll in an Aetna Medigap plan, doesnt automatically mean that their Part D options are the best ones for you.
Well do an initial analysis for your Part D coverage thats based on your current medications to ensure you get the most coverage possible on all of them.
A Sample Of Silversneakers Fitness Classes
The SilverSneakers Medicare program offers over 70 types of fitness classes for all fitness levels, and each one is taught by a certified instructor. You can choose a class to help you meet a specific fitness goalfrom mobility to building muscle.
Here is a sample of what you might find:
SilverSneakers Classic
This is where it all started. With SilverSneakers Classic, the class adapts to your fitness level, using a chair for support if you need it and exercises can be modified to your ability as well. Overall, SilverSneakers Classic is a good way to help increase range of motion and muscle strength to make daily activities easier and improve overall well-being.
SilverSneakers Circuit
The SilverSneakers Circuit class is a choreographed routine set to music that incorporates movement with standing exercises that use rubber tubing and dumbbells. The class can be adapted to suit your fitness level, and chairs are available for support during the exercises.
SilverSneakers Cardiofit
A more rigorous workout than SilverSneakers Classic or Circuit, SilverSneakers Cardiofit is an aerobics-type class to build core strength, upper body strength, and cardio health. However, all of the exercises are low-impact.
SilverSneakers Yoga
SilverSneakers EnerChi
SilverSneakers Splash
SilverSneakers Stability
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What Insurance Plans Include Silversneakers Coverage
Key Takeaways:
- Original Medicare does not cover SilverSneakers. However, many Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans do offer this benefit
- SilverSneakers coverage availability varies based on your state and which insurance provider you use
- Most Medicare insurance carriers offer SilverSneakers membership as a benefit. Well outline four options you can take advantage of
- SilverSneakers offers a range of online and in-person programming to seniors seeking to exercise with a community of peers. Well go over some of the key benefits of the program
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Start Living The Life You Want With Silversneakers
Our health and fitness program has something for everyone, every body and every level of ability. You’ll have everything you need to look and feel your best.
Unlimited Gym Access1
Access thousands of locations nationwide at any time as many times as you like. Use the equipment, take classes, use the amenities. They’re all yours.
Group Classes
Take classes that are right for you. Build the strength you need to keep doing the things you want. From low impact to high intensity, there’s a class designed for every level.
Beyond the Gym
SilverSneakers FLEX® offers more than 70 types of classes like yoga and dance at places like parks and recreation centers.
Feeling Social?
Meet new people or go with friends to make fitness a blast. The SilverSneakers community is a welcoming community.
Online Resources
Get exclusive access to videos and fitness tips that will help get you moving and feeling your best anytime and anywhere.
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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.
Many Aetna Medicare Advantage plans also include:
- Prescription drug coverage
- Dental, vision and hearing benefits
- Non-emergency transportation coverage for things like doctors office visits or trips to the pharmacy
- Home meal delivery services after a hospital stay
- Over-the-counter benefit that allows you to get certain items like vitamins and cold medicine at no additional cost
- Prescription home delivery for plans that include prescription drug coverage
- 24/7 nurse hotline
- No-added-cost annual flu shots
Plan availability and features can vary by service area. Be sure to ask a licensed insurance agent or check your plans Evidence of Coverage to see what benefits are offered with your plan.
Benefits Summary When You Select Aetna Medicare Advantage
If Medicare Parts A & B are not your primary coverage , you will be responsible for the deductible and coinsurance. For coverage details on the Aetna Advantage plan without Medicare, please visit our plan brochure. Please see the Medicare Advantage plan benefits guide for coverage details on the Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan.
Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of subsidiary companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates .
Aetna Resources For LivingSM is the brand name used for products and services offered through the Aetna group of subsidiary companies . The EAP is administered by Aetna Behavioral Health, LLC. and in California for Knox-Keene plans, Health and Human Resources Center, Inc.
This is a brief description of the features of this Aetna health benefits plan. Before making a decision, please read the Plans applicable Federal brochure. All benefits are subject to the definitions, limitations, and exclusions set forth in the Federal brochure.
