Why Do Medicare Plans Offer A Silversneakers Benefit
Many insurance companies have started offering unique benefits and incentives to those who are working to improve their health through fitness and diet.
For example, the Attain by Aetna program is built around customizing your activity goals, such as how many steps you take or how many laps you swim. The weekly challenges are issued through the Apple Watch, and the points you earn by completing the challenges can be used to actually pay for said Apple Watch.
You also have life insurance companies like John Hancock, who have put together a âVitality Program,â which gives policyholders the chance to reduce premiums by up to 15% for living a healthy life. You can earn rewards like Amazon discounts, an Apple Watch, a Fitbit device, and even a Vitality Healthy Food benefit with up to $600 in annual savings on healthy food purchases.
Many insurance companies recognize the value of encouraging their policyholders to stay on top of their health. The SilverSneakers® program is just one more way for insurance companies to help their members stay healthy for longer.
Healthier members mean lower medical bills, which ultimately saves the insurance company money in the long run. Thatâs the idea, anyway.
Their program has also had a âsignificant impactâ on social isolation and loneliness.
Best of all, SilverSneakers® reports that group exercise class attendees have $2,144 lower average healthcare costs than matched non-enrollees after only a single year in the program .
Is Silver& fit The Same As Silversneakers
SilverSneakers is perhaps the most widely used fitness program included in many Medicare insurance plans, but its not the only one.
Silver& Fit is a program like SilverSneakers that is included in Medicare plans by some carriers. While the programs are sure to have their subtle differences, they are very similar in what they offer.
What Benefits Does Silversneakers Cover
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed specifically for older adults. There are over 15,000 gyms and fitness centers throughout the U.S. that partner with SilverSneakers.
As a SilverSneakers member, you will have access to the same amenities as someone with a basic membership at any participating gym. SilverSneakers members are free to exercise on their own, but also have the opportunity to participate in a range of classes and groups that are tailored to seniors. These can include things like cardio and strength training, balance and flexibility, yoga, Tai Chi, walking or running clubs, team sports and more.
There are also classes about nutrition, mindfulness, meditation and stress management. Classes are taught by instructors who are trained and certified to work with those ages 65 and over.
Members who do not live near a participating SilverSneakers facility have the option of exercising from home using a SilverSneakers home workout kit, fitness tracker, live online workout classes and a library of archived on-demand workout videos.
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What Medicare Supplement Companies Offer The Active And Fit Direct Program
The American Specialty Health Incorporateds new fitness program has millions of members. The Active and Fit Direct Program has been the market a couple of years, and its become the countrys most notable commercial fitness program.
Further, many companies offer programs like Active & Fit. Aetna members may have access to these programs, although supplement insurance may vary.
Learn if your Supplement company offers the Active & Fit Direct Program by contacting your agent.
Bluecross Adopts Silver& fit For Medicare Advantage Plans
Alison Sexter
Tennessee YMCAs will be included in fitness network for 2020 and beyond
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee will offer American Specialty Healths Silver& Fit® Healthy Aging and Exercise Program as the sole fitness offering for its Medicare Advantage members beginning January 1, 2020. The Silver& Fit network will provide BlueCross members access to Tennessee YMCAs after the end of the year.
Were excited to work with Silver& Fit to deliver the fitness offerings our members want, said Todd Ray, senior vice president of senior products at BlueCross. And were glad our members can continue using the fitness facilities of their choice, including YMCAs.
We value the relationships weve built with BlueCross Medicare Advantage members over the years, said Ted Cornelius, executive director of the Tennessee State Alliance of YMCAs. We welcome the opportunity to continue those relationships through 2020 and beyond as part of the Silver& Fit network.
Silver& Fit is a value-added service that is available to BlueCross Medicare Advantage members at no additional cost. The program offers access to a variety of fitness centers as well as home fitness kits, online/recorded fitness classes, a library of online wellness resources, and more. Silver& Fit first started contracting Tennessee YMCAs in their network in 2014 and have continued to add additional Tennessee YMCAs and other fitness centers since then.
