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How Do I Apply For Silver Sneakers

Who Pays For Silver Sneakers Program

Beginner level Silver Sneakers without equipment with JoAnna Blair. 28Mar2020

Silver Sneakers is a completely free to use fitness program for Medicare beneficiaries. Seniors across the nation with a Silver Sneakers membership have unlimited access to over 14,000 gym locations where they can participate in healthy physical activity.

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.

Is Silver& Fit The Same As Silversneakers

SilverSneakers is perhaps the most widely used fitness program included in many Medicare insurance plans, but its not the only one.

Silver& Fit is a program like SilverSneakers that is included in Medicare plans by some carriers. While the programs are sure to have their subtle differences, they are very similar in what they offer.

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Veterans Benefits And Silversneakers

Veterans Affairs may offer the program in specific locations, but its best to check with your local VA office to obtain an up-to-date list of local gyms that offer classes.

You can use the Advantage plan to cover dental, vision, and fitness. Or, find a supplement that has an option to add Active and Fit benefits.

Will A Silver Sneakers Gym Membership Improve My Health

Women

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the Silver Sneakers program may reduce long-term health-care costs and inpatient admissions among seniors. In fact, the study showed people who attended a Silver Sneakers gym or fitness class at least twice a week spent $1,250 less on health care in their second year of the program than those attending just once a week.

If you have diabetes, you may also see a positive impact from a Silver Sneakers gym membership. Research published by the American Diabetes Association showed that diabetic seniors who participated in Silver Sneakers activities saved over $1,600 in medical expenses their first year and had fewer hospitalizations than those who didnt.

Finally, a research article in the professional journal Population Health Management showed the Silver Sneakers gym membership program boosted the overall physical and emotional health of participants. The research showed that higher participation in the program improved quality of life across several different measures. It also reduced some of the physical difficulties associated with aging.

Of course, not everyone will have the same response to a Silver Sneakers gym membership, but research shows that many do see positive health benefits. These studies didnt compare Silver Sneakers to other health club memberships.

You should always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise program such as Silver Sneakers, however.

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Get To Know Other Seniors In Your Community

While having access to gyms, instructors and classes is a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle, one of the other benefits of having a SilverSneakers membership is being part the programs community. In fact, nearly 50 percent of active SilverSneakers members said they were motivated to keep exercising because they had a friend in the program.

SilverSneakers FLEX group classes, which provide opportunities to exercise outside the gym, are available for those who want a more communal workout experience. FLEX is made up of more than 70 enrichment courses, including Latin dance, Tai chi, hiking, yoga and more. Classes may be held at local recreation centers, retirement communities, pools or parks, and they are all led by qualified instructors.

With millions of members nationwide, youll be able to connect with your peers both inside and outside the gym, especially in FLEX courses.

Why Take Advantage Of The Program

SilverSneakers is designed to help older adults stay physically fit and socially active. Membership provides access to more than 16,000 participating locations nationwide, including gyms, wellness centers and YMCAs.

You can visit the SilverSneakers official website to find a participating location near you.

SilverSneakers locations offer fitness classes targeted towards aging adults, including:

  • Yoga
  • Senior sports teams or recreational leagues
  • Outdoor exercise activities
  • And more

In addition, the Silver Steps program provides seniors who live in more rural areas access to personalized workout programs they can do from home and an online component to help keep members connected and motivated to stay healthy.

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A Sample Of Silversneakers Fitness Classes

The SilverSneakers Medicare program offers over 70 types of fitness classes for all fitness levels, and each one is taught by a certified instructor. You can choose a class to help you meet a specific fitness goalfrom mobility to building muscle.

Here is a sample of what you might find:

SilverSneakers Classic

This is where it all started. With SilverSneakers Classic, the class adapts to your fitness level, using a chair for support if you need it and exercises can be modified to your ability as well. Overall, SilverSneakers Classic is a good way to help increase range of motion and muscle strength to make daily activities easier and improve overall well-being.

SilverSneakers Circuit

The SilverSneakers Circuit class is a choreographed routine set to music that incorporates movement with standing exercises that use rubber tubing and dumbbells. The class can be adapted to suit your fitness level, and chairs are available for support during the exercises.

SilverSneakers Cardiofit

A more rigorous workout than SilverSneakers Classic or Circuit, SilverSneakers Cardiofit is an aerobics-type class to build core strength, upper body strength, and cardio health. However, all of the exercises are low-impact.

SilverSneakers Yoga

SilverSneakers EnerChi

SilverSneakers Splash

SilverSneakers Stability

What Is Silversneakers And Which Insurance Plans Include It

Silver Sneakers 8/10

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.

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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.

  • Check your state by
  • Review the Medicare plans that offer Silver Sneakers program.
  • If your plan isnt listed, contact a local independent agent to get information about enrolling in a health plan that offers the Silver Sneakers program.
  • 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

    Which Medicare Advantage Plans Have Silversneakers

    While some companies are more notorious for offering fitness benefits, our agents can usually find solutions to any preference.

    Many Advantage plans provide gym benefits to their members, although not every plan or service area offers this benefit.

    Some of the major carriers that provide SilverSneakers are:

    • Aetna

    Our agents can help you to identify coverage and find affordable gym options.

