Empire Blue Cross Continues Commitment To New Yorkers With Silversneakers Benefit
ALBANY Empire Blue Cross will continue offering access to SilverSneakers®, as one of the many benefits included in its 2018 Medicare Advantage plans. This is part of Empires ongoing commitment to the health and well-being of its current members and those Empire hopes to have the privilege of serving in the future. SilverSneakers offered by Tivity Health is a fitness program tailored to older adults and is celebrating 25 years of partnering with consumers to help them achieve better health.
Empires members have expressed time and again that their involvement in SilverSneakers has made a significant impact on their health and well-being.
Fitness has always been an important part of my life so I started going to SilverSneakers programs when I gained access to them through my Empire Medicare Advantage plans and now I go almost every weekday, said Della Gehl, an Empire member and active SilverSneakers participant from New York, NY. SilverSneakers is the best thing that has happened to me since my retirement and my adult kids tell me this all the time. The program made my recovery from a surgery much easier and has helped me lead a healthy life. On top of the physical health, Ive made many friends from the people Ive met at the gym.
Empire offers SilverSneakers as well as many other health plan benefits to members enrolled in the following plans:
- Empire MediBlue Plus
- Empire MediBlue Dual Advantage
- Empire MediBlue Access
About Empire BlueCross
Join A Fitness Center
- Join a participating Fitness Center where you can work out, take classes, and meet other Silver& Fit members $25 annual non-refundable membership fee.
- Join a qualified, out-of-network Fitness Center and receive up to a $150 reimbursement annually for your fitness center membership dues and fees.
What Medicare Supplement Plans Include Silversneakers
Most Medicare Supplements do not offer SilverSneakers®, but as of 2021, some plans are starting to include this free fitness membership program.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, and Montana has a product called Plan G Plus, which includes SilverSneakers® benefits along with other perks like $0 dental, vision, and hearing exams.
Any innovative benefits offered with Medigap plans must be approved by the state, so not all states have access to Plan G Plus.
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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.
What Are The Best Medicare Advantage Programs
Companies that consistently offer highly rated Medicare Advantage plans in multiple states include Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Essence Healthcare, Health Alliance Medicare, Health Partners, Humana, Kaiser Permanente, Martins Point Generations Advantage, Medical Insurance Company, MVP HEALTH CARE, Providence Health
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What Does Silversneakers Include
If you are part of this program, then you will get unlimited access to all of the gyms that accept SilverSneakers membership for free. Also, some gyms may offer special fitness classes for people on Medicare, which you will be able to use with your membership card. Silver Sneakers also has a program, known as FLEX, which offers classes and events outside of the gym, such as swimming, hiking, and yoga.
If you are part of the plan, you can use it for any eligible services at any time that works for you. For example, you can use your membership for pool access if you dont want to go to the gym. One great benefit of SilverSneakers is that many of the fitness classes are specifically for your health needs. Such as pool exercise classes which are easy on the joints! This program is one way to make sure that you will always find the help you need.
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If you are looking for a Medicare with Silver Sneakers or other gym benefits, call us at so we can review options with you.
What Parts Of Medicare Cover Silversneakers
The SilverSneakers program is not included under all parts of the Medicare umbrella. Namely, Original Medicare does not offer the program as a benefit.
However, Medicare Advantage plans might provide coverage depending on the provider you use. SilverSneakers is included as a bundled benefit in most Medicare Advantage plans, which also offer extra perks like vision, hearing, and dental coverage.
Medicare Supplement plans may also provide SilverSneakers membership as a benefit. These plans are designed to fill the gaps for services that arent covered under Original Medicare. But again, it will depend on your providers particular benefits package.
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Does Anthem Medicare Cover Silversneakers
- Many Anthem Medicare Advantage plans cover SilverSneakers as an extra benefit. Learn more about this fitness benefit and how you can compare Anthem Medicare plans to find the right mix of costs and benefits for your needs.