All Aetna plans include discounts on eyewear, LASIK eye surgery, gym memberships, massage therapy, acupuncture, weight-loss programs and more.
For information about our plans available through the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program , please visit our Dental PPO Plan site or our Aetna Vision Preferred site.
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How Do I Get Silver Sneakers
If you arent sure, just ask your agent while considering your options. Sometimes we cannot disclose all perks offered by an insurance company so as not to inadvertently steer clients one way or the other.
Of course, Silver Sneakers is one of the biggest perks and some of our clients will choose a carrier based on this benefit alone. Its important to crunch the numbers, however. If you frequently use the gym and a membership will save you $60 a month, then it might be an easy decision. But if you dont use the gym often you might benefit from a lower cost Medicare plan that does not offer this benefit. We can help compare your best options.
Here are a few FAQs that will help you:
Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Cover Silversneakers
SilverSneakers is the registered name for a health and fitness program developed for people 65 years and older. It has been suggested that there are more participating fitness locations available in the United States than Starbucks locations. With over 16,000 locations, SilverSneakers gives members access to outdoor classes, gym equipment, fitness centers, online resources, as well as a catalog of on-demand workout and instructional videos.
Medicare Supplement Plan N The Original Medicare program, which encompasses Parts A and B, leaves some gaps in coverage that Medicare recipients commonly try to fill through Medicare Supplement plans, otherwise known as Medigap policies. These plans, offered by private insurance carriers, must abide by federal and state regulations designed to protect the insured. Supplement benefits are standardized, offering identical basic benefits. Some insurance companies may offer more but cannot offer less.
Every state that offers Part N is required to include the following coverage:
- Part A coinsurance plus in-patient hospital care for up to 365 days after Medicare benefits are used.
- Part B coinsurance or copayment.
- First three pints of blood.
- Part A hospice coinsurance or copayment.
- Coinsurance for a skilled nursing facility.
- Part A deductible.
- Foreign travel emergency up to 80%.
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What Is Silversneakers And Which Insurance Plans Include It
Find out if plans in your area include this fitness program.
Everyday Health may earn a portion of revenue from purchases of featured products.Shutterstock
Health experts know the benefits of regular physical activity. So do insurance companies, which is why so many Medicare plans offer the SilverSneakers fitness program. If you have a plan with the SilverSneakers benefit, you can work out, take fitness classes, and even get advice from a personal trainer for free.
Whats most important is finding a Medicare plan that includes fitness benefits and meets your other health needs and personal goals. Heres what you need to know about which insurance plans include SilverSneakers or other fitness benefits.
You can only get SilverSneakers if youre enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. SilverSneakers is a private fitness program only available to people with Medicare. Its not part of your Original Medicare coverage.
Currently, the following major insurance companies offer plans with the SilverSneakers fitness benefit:
- AARP
- UnitedHealthcare
- WellCare
Smaller companies in your area may be offering plans with SilverSneakers, so dont be discouraged if your preferred plan provider isnt on the list. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to see whats available. You can also call a Medicare broker for information on local plans.
Veterans Benefits And Silversneakers
Veterans Affairs may offer the program in specific locations, but its best to check with your local VA office to obtain an up-to-date list of local gyms that offer classes.
You can use the Advantage plan to cover dental, vision, and fitness. Or, find a supplement that has an option to add Active and Fit benefits.
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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. For these reasons, its not surprising that a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study showed almost one-half of all U.S. workplaces include fitness benefits in their health plans.
SilverSneakers is a subsidiary of Tivity Health, the company behind Nutrisystem, Prime Fitness, and Wisely Well brands. Although its the largest company offering Medicare fitness programs, it competes against programs such as Active & Fit Direct and Silver & Fit.
Insurers that want to offer fitness benefits choose the program that makes the most sense for their members. Some insurance companies develop their own fitness networks. For instance, UnitedHealthcare recently scaled back its participation in SilverSneakers in favor of Renew Active, a new fitness program created exclusively for UHC Medicare Advantage members.
