How Does The Silversneakers Program Work
Once enrolled in a qualifying health plan, you can join the SilverSneakers program by visiting the SilverSneakers website.
You’ll then have access to more than 17,000 fitness centers nationwide and over 70 different types of exercise classes. Participating locations provide exercise activities specially designed for seniors. You’ll also get a variety of discounts on health-related services that may range from physical therapy and massage to health products and essential oils.
If a gym just isn’t your thing, SilverSneakers also offers a program called FLEX where they offer fitness classes and health-related activities in locations such as parks, community centers or churches. You can get out, get moving, and meet other like-minded seniors without going to a fitness center.
The cost of SilverSneakers is included in your Medicare plan, so there is no extra charge for you, no matter how many fitness centers or exercise classes you attend.
In addition, you’ll have access to an on-demand video library of fitness classes designed specifically for seniors that you can use anytime anywhere.
Why Take Advantage Of Silver Sneakers
The Silver Sneakers program has both physical and emotional effects. You can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, lessen the side effects of diabetes, and have more energy just by walking 30 minutes a day. Working out can improve mental health by lowering depression and loneliness while meeting new people.
According to Pychs Central, researchers at the University of Chicago have found: the impact of loneliness on premature death is nearly as strong as the impact of disadvantaged socioeconomic status, which they found increases the chances of dying early by 19%
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.
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Getting The Most Out Of Your Medicare Insurance
Too often Medicare insurance policies are purchased and stashed away. Whether you purchase a Supplement or Advantage plan, its important to know about extra benefits. Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to offer ancillary benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Conversely, Supplements, by rule, cannot usually offer as many added benefits.
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.
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Is Silver Sneakers Only For Medicare Advantage
The Silver Sneakers Medicare program is accessible just through select Medicare Advantage plans or a couple of Medicare Supplement plans. When you jump on a passing Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, youll pursue the Silver Sneakers program and get a card with a 16-digit number. This number will give you a quick section to all the classes and gear the Silver Sneakers Medicare program offers. To check whether your present Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan awards you Silver Sneakers qualification, you can utilize the moment Silver Sneakers qualification checker.
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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Question #: What Types Of Exercise Classes Are Available And Who Teaches Them
Youll find a variety of fun exercise classes designed for seniors of all fitness levels and interests. Classes vary whether youre doing them online or in person, but if available, youll find:
- Cardio and strength classes, which often offer a chair for support
- Water aerobics classes
- Chair and standing yoga classes
- Tai chi, boot camp, and so much more!
SilverSneakers classes are led by supportive instructors who are trained in senior fitness. They can help you learn how to do exercises safely and adapt exercises for your needs.
Learn more about why SilverSneakers members love our classes and what SilverSneakers instructors know that other trainers dont.
Silver And Fit Locations
Once enrolled in Silver and Fit, you’ll get access to a fitness center membership that includes a vast network of over 14,000 fitness centers and select YMCAs. To find a participating location near you, enter your ZIP code on the website. You can then search among fitness centers that take part in the Silver and Fit program.
You’ll select the fitness center or YMCA that you want to attend on the Silver and Fit website. If you want to switch fitness centers, you may do so once per month.
These are the types of Silver and Fit-approved fitness centers:
- Basic fitness centers: For exercise and training that protects your heart and increases your strength, look into the Silver and Fit basic fitness centers. Available equipment may include treadmills, elliptical machines, free weights, and more.
- Full fitness centers: These gyms offer a wide range of heart-healthy and strength-training services. You may also be able to sign up for classes like yoga, Zumba, or the Silver and Fit Signature Series exercise program.
- Gender-specific gyms: If you prefer visiting a fitness center designed for particular genders, you can choose one that is Silver and Fit approved.
- Exercise centers: These locations offer services beyond your standard gym or fitness center. Amenities vary by location but may include lap pools, saunas, yoga, Pilates, or sports centers.