Anthem and the Anthem family of brands offer Medicare Advantage plans in areas across the country. And one of the main attractions of many Anthem Medicare Advantage plans is the extra benefit a SilverSneakers membership.
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. You may use the SilverSneakers Health Plan Locator to find out which plans currently offer Silver Sneakers benefits. Perhaps you will even find out that you have the SilverSneakers benefit already included in your current Medicare health plan? If not, you may be able switch to a plan in your area that offers this fun way of staying healthy for seniors.
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Contact Us For Quotes Coverage & Enrollment
Hyers and Associates is an independent insurance agency specializing in Supplements, Advantage plans and Part D coverage. We help our clients compare and contrast all of their options. Well tell you which plans offer Silver Sneakers and discuss whether or not this value-added benefit puts one plan on top of another. Contact us today!
Which Gyms Are Included
There are over 14,000 gyms that accept the SilverSneakers program. Silversneakers.com, such as Snap Fitness, 24-hour fitness, AnytimeFitness, Planet Fitness, and the YMCA.
The official website for Silver Sneakers can help you find a gym near you. Though many gyms participate in the Silver Sneakers program, you can find some parts of the country where it is less active. Make sure to compare your options before you sign up.
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Where Does Anthem Sell Medicare Advantage Plans With Silversneakers
Anthem and its subsidiary Medicare plan providers offer plans in a number of different states.
If you live an area where Anthem or one of the Anthem family brands provide Medicare plans, you may be able to enroll in an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan that includes a SilverSneakers membership. If Anthem does not sell Medicare Advantage plans where you live or the available plan does not include SilverSneakers, you may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan offered by a different carrier that includes SilverSneakers.
Remember, you may only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that is sold in the area in which you live. You must also be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B to enroll in Medicare Advantage.
Once enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with SilverSneakers, you must then register on the SilverSneakers website to receive an ID card and membership number.
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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Silversneakers Is For Members Of All Fitness Levels
SilverSneakers is a no cost fitness benefit for seniors that offers access to more than 16,000 fitness locations across the country. Take advantage of on-site fitness experts to help you meet personal health and fitness goals. Many locations offer amenities such as exercise equipment, pools, saunas, and exercise classes for all fitness levels.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Cover International Travel
Box 260070, Pembroke Pines, FL 33026. If you need medical care outside the United States, you can be assured that your Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan member ID card is recognized around the world. The Overseas Assistance Center provides you with coverage that protects you when youre overseas.
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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:
Medicare Coverage Options Are Plentiful But Enrollment Choices Generate Lots Of Faqs
Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming. Especially this time of year, during the annual open enrollment period. If youre considering a Medicare plan, you probably have a lot of questions. Ive worked with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraskas Medicare plans for several years. Here are some frequently asked questions. Q: What should I know
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Do Medicare Supplements Offer The Silversneakers Program
For those who are eligible for Medicare or are 65+, the SilverSneakers® health and fitness program might be a free perk included with your Medicare plan.
Are you eligible for SilverSneakers®? Learn more about the SilverSneakers® program, which Medicare plans it comes with, and more.
â If youâre 65+ and are enrolled in Medicare, there are plans that offer free gym memberships as a part of your health insurance. It’s never been easier to get motivated and stay in shape! Learn more
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.
Members can also participate from home using the programs on-demand video library.
The program is not covered by all parts of Medicare, and not every private insurance provider offers it as a benefit. In this guide, we will outline which providers include it in their coverage, what parts of Medicare cover it, program eligibility and more.
Several large health insurance companies provide SilverSneakers membership at no cost to enrollees.
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Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover Gym Memberships
Staying in shape is important at any age, but its especially important when you start to age. One easy way to accomplish this is to go to the gym. But this can get expensive, especially if you dont use it a lot. Does Original Medicare or Medigap coverage include gym memberships? Well reveal the answer below.
Does Original Medicare Cover Gym Memberships?
