Lots Of Seniors Are Overweight But Few Use Free Counseling For It
Altogether, more than 5 million customers have been affected. But the company is making market-by-market decisions, and nearly 675,000 UnitedHealthcare Medigap policyholders and 1.9 million UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan members will retain access to SilverSneakers in 2019.
I think its a smart move, said Connie Holt, an independent broker with Goldsum Insurance Solutions of Pleasant Hill, Calif.
But many of the companys customers arent happy that SilverSneakers, which offers group classes tailored to seniors in addition to gym access at 15,000 sites, is disappearing. And confusion about alternatives is widespread.
Its one of the top topics that seniors have been raising over the past few months when they call Ohios Senior Health Insurance Information Program, said Chris Reeg, the OSHIIP program director.
Michael Chanak Jr., 69, of Wadsworth, Ohio, had problems getting through to UnitedHealthcares customer relations department several times when he called with questions a common complaint. The way this is being implemented is a train wreck, said Chanak, who has a UnitedHealthcare Medicare supplemental policy and spends an hour every day exercising at his gym.
People are extremely upset, wrote Margaret Lee of Arroyo Grande, Calif., in an email. Thats about the only topic of conversation at my water exercise class!
In an email, Mark Bagley, a spokesman for the organization, said , not AARP, operates these plans and determines the benefits.
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.
Is Planet Fitness Free For Seniors
Package Details: The Unlimited membership plan provides members with unlimited use of all of the machines, free fitness training, a free T-shirt and free wifi for only $10/month. Discounts: Once a year, during National Senior Day, Planet Fitness offers half price memberships for individuals ages 60 and over.
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How Do I Enroll And What’s Next
You must visit your Life Time location to enroll in this program. Once you have received your Fitness ID or Confirmation Code and verified your Life Time location accepts the program, you are welcome to stop in to the club during guest hours or call your club directly at .
*These plans may require a premium buy-up plan. Please refer to your health insurance provider for more information about your specific plan. Go back to Silver and Fit
Membership levels, types, amenities, services, programs and their associated dues, pricing, fees and/or charges may vary by location and are subject to change. Access to clubs, and certain services, programs, amenities, or areas within a club may be restricted, conditioned, or otherwise limited by specific terms and conditions and/or subject to a separate or supplemental fee for access or use . See club for additional terms and conditions that may apply. Always consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program.
A fitness and healthy aging program, Silver & Fit® is offered through many insurance companies’ Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans.
SilverSneakers® is a health and fitness program that’s included with many Medicare Advantage and Supplement Plans.
Available with select Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans. Renew Active from UnitedHealthcare offers fitness for body and mind.
Find Medicare Plans With A Fitness Benefit
If you want a Medicare plan with a fitness benefit or any other supplemental benefit, one of our licensed agents may be able to help. Our agents are highly trained and they can help you sort through the plans available in your location. To set up a no-cost, no-obligation appointment, call 844-431-1832 or contact us here today!
This blog was originally published on October 1, 2019. The latest update was on November 26, 2019.
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Will Unitedhealthcare Offer Any Fitness Benefit In 2020
Yes. Starting in 2020, UHC will offer new fitness benefits* with some plans. As plans can vary in every zip code, ask your licensed agent whether or not this benefit can apply to you!
Medicare beneficiaries with certain UHC Medigap plans may feature a fitness benefit that includes gym membership discounts and phone access to wellness coaches along with other health resources.
Medicare Advantage policyholders may be able to join a program called Renew Active, which will replace SilverSneakers® in January 2020. The Renew Active benefit may include access to fitness centers, classes, and group activities along with tools to exercise your brain health.
*Always check with your doctor before starting any fitness program to make sure the program suits your individual needs.
How Does Renew Active Work
The new Renew Active program includes a gym membership, an online brain health program, and access to local events. You can use the Renew Active website to find a facility close to you that participates in the program. Renew Active works with popular gym chains and local gyms. It may include some Planet Fitness locations, YMCAs, and more.
At no additional cost, Renew Active also comes with a personalized fitness plan. Youll get an introductory one-on-one personal training session to set your initial goals and then youll be able to meet with your trainer at least yearly.
Youll be able to work on strength, aquatic exercises, cardio, mind & body, and other specialty activities .
Renew Active can also coordinate with your Fitbit as well as your AARP® Staying Sharp program.
You can get Renew Active if your UHC/AARP Medicare plan supports it.
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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:
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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Question #: Can Renew Help My Outlook
Your overall well-being is closely tied to your emotional health. Members can tap into the power of Renew Positivity, an assortment of resources designed to inspire and help boost your happiness.
Listen to a variety of music playlists that fit your mood everything from classic oldies to peaceful meditation songs. Browse and share uplifting photos and positive messages. Or click on inspiring articles and fun activities that provide a welcome dose of motivation and positive thinking.
United Healthcare And Silver Sneakers
After learning about Silver Sneakers, you are probably impressed with the program. You can imagine yourself in a gym getting fit or adhering to a nutritional plan, and feeling 30 again. But theres more to the story
As of October 2019, United Healthcare announced that it will no longer offer SilverSneakers as a benefit. Anyone who was not enrolled in United Healthcares plans by January 2021 will not be able to access SilverSneakers as a benefit.
This drop in support is not a falling-out between the companies. NPR even did a story on the breakup.
