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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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.
Lower Health Care Cost Claims
More than 35 documented case studies substantiate these facts: SilverSneakers improves the health and lifestyle of participants. Health care cost claims go down as a result. Independent studies demonstrate that people who use the program have reduced costs associated with chronic conditions, depression and overall physical and emotional health.
Find out more about how SilverSneakers can impact your members and your bottom line. Contact us at
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What Is Renew Active
Renew Active is similar to SilverSneakers but also incorporates brain health into the activities offered.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan members with a Renew Active benefit can use the Find a Fitness Location search tool to find a gym or fitness center in their area thats part of the Renew Active program. Members also have the option of working out from home using Fitbit Premium with thousands of online workout videos.
A wide range of national chain gyms, local gyms and community organizations like senior centers are part of the Renew Active program. Some locations may feature additional amenities such as pools or saunas that members can use as part of their Renew Active benefits.
Renew Active participants receive a 1-on-1 session with a personal trainer to set fitness-related goals and form a personalized fitness plan. Members will meet with the trainer on an annual basis to track their progress and review their goals.
Activities may include:
Locations with a pool may incorporate water aerobics, swimming and other pool activities.
UnitedHealthcare also partners with AARP for the Staying Sharp program, which helps members exercise their brain.
Participants start by taking a brain-health assessment and receiving personalized recommendations based on the results. Recommendations can include puzzles, games, activities, recipes and articles made available to members all designed to boost brain health.
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!
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Are You Eligible Check If Youre Covered Today
You can see if the health program is covered by your insurance and, if not, which insurance companies provide coverage. To check whether or not your Medicare plan includes the SilverSneakers program, you will need to begin by looking at your summary of benefits.
In addition, check if you can apply for the program under your medicare coverage. Print out a membership card that makes signing up for a program easier and explore your area to find what senior friendly fitness centers are available in your area.
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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Insurance Products Made Available To Aarp Members
AARP is not an insurance company but does make available branded coverage to its members that it has vetted. While, insurance products are sold by third parties, such as The Hartford and UnitedHealthcare, AARP Services maintains quality control oversight of the options that has the AARP name attached to them. Unitedhealthcare makes branded AARP Medicare Advantage as well as AARP health insurance supplements available.
Policies, services and benefits that carry the AARP name are designed to serve the needs of older Americans that they cater to. Currently, the standard AARP membership costs $16 annually whether you are joining or renewing. A reduced rate of $12 is offered for those that auto renew and free membership is offered for spouse or partner.
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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Customer Reviews And Satisfaction
AARP/UnitedHealthcare has mediocre customer reviews with several metrics indicating user complaints and frustrations.
Across all of its divisions, UnitedHealth Group has a slightly higher rate of complaints when compared to a typical insurer of its size. The companys complaint index from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners is 1.22, which means that theres about a 22% higher rate of complaints than is typical.
When specifically looking at UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement plans, the NAIC reports that about 90% of complaints deal with claim handling.
On Better Business Bureau , both UnitedHealthcare and AARP receive an A+ rating, but their online customer reviews on the platform are low, scoring 1.06 to 1.28 out of 5. Common complaints about AARP include excessive junk mail, poor customer service and aggressive marketing.
UnitedHealthcare also ranks in the bottom third of providers in J.D. Powers survey on customer satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans. Although plans for Medicare Advantage are administered separately from Medicare Supplement Insurance, the poor customer service ranking provides telling insight.
However, UnitedHealthcare has a strong ability to pay its claims. Its one of the Largest Health Insurance Companies, and it has received strong financial ratings from AM Best with an A score.
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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:
- UnitedHealthcare
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.
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Choosing A Medicare Plan With Silversneakers Benefits
You have a lot of choices when it comes to picking a plan with SilverSneakers benefits. Both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance plans offer SilverSneakers benefits. Be sure to carefully review all of the plans available in your local area.
Dont pick a plan just for the SilverSneakers benefit. Instead, be sure to pick a plan that is a good fit for you and meets the following needs:
- Doctors who are important to you accept the plan.
- The plan will cover the medications you take.
- The plan has a monthly premium you can afford.
- The plan has an out-of-pocket maximum amount that you can afford and that protects your savings.
- The plan will cover you outside the United States .
When considering the two main plan types availableMedicare Advantage and Medicare Supplementkeep the following facts in mind:
- If you choose Medicare Supplement, youll also have to enroll in a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan .