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Can I Use My Bcbs In Another State
If all you are doing is visiting another state then BCBS is national but if we are taking about moving ANYONE can get ANY plan from ANY company. You wont be able to keep your plan in your current state once your billing address changes but one call to the new states BCBS will do all the process for you.
What Is Silver Sneakers & Why Should I Be Interested
More than 60 health plans nationwide have partnered with Silver Sneakers to include this valuable benefit. Some of these include AARP Silver Sneakers , but they have discontinued this relationship in several states.
Many Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage insurance plans include this benefit at no extra cost.
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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
What Does A Silversneakers Membership Include
A SilverSneakers membership comes with access to over 17,000 fitness locations nationwidethats right, with the SilverSneakers program, you can use gyms and all its included amenities in SilverSneakers huge, national network.
But SilverSneakers is probably even better known for its group exercise classes run by qualified instructors which includes equipment available to use in the classes. The SilverSneakers program also offers social events, a fitness app , online resources for home workouts, and more.
Additionally, SilverSneakers repeatedly states that it does not sell shoessilver or otherwiseto anyone. It doesn’t give you a free pair of shoes when you become a member either. So you’ll need to BYOS to bring to SilverSneakers classes.
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Is Silversneakers Free
While SilverSneakers® is not “free,”there is no cost to you for this extra benefit as long as you have a plan that offers it. Many Medicare Advantage plans and some Medicare Supplement plans offer SilverSneakers as an extra benefit. However, Medicare Supplement plans with SilverSneakers® included charge a higher premium, so it isn’t “free.”
Also, Medicare Advantage plans factor in the cost of this gym membership perk into their own premium and benefit structure. Even if your plan is $0 premium, your deductible or coinsurance might be a bit higher to offset the costs of including this benefit.
Finally, Medicare Advantage plans aren’t allowed to refer to their extra benefits as “free” , which is why you should never see this perk marketed to you as “free.”
How Does It Work
All you need to get started is your SilverSneakers member ID number.
Find your closest SilverSneakers location and take your ID number to the front desk. Then start working out! You can use any participating SilverSneakers location nationwide, so when you travel you can still get your workouts in.
This benefit does not include personal training sessions.
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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.
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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Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover Silversneakers
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. To see if your current Medicare Advantage plan includes the SilverSneakers program, contact your health plan directly, or visit the SilverSneakers online health plan finder to check.
If you are looking to enroll into a Medicare Advantage plan with SilverSneakers coverage, take a look at our eHealthMedicare plan comparison tool on this page. The tool lets you review a list of Medicare Advantage plans available in your service area and explore your Medicare plan options.
Coverage of the SilverSneakers program will vary by Medicare Advantage plan, and availability may depend on location. Many Medicare Advantage plans cover this benefit at no additional cost, while others cover it as an optional rider. If youre currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may want to contact your plans Customer Service to find out if the plan includes the SilverSneakers benefit.
Some employer or union sponsored group retirement plans may cover this benefit as well. If you are enrolled in a group retirement plan and you are uncertain whether SilverSneakers is included in your benefits, you may want to contact the plan administrator.
Find Plans in your area instantly!
Locations From Coast To Coast
You can choose from more than 10,000 participating fitness locations nationwide.
There are no restrictions on which locations you can use and how often you choose to go.
Privileges include the same amenities, programs and services available to those with a basic membership and additional services may be available for purchase.
Find a participating location near you here.
You can also enroll by phone by calling , Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. 8 p.m., Eastern Time.
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How To Get A Silversneakers Membership
If you have Original Medicare and youd like a SilverSneakers membership, you can see if theres a Medicare Supplement plan available in your area that includes the program. Medicare Supplement plans are supplemental health insurance plans that help cover costs like coinsurance, copays, or deductibles associated with your Medicare Coverage. Some plans even come with out-of-pocket limits, which Original Medicare doesnt offer.