But you still might be shocked, considering the benefits and robustness of Silver Sneakers. United Healthcare found that despite offering SilverSneakers, 90% of those who have the benefit never set foot in a SilverSneakers gym. Many Medicare recipients may have not been aware of the benefit, thus not using it. Those who reap the benefits of this program will, however, be supported.
United Healthcare is not alone in ending their relationship with Silver Sneakers.
The Tennessee YMCA and BlueCross BlueShield have ended their relationship with Silver Sneakers in all their locations.
Tivity Health announced that if you are already enrolled in United Healthcares plans and receive SilverSneakers as a benefit, then it will remain available to you through December 31, 2022.
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What Is Aarp Renew Active
Members of AARP Medicare Advantage plans arent entirely out of luck when it comes to fitness program benefits. UnitedHealthcare replaced SilverSneakers with a different fitness program called Renew Active.
Renew Active works similar to SilverSneakers. The program offers a list of participating gyms and fitness centers, which you can find using the Find a Fitness Location search tool on the companys website. Some AARP Medicare Advantage plan members may also have the option of participating from home using a Fitbit and online workout videos.
Participating Renew Active locations include nationwide gym chains, local fitness centers and even community organizations like senior centers. Some of the participating facilities include:
- Orangetheory A heart rate-based total body group workout combining science, coaching and technology
- Pure Barre Workouts inspired by elements of ballet, yoga and Pilates that focus on low-impact, high-intensity movements incporporating strength training, stretching and cardio
- Club Pilates Low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and posture
The gym and fitness center amenities available to Renew Active members will vary by location but may include pools, saunas and more, and they are generally equivalent to a basic membership at the participating facility.
There are even classes to join and events to attend that cover things like nutrition, caregiving, technology and more.
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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 its important to her. It helps us maintain our health, plus adds socialization to our lives. Especially in the morning. Thats 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.
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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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Tennessee Ymca Locations Breaks Partnership With Silversneakers
In related news, the Tennessee State Alliance of YMCAs decided to leave the SilverSneakers® network. The change is effective January 1, 2020.
The two organizations parting ways means that you must find different coverage if you want to continue exercising at Tennessee YMCA locations.
Tennessee YMCA locations still accept Silver & Fit®, and you may be able to use Renew Fit.
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Medicare Insurance Plans With Silver Sneakers
Many of our clients ask about the free Silver Sneakers gym membership and how to qualify when shopping for supplemental insurance plans. It can save members a lot of money.
Some insurance companies offer this valuable benefit, but many do not. And availability will depend on where you live. We help our clients compare the Medicare insurance policies offering this perk while crunching the numbers to make sure they arent overpaying for their coverage.
Does Medicare Cover Silver Sneakers
Silver Sneakers is not a benefit offered under Original Medicare, also known as Part A and B. You can only get access to the program by signing up for private Medicare insurance, such as a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement plan .
Not all Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans offer Silver Sneakers and plans can opt in or out of the program as the plan chooses.
Medicare Advantage Plans are more likely to offer Silver Sneakers as a benefit. This includes Dual Enrollment participants that have both Medicare and Medicaid.
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What Is Silver Sneakers
Silver Sneakers is a health and wellness program geared toward people who are 65 or older. Members can access the following:
- Access to 15,000 gyms and participating fitness centers around the country
- A community both online and in person
- Exercise classes geared toward seniors and led by trained instructors
- Online and a large on-demand video library of workouts
The program offers seniors a mix of activities that can be in and outside of the gym. Non-gym classes can be in locations such as parks, community centers, and churches with options including swimming, hiking, or yoga.
Silver Sneakers also offers a great tool to look up classes and participating locations throughout the United States. You are allowed to use any facility that contracts with Silver Sneakers without additional costs. For many seniors who opt to travel or are snowbirds, the class lookup can be an excellent resource for you to continue to be active even away from home.
Finally, Silver Sneakers offers member-only health seminars and other wellness events.
Get Moving With Renew Active
If your plan includes Renew Active, youll enjoy a free gym membership, an online brain health program from AARP® Staying Sharp® and more. The program has something for everyone, at every fitness level. Sign in to your plan website, go to Health & Wellness and look for Renew Active to get started and receive your confirmation code.
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What Is Included In Silver Sneakers
Silver Sneakers is substantially more than just a means to enroll in a gym, in spite of the fact that it incorporates all the advantages of a fundamental participation at taking an interest in wellness and public venues. You can work out on weight machines, join a gathering wellness class, swim a couple of laps, and even unwind in the sauna or hot tub .
Youre likewise not secured in one specific wellness community. Your enrollment works at 17,000 partaking areas over the United States, any of which you can visit. In the event that you lean toward practicing outside, attempt one of the Silver Sneakers FLEX classes offered at a nearby park. Utilize the Silver Sneakers GO application to discover class timetables and areas, and keep tabs on your development toward wellness objectives. When setting off to the rec center isnt a choice, you can stream live classes and workshops to your TV or utilize the library of on-request recordings to practice on your own timetable.
In case youre qualified for Silver Sneakers, these advantages are free at all partaking areas. Youll just compensate cash based for things like a smoothie from the wellbeing bar or a back rub after your exercise in the event that you want those additional items.
Exercise equipment that you can use if you have a Silver Sneakers plan includes:
- Weight equipment
