Does Wellcare Have Silver Sneakers

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.

How Do I Choose A Plan That Includes Silversneakers

Keep in mind you should always choose your health plan based on the medical benefits it offers, not simply because the plan includes SilverSneakers. While a free gym membership is a valuable benefit, medical costs can add up quickly and can become a much larger burden if you dont have the right insurance plan for your medical needs.

When comparing Medicare plans, consider the following four factors:

Coverage

Consider prescription coverage, vision, dental, hearing aids or other amenities you may need.

Costs

Consider monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance and annual out-of-pocket limits.

Networks

Determine whether your current or preferred providers are included in the local network of the plan you choose.

Quality

Medicare Star Ratings can help you identify plans that offer the highest quality care and which plans members report greatest satisfaction with their plan.

Once youve identified a few health plans that meet your medical and budgetary requirements based on the above criteria, you can determine which of those plans offer the added benefit of the SilverSneakers program.

Staying physically active is important for maintaining your health as you age, and SilverSneakers is a great way to get moving. After all, its fun, free and convenient. Thats a win for everyone.

Courtney Schmidt is a medical communications professional and clinical pharmacist with pediatric and adult hospital experience.

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!

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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!

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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Which Medicare Supplement Plans Include Sneakers

Currently in Georgia there are only three marketers that include a Sneakers membership when you buy their Medigap coverage. That would be Anthem/Blue Cross, Humana and United Healthcare through AARP.

Bob Vineyard and Georgia Medicare Plans has two of the three available for our clients.

We are more of a purist when it comes to insurance. Generally, the carriers and marketers that use gimmicks such as add-on services or family discounts usually incorporate those things to make amends for the lack of value in their plans.

An age 67 female living in Macon Georgia would pay the following if they picked the popular plan F sold by the Sneakers marketers

• Anthem/Blue Cross $154
• United Healthcare $182

In contrast, the BEST current rate for plan F is $130.

Why pay an extra $300 per year for your Medigap coverage JUST to get a free Silver Sneakers membership?

Even more, we almost NEVER recommend plan F for our clients. Most will find plan G to be a much better value and can save an extra $300+ per year or more vs. plan F.

If you are looking for a solid Medigap plan that saves you money and delivers value, shop and compare our rates now. Buy your own gym membership with the savings.

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Silversneakers How Does It Work

SilverSneakers is a program encouraging older adults to participate in physical activities that will help them to maintain greater control of their health. SilverSneakers sponsors activities and social events designed to keep those 65 and older healthy while encouraging social interaction. As well as keeping you physically healthy, SilverSneakers can contribute to your overall well-being by connecting you to others in fitness classes and helping you stay social. According to SilverSneakers.com, 88 percent of SilverSneakers members say that SilverSneakers has improved the quality of their life.

SilverSneakers is available around the country, and membership provides access to any participating gym locationincluding all amenities included with basic level access. Each SilverSneakers location is outfitted with an advisor who will introduce you to the program and help get you started. SilverSneakers also includes an invitation to sponsored health education seminars and other fitness-related events.

NEW TO MEDICARE?

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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.

How They Are Different: Renew Active Vs Silver Sneakers

• The first difference we see at this time is Silver Sneakers seems to be in more facilities.
• SilverSneakers boasts over 16,000 locations.
• At the start of 2019, Renew Active mentioned over 7,000. However, it seems like their program has grown since that mention.
• Check the location searches for both programs to make sure your gym preference is covered.

• The second difference is that Renew Active has an online brain training application included, and Silver Sneakers does not .
• The BrainHQ app seems to retail at $8-$14 a month if you wanted to buy it separately, so that does suggest added value.
• We have not tried this app, and could not find a lot of research or reviews on the platform at the moment. Please leave a comment if you find something useful!

• In our Renew Active vs Silver Sneakers comparison, the third difference we see is that Silver Sneakers has an good list of online classes.

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Other Perks Of Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans

While SilverSneakers is a popular benefit that may be covered by many Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans, its far from the only attraction. Some Wellcare Medicare plans may cover additional benefits such as:

• A 24-hour nurse advice phone line provides real-time answers to medical questions from nurses
• An online surgery decision-support program helps members make decisions about surgeries, alternative options, preparations and recoveries
• Fixed dollar amounts to put toward over-the-counter medications and products like bandages, pain relievers, cold remedies and even toothpaste
• Telehealth services where members may video conference with a doctor from the comfort and safety of their own home
• Reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation for trips to appointments or the pharmacy
• Coverage of routine dental, vision and hearing care, which is not included in Original Medicare
• Coverage of prescription drugs, which is also not included by Original Medicare
• Discounts on health-related items like medical alert systems, blood pressure monitors, braces, canes, vitamins, and more and even discounts on non-health items like computers and car rentals

A licensed insurance agent can help you find a Medicare Advantage plan in your area that includes a SilverSneakers membership.

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.

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Wellcare’s Medicare Part D Plans

A Medicare Part D plan from Wellcare costs an average of $37 per month, which is slightly cheaper than the average cost of $48.