If your Medicare plan doesnt offer SilverSneakers, it may offer one of the other fitness programs. You may even get fitness benefits with your life insurance policy: For example, John Hancocks Vitality Program rewards policyholders who participate in an active lifestyle.
Find Silver Sneakers Gym Locations Near Me
Posted: Jul 22, 2021 · The program has locations available at over 14,000 fitness centers throughout the country, making it possible to choose from several gym locations. Locate a fitness center near you by visiting the main website and entering your zip code in the Find Silver Sneakers Location app on the homepage.
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Get A Medicare Gym Membership Today
Medicare isnt free, so having additional coverage is beneficial. Some plans include gym memberships.
Our agents can help you find a Medicare Supplement with access to a fitness program. You deserve the best rate on the coverage you want.
There are benefits to working out and living a healthy lifestyle. Here at MedicareFAQ, we can help you choose the best plan for you.
Call our team today for a quote! Not ready to call? Fill out an online rate comparison form and get one step closer to the best policy for you!
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Does Medicare Cover Gym Memberships
Medicare doesnt cover the costs of fitness programs and gym memberships, although some Advantage plans include a gym membership.
Advantage plans can offer extra benefits that arent available through Medicare. People that sign up for an Advantage plan must pay the Part B premium and any plan costs.
Supplement plans are Medigap policies, and they dont include coverage for gym memberships.
Private companies offer different plan options. Beneficiaries should compare plan rates in their area.
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Best 30 Fitness Centers With Silver Sneakers In Ankeny Ia
Posted: Fitness World Ankeny. Health Clubs Tanning Salons Exercise & Physical Fitness Programs. Curves. Health Clubs Health & Fitness Program Consultants Personal Fitness Trainers. Orangetheory Fitness. Health Clubs Exercise & Physical Fitness Programs Gymnasiums. Aspen Athletic Clubs Ankeny. Health Clubs Personal Fitness Trainers Gymnasiums. Peak Performance Fitness Gear. Health Clubs. 965-4422. 1608 NW State St. Ankeny, Another Level Fitness. Health Clubs Exercise & Physical Fitness Programs 11 YEARS. IN Anytime Fitness. Health Clubs Exercise & Physical Fitness Programs Health & Fitness Planet Fitness. Health Clubs Personal Fitness Trainers Exercise & Physical Fitness Ankeny Schools. Health Clubs Exercise & Physical Fitness Programs. 965-9711. 2910 Complete Home Wellness. Physical Therapy Clinics Physical Therapists Personal Fitness See full list on yellowpages.com
Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans: Whats Included In A Silversneakers Membership
Members may be able to use any of more than 16,000 participating SilverSneakers facilities across the U.S., according to the SilverSneakers website. Depending on whats available at the gym you visit, you can swim, lift weights, take a group exercise class, or rock the treadmill. Any amenities available to regular gym members is typically available for SilverSneakers members, too, so you can soak in the whirlpool or ease your tired muscles in the sauna, if your gym has them. Of course, if you want extras such as a post-workout massage, youll generally have to pay separately.
Not every Medicare Advantage plan whether through Aetna, or a different private Medicare-approved insurance company offers SilverSneakers.
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How Can I Find A Silver Sneakers Near Me
Finding a Medicare Silver Sneakers gym near you is extremely simple using the following process.
Step 1: The easiest way to find silver sneakers near me if to go to the Silver Sneakers website and open its location search page.
Step 2: Enter your state, city, ZIP code or full address
Step 3: Choose the Medicare Silver Sneakers location of your choice
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.
It is important to note that some insurance carriers only offer SilverSneakers to customers in certain states and/or zip codes, so be sure and check your providers coverage area to find out whether or not youll get access to SilverSneakers.
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Wellcare Aetna Part D Merger
Aetna merged with Wellcare to create SilverScript Part D plans. The merger was made with hopes to win regulatory approval from the Trump administration for the $69 billion CVS Health merger.
All companies have to follow guidelines for the Part D options. So, each policy must offer drugs in the six protected classes.
Also, keep in mind, if you dont enroll in Part D when youre first eligible for Medicare, you could face a late-enrollment penalty.