You can learn more about Medicare Supplement plans, or, if youd like to see if theres a plan with SilverSneakers available in your area, call the number below.
You can also get SilverSneakers through a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage is another way to receive Medicare benefits by bundling everything Part A and Part B offers, and often gaining access to extra benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, or even SilverSneakers. Keep in mind, however, that you can only switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage if you have an enrollment period .
You can learn more about Medicare Advantage, or, if youd like to switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes SilverSneakers, call a qualified agent with the number below.
How Does The Silversneakers Medicare Program Work
The SilverSneakers Medicare program is available only through select Medicare Advantage plans or a few Medicare Supplement plans. Once you get on a qualifying Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, youll sign up for the SilverSneakers program and receive a card with a 16-digit number. This number will give you immediate entry to all the classes and equipment the SilverSneakers Medicare program offers.
To see if your current Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan grants you SilverSneakers eligibility, you can use the instant SilverSneakers eligibility checker.
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What Kinds Of Fitness Classes Does Silversneakers Offer
SilverSneakers has a lot of classes available for every physical activity level. Whether its a stability class to improve balance and prevent falls, a water exercise class for low-impact aerobic workouts, a yoga class to increase flexibility, or an athletic, upper-body conditioning class to build strength, SilverSneakers offers quite a few options.
If youd rather work out from home, there are also SilverSneakers on-demand videos, and an app called SilverSneakers GO that includes exercise videos.
If you want the community and the classes but dont care for the gym environment, the SilverSneakers program offers more than 70 kinds of classes through its FLEX networkin churches, community centers, or recreation centers.2 In addition to being outside a gym , FLEX classes are typically smaller than gym offerings, and the instructors personal contact info is available for students to call and ask questionsor just get to know them. You can see what FLEX classes are available in your area with their FLEX locator tool.
Blue Cross To Offer Silver Sneakers In Oh Co Il And Me
Ohio, Colorado, Illinois and Maine Medigap now offers Silver Sneakers
Note from Nov 2020. This is an older article. Blue Cross no longer offers these benefits in many states including some of those listed below. Check our Silver Sneaker lookup to learn more.
Effective Jan 1, 2017: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has added Silver Sneakers to their Medicare Supplement Plans in Ohio, Colorado, Illinois and Maine.
Silver Sneakers is a program that offers free or low cost gym memberships at more than 13,000 facilities for eligible enrollees in participating plans. You must be Medicare eligible to enroll in a plan.
Please Note: This is not an exhaustive list of states that offer Silver Sneakers and benefits are subject to change. To check which plans in your area that cover Silver Sneakers, use our silver sneakers search tool or give us a call at 800-930-7956
To learn more about Anthem BCBSs Medicare Supplement plans, call one of our Senior65 licensed independent insurance agents at the number above.
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How Can I Find A Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan With Silversneakers
The easiest way to find a Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan in your area that includes a SilverSneakers membership is to connect with a licensed insurance agent.
Its possible that your local Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate may not offer SilverSneakers as part of its Medicare plans. Should that be the case, an insurance agent who is contracted with multiple different carriers may be able to find some Medicare Advantage plans offered by other carriers that include SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit or a similar fitness program for seniors.
What States Is Blue Cross Blue Shield In
The 36 independent and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies deliver health insurance coverage to one in three Americans across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In addition, the BCBS Federal Employee Program® insures over five million federal employees, retirees and their families.
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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!
Medicare Advantage Plans Including Silver Sneakers
There are many, manyMedicare Advantage plans affiliated with Silver Sneakers. Your options will depend on where you purchase your insurance. If you would like to see which insurance companies in your state include this plan, view theparticipating health plans here.
Its not uncommon to see both large and small insurance companies include this popular benefit. Large carriers like Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Coventry, Gateway, Humana, United Healthcare and WellCare participate in most states.
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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.