These stand-alone prescription drug plans from Wellcare are not as well-rated as those from many other competitors. Wellcare’s Medicare Parts D plans have an average rating of 3.5 stars, while the industry average is 3.7 stars.

The cheapest Wellcare prescription drug plans cost $12 or $31, and both have a high prescription drug deductible of $480. That means you’ll have to pay for the first $480 of your prescriptions before the plans’ benefits kick in. In comparison, you may be able to get better coverage from Humana, which frequently offers cheap prescription plans with low deductibles.

After you’ve met the plan’s deductible, most Wellcare Part D plans will have $0 Tier 1 prescriptions so you can get preferred generic medications for free. The cheaper Value Script plan will have the best coverage if you expect to take generic medications. However, if you expect to need brand-name medications, the Classic plan has better coverage while still having a low monthly cost.

The primary benefit of the Medicare Rx Value Plus plan is its no deductible, but plans are typically not the best financial deal. The copayments are similar to the Value Script plan, so paying an extra $57 per month on average would save you $480 for the costs toward the deductible.

What Is The Silver Sneakers Program

The Silver Sneakers program consists on a free or discounted gym membership for participating plan members. It is not available for direct purchase as your plan must offer it as an add-on benefit. Silver Sneakers works at private gyms such as Golds Gym or the YMCA. Gym participation in Silver Sneakers vary by county.

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Which Insurance Plans Include Silver Sneakers

Your eligibility for a free Silver Sneakers membership depends on the Medicare plan you choose to enroll in. Multiple insurance carriers provide Silver Sneakers memberships to their clients in some of their plan offerings.

Members can choose to use their Silver Sneakers at various gyms in the network, which have often included YMCA, Anytime Fitness, Snap Fitness, and others. Whenever you use your membership, Silver Sneakers reimburses gyms for each visit up to a certain limit each month.

Several carriers we represent here at Boomer Benefits offer plans that include Silver Sneakers. Keep in mind that this membership will not be part of every plan that an insurance company offers, though. For example, many Humana plans include Silver Sneakers but not all of them.

If a membership is important to you, be sure to ask our representative about this when you call in. We can help you find a plan that includes the Silver Sneakers Medicare membership.

Be aware that some carriers have smaller companies within them that also include Silver Sneakers as a benefit. This means that other companies within a few of the carriers listed above may include Silver Sneakers.

Seniors Can Still Bulk Up On Muscle By Pressing Iron

If seniors can meet medical standards, theyll find SilverSneakers available from other insurance operators. In 2019, Tivity Health is offering the program through more than 65 health plans covering more than 15 million older adults and introducing a new digital platform that emphasizes its social benefits: SilverSneakers Connect.

There are people weve learned who are alone but dont want to go to the gym, and the new platform can help them connect with each other as well as activities in their communities, said Donato Tramuto, Tivity Healths CEO. Recent research suggests that SilverSneakers may help reduce isolation and loneliness in seniors who go to classes and form new relationships, he noted.

Whether UnitedHealthcares health plans will be less appealing because of the shift away from SilverSneakers is yet to be determined. Several years ago, Humana, another giant insurer, also began reducing the number of plans that offered SilverSneakers, but it faced a backlash from members and sales representatives. The membership perceives as a valuable benefit despite the fact that not everyone uses it, said George Renaudin, Humanas senior vice president of Medicare.

Humana subsequently reversed course and is now making SilverSneakers broadly available to about 3.5 million Medicare Advantage and Medigap policyholders.

KHNs coverage related to aging and improving care of older adults is supported in part by The John A. Hartford Foundation.

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What Does Silversneakers Include

If you are part of this program, then you will get unlimited access to all of the gyms that accept SilverSneakers membership for free. Also, some gyms may offer special fitness classes for people on Medicare, which you will be able to use with your membership card. Silver Sneakers also has a program, known as FLEX, which offers classes and events outside of the gym, such as swimming, hiking, and yoga.

If you are part of the plan, you can use it for any eligible services at any time that works for you. For example, you can use your membership for pool access if you dont want to go to the gym. One great benefit of SilverSneakers is that many of the fitness classes are specifically for your health needs. Such as pool exercise classes which are easy on the joints! This program is one way to make sure that you will always find the help you need.

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If you are looking for a Medicare with Silver Sneakers or other gym benefits, call us at so we can review options with you.

Find Silver Sneakers Gyms Locations By Zip Codes

The Silver Sneakers program is one of the most sought after benefits included with Medicare Advantage plans, as well as a few select Medigap plans, available in all 50 states. And, best part of it all its FREE!

The program enables senior citizens to enjoy benefits such as weights, bicycles, and swimming, at a level that they are capable of enjoying.

The senior wellness program isnt just about fitness, it offers a chance to meet people and the chance to create friendships.

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Silversneakers And Silver And Fit Insurance Providers

While we cant list out the current SilverSneakers® and Silver and Fit® insurance providers , we can tell you that many of the major carriers that youve heard of offer these programs as a part of their Medicare Advantage plans.

If youre interested, we can set you up to chat with a licensed agent who knows everything about what plans are available in your area today. Just call 844-431-1832 or .

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