- You cant enroll in both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement at the same time.
- Medicare Supplement is generally more expensive than Medicare Advantage.
- Your out-of-pocket costs are usually lower with Medicare Supplement.
Regardless of which route you take, youll need to be eligible for Original Medicare Part A and B before you can enroll.
The bottom line is that SilverSneakers is a very useful and valuable benefit, but you need to choose your Medicare plan based on your other needs as well.
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Silversneakers
Medicare Supplement plans are designed to help pay out-of-pocket costs with Part A and Part B . If something isnt covered by Original Medicare, it usually isnt covered by a Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare rules prohibit Medigap plans from offering extra benefits, but gym memberships such as SilverSneakers are the rare exception to the rule.
In some states, the major Medicare Supplement insurers such as Humana, BlueCross Blue Shield, AARP include SilverSneakers membership with some Medigap plans. These instances are few and far between though, as most Medigap plans do not include SilverSneakers, especially those offered by smaller insurance companies.
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Question #: How Can Renew Help Me Stay Active
Once youre registered and have signed into your plan website, you can try out dozens of home workout videos everything from cardio to strength training to yoga. Mix them up to make your own exercise routine. Or choose a fun fitness activity to try.
The other way Renew can help you with your fitness goals is with Renew Active2, a leading Medicare fitness program for body and mind. Renew Active members can enjoy a free membership at a local gym that is selected from a large network of gyms and fitness locations. There, you can do a circuit using the gyms equipment, or try out their fitness classes. You can also get a personalized fitness plan. You can go on your own time and exercise at your own pace.
With Renew Active, youll also get access to an online community from Fitbit® where you can connect with others who share your goals and challenges. You’ll also have access to Fitbit Premium, which includes thousands of workout videos of all levels, guided programs, personalized insights, mindfulness activities and more. No Fitbit is needed.
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
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Medicare Select Plan F
Our Rating:
Plan F is the most popular AARP Medicare Supplement plan. No other standardized Medicare Supplement plan offered in Illinois offers more complete protection for your uncovered Part B medical expenses than Plan F. It covers:
- Your Part A deductible and coinsurance
- The cost of 365 extra days of hospital care during your lifetime after Medicare coverage ends
- Your Part B coinsurance and the cost of the first three pints of blood
- Medicare Part A hospital deductible and copayments
- Skilled nursing facility copayment
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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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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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Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover Gym Memberships
Posted: 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.
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Find Out If Youre Eligible For Silversneakers
What are the SilverSneakers eligibility requirements?
In order to be eligible for the SilverSneakers Fitness program, you must be:
To be eligible for SilverSneakers, you must join a participating Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan.
If you are already enrolled in one of those types of private insurance plans, you can visit SilverSneakers.com to see if your current plan offers the program.
Question #: How Do I Get Access To Renew1
Through most UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, you automatically have access to everything Renew has to offer. You can get started by signing in or registering to your plan website and clicking on Health & Wellness. If you have any questions, you can always call the number on the back of your member ID card to learn more.
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Silver Sneakers Vs Active And Fit Direct Program
When it comes to fitness programs, beneficiaries have plenty of options. SilverSneakers and Active & Fit Direct are both fitness programs that accommodate seniors.
The SilverSneakers program allows beneficiaries to have free access to gyms nationwide.
Members may have access to full use of gym equipment and benefits, including weights, cardio machines, saunas, pools, and hot tubs.
SilverSneakers offers fitness classes such as yoga, cardio-fit, circuit training, and water aerobics.
The Active and Fit program allows members to choose from over 9,000 facilities across the nation.
The program offers an online directory map and locator for fitness facilities. Also, you can switch fitness centers to make sure you find the right fit.
The Active& Fit Direct Program also offers online wellness tracking, which comes from a variety of wearable fitness devices. However, the program is only for individual or employer group members.
Active& Fit Direct continues to expand its growing network to meet the clients needs. This year there was an addition over 1200 facilities, including large chains, independent and local gyms.
Members can search the online directory for some of the nations finest fitness centers in their area.
Does Medicare Cover The Silver Sneakers Program
Posted: Jul 25, 2018 · A Major Update to Silver Sneakers. As of 2019, United Healthcare dropped the Silver Sneakers benefits from their Medicare supplements in a number of states. This could mean additional states will follow. This is why we always suggest that you never choose your Medicare plan SOLELY because it offers a gym benefit.
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