Some examples of the Home Fitness Program kits include:
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How Does Silver Sneakers Work
Silver Sneakers eligibility is based around if you are a member in one of their more than 60 participating Medicare Advantage plans across the United States. If you are a member in a participating Medicare Advantage plan you are eligible for a free Silver Sneakers gym membership. Its that easy.
How it works is simple, too.
Can anyone join SilverSneakers?
Silver Sneakers eligibility requirements are solely based around those who enroll in Silver Sneaker partnered Medicare plans. This is one of the benefits of using a Medicare Advantage plan over a Medicare Supplement as most Medicare Supplements do not include Silver Sneakers.
Types Of Plans With Silversneakers
You can find the SilverSneakers® benefit inside a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies but approved by Medicare. That means that they cover everything that Medicare covers, but can also add additional benefits .
On occasion, you may also find fitness programs within a Medigap, or Medicare Supplement plan. Medigap plans are also offered by private insurance companies but most of the time, they do not add coverage in the same way that Medicare Advantage plans do. In most cases, the extra coverage that Medigap plans provide relates more to coverage for your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. However, on occasion, you may find a Medigap plan that includes a gym membership.
Even if your plan does not include this program, it may include another Medicare fitness program called Silver & Fit®.
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Silver Sneakers: Medicare Includes It
This is a great question.
Medicare and the Silver Sneakers program go hand in hand as Silver Sneakers is the leading wellness provider for Medicare Advantage plans across the US. With nearly 10 Million members, there is a good chance your Medicare plan offers Silver Sneakers.
To check if your Medicare plan includes the Silver Sneakers program, you need to check your summary of benefits. Below is an example of what you will see in your summary of benefits booklet.
As you can see, Silver Sneakers is listed as included which means you can begin your fitness plan through Medicare Silver Sneakers immediately. If its not listed in your Medicare plans summary of benefits, then you should check Silver Sneakers Eligibility to a find a participating plan.
Checking if your health plan includes Silver Sneakers is simple.
Or, you could simply go to Google and type in Silver Sneakers followed by the city or state you live in. Below are some hypothetical examples and step-by-step instructions how you can find information on Medicare Advantage plans that offer Silver Sneakers near you. Just insert the city or state of your choice.
Silver Sneakers Tucson
Silver Sneakers Ohio
Silver Sneakers CT
Silver Sneakers LA Fitness
Which Parts Of Medicare Cover Silversneakers
Original Medicare does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs. Since SilverSneakers falls under this category, original Medicare doesnt cover it.
However, gym memberships and fitness programs, including SilverSneakers, are often covered as an additional benefit in Medicare Part C plans.
Private insurance companies approved by Medicare offer these plans.
Part C plans include the benefits covered by Parts A and B. They also typically have additional benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
Some Medigap policies will also cover gym memberships and fitness programs. Like Part C plans, private insurance companies offer Medigap plans. Medigap plans help to cover costs that original Medicare doesnt.
SilverSneakers members have access to the included benefits free of charge. Youll have to pay for anything that isnt covered in the SilverSneakers program.
If youre unsure about whats included at a specific gym, be sure to ask.
Additionally, its important to note that the specific amenities and classes available to you can vary by gym. You may have to search for a participating gym that meets your specific fitness needs.
SilverSneakers is a fitness program specifically geared toward older adults. It includes:
- access to gym facilities
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Heres What You Should Know About This Health And Fitness Program Designed For Older Adults
Wouldnt it be great if you could take fitness classes designed specifically for seniors and led by supportive instructors? What if you could take those classes online from the comfort of your home? And get a no-cost gym membership for older adults?
If that sounds like the perfect program to help you get and stay fit in your golden years, we have awesome news for you. If SilverSneakers is included in your Medicare Plan, you can have all of thatat no additional cost to you.
To help you learn more and take advantage of SilverSneakers, we put together this handy guide to answer your questions.
Can I Get Silver Sneakers Without Medicare
Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not offer or include SilverSneakers. Additionally, you can t buy a SilverSneakers membership outside of a health insurance plan from a private insurance companyyou can only enroll through a qualifying MA or Medicare Supplement plan.