Unfortunately, gym memberships are not on the list of covered expenses under Original Medicare. It wont cover fitness program fees or gym memberships. This means you pay 100% of the costs associated with it if you plan to get a gym or fitness program membership. However, you may be able to get help with some of the costs if you have a specific Medicare Supplement policy.
How Medicare May Cover Gym Memberships
Plan G may cover certain gym memberships, but Plan G plans have been scaling back on covering gym memberships due to lack of use.
However, people who have enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans can have access to gym membership coverage under a specific program. To date, United Healthcare, Humana, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, Gateway, Coventry, and WellCare all participate in a senior-specific gym membership program called Silver Sneakers in most states. United Healthcare is scaling back their coverage in certain states due to non-use, but its still available in some places.
The SilverSneakers Program
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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.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control recommends that healthy adults age 65 or older get 150 minutes per week of moderate to intense aerobic activity and two days per week of muscle-strengthening activities. Fitness programs like SilverSneakers encourage this regimen with an added social incentive in which members engage with a community of peers for support and encouragement on their fitness journey.
According to an annual member survey, 88% of SilverSneakers participants said participating in the program boosted their quality of life, while 64% saw improvement in hypertension symptoms, and 62% experienced arthritis relief.
For members seeking to participate from home, SilverSneakers on-demand video library offers the same experience in a virtual setting. Online content includes fitness classes, step-by-step workouts, and other educational videos.
Using the programs Android and iOS app, SilverSneakers GO, users can customize their health plan, communicate with peers, find participating fitness facilities, and even track their progress.
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Get Fit For Free With Silver And Fit
| January 10, 2020 | 8 min read |Insurance Education
Did you know that as a Silver& Fit member you can go to a fitness center and not pay a thing?
Its true! If you are a Medicare Advantage member, there is no cost to you at fitness centers participating in the Silver& Fit program. And if youre a Medicare Supplement member, you may need to pay a small fee. Either way you save money. Many participating fitness centers have programs and classes designed especially for older adults. They may offer dance, yoga, swimming and much more.
Unable to go to a fitness center? No problem. Enroll in the Home Fitness program and choose up to two home fitness kits each benefit year. These kits may include DVDs, guides, and other items to help you get fit on your own terms
Getting started with the Silver & Fit program
Be sure and talk to your doctor before you start or change your exercise routine.
After you have talked to your doctor, log in to your Blue Connect account.
Go to your Blue Connect homepage and look for the link to the Silver & Fit site .
Bingo you are there! Follow step 1 and enroll in the program. If you are a Medicare Supplement member, you can enroll in the Fitness Center program for $50 per year, or select the Home Fitness program for $10 per year. Medicare Advantage members, these programs are at no extra cost to you.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 35 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Indexsm. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit BCBS.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on , check out our videos on and follow us on .
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.
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Dust Off Your Silversneakers
Staying active isnt just about losing weight. Here are some of the ways older adults benefit by incorporating physical activity into their daily routines:
- It improves your strength, which helps you stay independent.
- It gives you an energy boost
- It improves your leg strength and balance, so youre less likely to fall and hurt yourself.
- It lifts your mood
- And, it can actually reduce your chances of developing conditions, like heart disease and diabetes.
You dont have to hit the gym to be active. But if going to the gym or an exercise class interests you, your Florida Blue Medicare Advantage plan has you covered. Did you know your Medicare Advantage plan includes membership in Silver Sneakers®? Through Silver Sneakers, you get access to 14,000 gyms and wellness centers all across the country all at no extra cost to you.
Here are some of the cool things SilverSneakers has to offer:
Unlimited gym access: With SilverSneakers, you dont need a private gym membership you already have it! And the cool thing is you can try different gyms whenever you want. Depending on whats available where you live, you will get access to YMCAs as well as Planet Fitness, LA Fitness and Curves locations.
Silver Sneakers classes: SilverSneakers also offers its own fitness classes for people of all fitness levels at local fitness centers, too. The great thing about taking a class is you get a dose of fitness while making new friends, too. Some of these classes include:
How to Get Started
