Silver Sneakers Medicare Advantage Plans

Do Medicare Supplements Offer The Silversneakers Program

For those who are eligible for Medicare or are 65+, the SilverSneakers® health and fitness program might be a free perk included with your Medicare plan.

Are you eligible for SilverSneakers®? