How Can I Enroll In Or Switch To Silver Sneakers
You are able to add a Medicare advantage or supplemental insurance plan with Silver Sneakers benefits to your insurance, when you first become eligible, and enroll in original Medicare, typically when you turn 65 . You will have an initial enrollment period for Medicare that lasts from 6 months prior to 6 months past your 65th birthday. If you miss this time period, you may be able to join a supplemental policy at a later time, but you wont have a guaranteed right to be accepted anymore. If you plan on adding a Medicare advantage plan at a later time, you may do so each year in fall during the Open Enrollment period, which is each year in fall. If you missed the open enrollment, you have to wait, and enroll between October 15 and December 7 or switch to a Medicare advantage plan with SilverSneakers benefits. However, if a 5 Star Rated Medicare advantage plan with SilverSneakers is available to you, you may join that plan at any time during the year. Check with Medicare.gov for available 5 Star Rated Medicare advantage plans in your area.
We hope that you will find your SilverSneakers plan and can join a fun fitness class! A regular workout will not only help you improve your agility and flexibility, by improving your fitness and overall health you may even be able to reduce the amount of drugs you are required to take and cut down your prescription drug expenses!
Which Insurance Companies Offer Silversneakers
Some of the health insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans offer at least one plan that includes SilverSneakers membership.
Some Medicare Advantage plan carriers that you may consider include:
Plan availability and specific plan benefits may vary depending on where you live and the type of plan you have.
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.
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Are Silversneakers And Silver And Fit The Same
SilverSneakers® and Silver and Fit® are both Medicare fitness programs, but they are not the same. They are two separate companies offering similar benefits.
Both companies offer group fitness classes and exercise opportunities, and both companies partner with Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to provide their benefit.
If youre already a SilverSneakers member, you can get your digital membership card instantly here.
To make things even easier, download the SilverSneakers GO app . Youll be able to:
- Access your digital membership card anytime.
- Find SilverSneakers locations and classes near you.
- Discover, schedule, and track your workouts.
Where Is Silversneakers Offered
SilverSneakers has more than 15,000 locations at participating gyms, community centers, and fitness centers around the country. This includes some of the countrys largest chains, like LA Fitness, the YMCA, and Planet Fitness.
In order to find the SilverSneakers classes that are available in your community, visit the SilverSneakers website, enter your zip code on the map, and discover all your fitness opportunities.
If you have any questions regarding the SilverSneakers program, how to enroll in it and have it covered by Medicare, and where you can attend a class, visit the SilverSneakers website or contact your Medicare Advantage provider.
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Benefits Of Silver Sneakers
Social interaction and physical activity becomes more important the older you get. SilverSneakers makes this their goal when providing their services. Seniors will have a safe place to interact and exercise with other seniors.
Social interactions can have a major impact on well-being, especially for seniors. The older you get, the harder it is to get out and socially interact. SilverSneakers promotes this social interaction. In addition to workout classes, gatherings are held for members who want to get together and relax. Socializing is a major way to fight depression, which can be an issue for seniors. Mental and physical well-being go hand-in-hand, which is a major goal for SilverSneakers.
Stay Fit With Gyms That Accept Silver Sneakers
Remaining active is one of the best things Seniors can do to stay healthy. It not only keeps them strong and physically healthy, but it also helps keep their minds sharper and their mood higher.
Unfortunately, most health programs are geared toward younger individuals. The senior fitness centers are taking care of that problem.
In addition, classes are offered at most senior fitness centers. These classes vary, but include Zumba, water aerobics, general exercise and more. The classes are conducted at a more relaxed level, enabling senior citizens to enjoy activities that their younger peers enjoy. This may be the time to take that yoga class you always thought about.
Best of all, the program is free as part of your health insurance coverage or covered under medicare.*
Take time today and step foot onto the path of a healthier future in your golden years. Enjoy some of your old activities or discover some new ones. Your life has always been an adventure. The adventure doesnt have to end yet!
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Medicare Fitness Coverage Without Uhc And Silver Sneakers
Posted: Nov 26, 2019 · Fitness & Health. News. Last year, UnitedHealthcare , the largest insurance carrier in the United States, announced that SilverSneakers ® would no longer be a plan benefit in 2019. The change would affect the entire UnitedHealthcare® family of products including the plans endorsed by the American Association of Retired Persons .
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.
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Will My Insurance Cover A Gym Membership
As a result, many insurers cover gym memberships in one way or another. Some work with specific gyms to give you a discount or even a free membership, while others will offer your a set amount in reimbursement. If you have Medicaid, gym membership may be covered depending on which state you live in.
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What Items Can You Buy With Otc Card Unitedhealthcare
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- Asthma. saline for nebulization.
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Boardman Gym Goer Wants Answers After Insurance Plan Drops Silver Sneakers
The Medicare open enrollment period officially begins Monday, October 15th. But before that comes many insurance providers have been tweaking the plans that they offer through the open marketplace.
When one Boardman woman received the notice about a change in her supplemental plan, she was shocked.
Meg Glines is an avid gym goer and says that her physical well-being is very important to her. Which is why she puts such a high value on the Silver Sneakers program.
Silver Sneakers is considered a “perk” offered by some insurance providers. The program provides those who are 65 and older with free gym memberships or access to fitness classes.
However, United Healthcare notified Glines that they will no longer offer Silver Sneakers on the AARP Supplemental Plan.
“My Silver Sneakers program is my wellness program for myself and my husband. We both attend the gym, and we utilize the Silver Sneakers classes,” said Glines.
Glines uses her Silver Sneakers membership to take several classes at Creekside Fitness in Boardman, including aerobics, yoga, and senior drumming.
Glines said it’s important to her. “It helps us maintain our health, plus adds socialization to our lives. Especially in the morning. That’s when I come to the classes,” she said.
Plus, Glines said she sees it as a positive for their overall wellness.
In addition, Andrea Leonard, a personal trainer at Creekside, says there are benefits that are important to older gym goers.
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.
Home / FAQs / General Medicare / Medicare Wellness and SilverSneakers Programs
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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.
Does United Healthcare Offer Silver Sneakers
Posted: Jun 02, 2020 · Because United Healthcare is one of the largest providers of Medicare Supplement products, were frequently asked if United Healthcare offers SilverSneakers. In this article, we will give you a brief overview of the Silver Sneakers program, United Healthcare, and how the company interacts with Silver Sneakers.
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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.
How Is Silversneakers Different From Mutually Well
SilverSneakers is a senior-focused fitness program included in many Medicare Advantage plans and even some Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.
SilverSneakers includes a basic gym membership at thousands of participating gyms and fitness centers, most of which also feature group fitness classes and programs designed specifically for older adults, such as yoga, water aerobics, walking clubs and more.
Some Medicare plans dont offer SilverSneakers membership as a benefit but instead offer health and fitness benefits through programs such as Mutually Well or Silver & Fit.
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Find A Fitness Location Near You
Posted: Aug 16, 2021 · The largest gym network of all Medicare fitness programs is based upon comparison of competitors website data as of March, 2021. Over 20,000 gym locations is based upon internal company data website data as of March 2021. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property.
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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Find Silversneakers Locations Near You:
To find SilverSneakers® locations near you, or click on the buttons below. You can search by class type, amenity , or even gender if you prefer a women-only gym. Some examples of locations that may support the program are hospital wellness centers, select Planet Fitness locations, and other local gyms.
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Which Plans Offer Silver Sneakers
Remember most plans do not offer Silver Sneakers. Check out our Silver Sneakers Search tool to see if there are any in your area. You can see which Medigap plans participate in Silver Sneakers and can get quotes and apply directly.
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How Can I Get Silver Sneakers If I Have Original Medicare
Learn what the Silver Sneakers program is and how it works with Medicare.
Mental and physical well-being is an important part of overall health at any age. Silver Sneakers is a well-known program that is catered to seniors. Medicare recipients can save on health care costs by taking advantage of wellness opportunities with Silver Sneakers.
Find out what Silver Sneakers offers, how to get access to it, and how you should make choices on your Medicare options in regard to Silver Sneakers.
Unitedhealthcare Extends Partnership With Tivity Health To Provide Silversneakers To Medicare Advantage Group Members Through 2022
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Nov. 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Tivity Health® , a leading provider of nutrition, fitness and social engagement solutions, will continue to provide UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage group members with SilverSneakers® through December 31, 2022, as a result of a new agreement to extend the relationship. This contract extension will ensure that approximately 1.1 million UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage group members will continue to have access to the physical health and social engagement benefits offered by SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading fitness program for older adults.
Tivity Health has a long-standing relationship with UnitedHealthcare and has offered SilverSneakers to its Medicare Advantage members for 20 years. This agreement reaffirms the joint commitment of both organizations to help seniors achieve their best health by engaging in physical activity, including proprietary classes designed specifically for older adults, and by supporting the social connections that are critical to a long and healthy life.
In addition to SilverSneakers classes led by trained instructors, the program offers access to more than 16,000 fitness locations nationwide as well as SilverSneakers On-Demand video workouts and a mobile app, SilverSneakers® GOTM, at no additional cost to the member. SilverSneakers also offers members opportunities for social connection, an important component of healthy aging.
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