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    Question #: I Lost My Silversneakers Card How Do I Get A New One

    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.

    Contact Us For Quotes Coverage & Enrollment

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    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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    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.

    Aetna Medicare Supplement Plans For 2022

    AM Best rates Aetna as an A company. It makes sense to choose a reliable company, and many top-carriers offer competitive prices. When searching for your ideal policy, consider premium AND out of pocket costs.

    A low premium doesnt always equate to an excellent policy. Sometimes, paying more in premiums can save you money.

    Our expert opinion of Aetna is that when it comes to their Medicare Advantage plans, they have a broad range of doctors in-network and some of the most affordable policies.

    Further, we find that all Medigap plans excel at claim payment and coverage. Lets discuss the different options in-depth for more clarity.

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    What Is It And How Can You Join

    It can get harder to stay in shape as you get older. A major barrier in the battle to stay active is access to resources for exercising. Many seniors are either unsure of where they can go to receive assistance with fitness activities or are unaware of existing resources. But if youre enrolled in Medicare, you may have more options than you think.

    If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may qualify for the SilverSneakers fitness program, which enables seniors to engage in physical activity in order to stay in shape and to interact with other seniors in their communities. Many Medicare health plans include a SilverSneakers membership at no cost, so theres no reason to not enroll.

    How Do I Get A Silver Sneakers Card

    Silver Sneakers 7/1

    As a Medicare Advantage plan member you will receive a membership card for your health benefits and a separate Silver Sneakers card.

    **Tip If you lose your Silver Sneakers card, you can show your current Medicare Advantage card at the gym, so dont worry!

    The system will recognize that you are a member with a participating Medicare Advantage plan and automatically issue you a 16-digit Silver Sneakers card number. Below is what the Silver Sneakers card form looks like.

    Do you need to get a new Medicare Silver Sneakers card if you change your Medicare plan?

    If you change your Medicare Advantage plan, your account will be transferred to the new health plan within Silver Sneakers. There is nothing you need to do other than keep exercising and enjoying your Silver Sneakers fitness benefits.

    Here is an example Silver Sneakers card

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    Question #: Do You Have Online Classes

    Yes, and lots of them! If youre a SilverSneakers member, you get access to both live online classes and prerecorded video workouts.

    SilverSneakers LIVE offers full-length SilverSneakers classes live through Zoom. With over 50 classes a week, theres something for everyone. Youll find favorites such as SilverSneakers Classic Light, Circuit Light, Yoga, EnerChi, and BOOM MIND. Theres also Zumba Gold, Cardio Mix, Bodyweight Boot Camp, and Group Personal Training. Plus, youll find live workshops, including Balance Builder, the Happiness Effect, and Nutrition as We Age.

    Classes and workshops occur multiple times throughout the day and are exclusive for SilverSneakers members. Learn more in our guide to SilverSneakers LIVE.

    SilverSneakers On-Demand features hundreds of videos for SilverSneakers members only. Youll find workout videos for cardio, strength training, and fall prevention. Youll also get nutrition videos, such as healthy eating habits for older adults and how to read food labels.

    To get started, log in to or create your online account.

    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.

    Find Plans in your area instantly!

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    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%

    Which Medicare Plans Offer Silversneakers

    2020 Nike PG 3 NASA EP Silver Reflective Paul George ...

    Most leading insurance providers offer Medicare advantage or Medigap plans that participate in the Silver Sneakers program. It depends from your state and local area whether a plan is available to you.

    Regular exercise has been found to help seniors to improve many conditions associated with aging, but make sure to ask your doctor before starting a fitness routine. In addition to a healthy workout, SilverSneakers is a great way for like-minded seniors to meet and socialize.

    SilverSneakers® is a registered trademark of Healthways, Inc. © This website and its owner are not affiliated with the described programs or providers. This is not a recommendation or solicitation of insurance. Healthways, Inc. has neither reviewed nor endorsed this post. Although we strive to keep this website current, the information may be incorrect or have changed at the time you read it. Visit silversneakers.com for details.

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    Who Is Eligible For Silver Sneakers

    The eligibility for this program is simple. The program requires you to be age 65 or older and insured in a participating Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Medicare Supplement plan.

    The state you live must participate in the program. The plan offers unlimited access to thousands of gyms across the country who participate in a program. More and more insurers are coming onboard all the time. .

    Medicare Plans, part A and B do not cover gym memberships, but the Part C, or the Medigap insurance sometimes do. Choosing your plan carefully is must in this fitness driven age.

    How To Qualify For Silversneakers

    Unfortunately, Original Medicare plans dont cover a SilverSneakers membership. SilverSneakers is considered a gym membership or fitness program, and the Medicare website explicitly says it wont cover those.

    However, there is the chance that a Medicare Advantage plan will cover it. A supplemental plan could also cover the SneakerSilvers program. The SilverSneakers website says the program is covered by one in four Medicare programs, though the organization doesnt specify if this is 25 percent of Medicare Advantage plans or 25 percent of all Medicare plans.

    You can check if your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan covers SilverSneakers on the programs website. You can visit that same link if youre in the market for a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan and want to find one that include SilverSneakers in its coverage.

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