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Can You Negotiate A Gym Membership
Luckily, gym contracts are absolutely negotiable. Based on my research of gyms and my own experience negotiating with LA Fitness and Planet Fitness, its more than possible to bargain for a lower rate or sign-up bonus with a new gym, says J.R. Duren, a personal finance journalist at Highya.com.4 jan. 2021
Does Tricare For Life Cover Silver Sneakers
The simple answer to this question is ,no, tricare does not provide coverage for Silver Sneakers. Silver Sneakers provide you with entry to wellness clubs, and is not offered by either Medicare or TRICARE. You can choose to take on a Medicare Supplement or Advantage plan for advantages like SilverSneakers, yet you ought to consider the impact that it might have on your wellbeing inclusion. Understanding the intricate details of TRICARE and Medicare can be troublesome. In case youre ever in question, you can contact your supplier or a TRICARE delegate for help.
In addition, you ought to consistently talk with your clinical supplier with respect to determination or treatment for an ailment, including choices about the right prescription for your condition, just as preceding endeavor a particular exercise or dietary daily practice.
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Does Medicare Cover Silversneakers
It can! Some Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans cover SilverSneakers.
Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not offer or include SilverSneakers.
Additionally, you cant buy a SilverSneakers membership outside of a health insurance plan from a private insurance companyyou can only enroll through a qualifying MA or Medicare Supplement plan.
Can I Get Silver Sneakers With Medicare
Silver Sneakers is a private health and fitness membership program designed for seniors. Its available at no cost to those enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage plan. There are over 16,000 participating Silver Sneaker gym facilities and 70 different types of health and fitness classes available nationwide.
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Top Medicare Carriers That Provide Coverage For Silver Sneakers
A few enormous medical coverage organizations give SilverSneakers participation at no expense to enrollees. This bodes well, as protection suppliers have a monetary enthusiasm for the drawn out strength of their clients and practicing has demonstrated to have gigantic advantages. Therefore also, numerous organizations even boost this conduct by offering free advantages to individuals, similar to exercise center enrollment or wellness classes.
For your reference, underneath is a once-over of the SilverSneakers contributions at four of the top Medicare transporters:
Aetna: This company provides Aetna Medicare plans. In addition to this, most Medicare Advantage plans cover SilverSneakers.
Anthem: With Anthem as your insurance provider, you can get many plans like Anthem Medicare Advantage and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plans. SilverSneakers is accessible for members of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plans. Moreover, the Silver Sneakers program is also available within many Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.
Blue Cross Blue Shield: The plans offered by BCBS are Medicare Advantage and CareFirst Med Plus Medicare Supplement plans. Silver Sneakers is accessible for CareFirst Med Plus Medicare Supplement customers. In addition to this, Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage to customers in some states.
How Does Silver Sneakers Gym Membership Work
Youll get a basic membership at any gym and participating location in the SilverSneakers network. Facilities, amenities, and classes vary by location, but if available, that generally means you can use: Cardio equipment, such as treadmills and ellipticals. Strength equipment, such as weights and strength machines.
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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.
What Does Membership Include And Exclude
Membership offers classes designed for seniors, from chair-supported yoga to high-intensity interval workouts.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests adults get 150 minutes of aerobic exercise each week, plus two days of muscle-strengthening activity.4 You can meet that with a few SilverSneakers classes.
You can work out at any SilverSneakers-affiliated facility in the U.S.
You can also access over 120 online guided workouts at SilverSneakers.com. These videos include:
- Cardio.
- Fall prevention.
- SilverSneakers EnerChi.
You can install a mobile fitness app called SilverSneakers Go that lets you find locations, schedule activities, and track your progress. The app also offers access to a video library of guided workouts. For walking programs, you can give the app permission to track your route and save your activity to your activity log.
You get a basic membership at any participating location in the SilverSneakers network. But you are not limited to using one site. Facilities, amenities, and classes vary by location. In general, membership provides access to:
- Fewer hospital admissions.
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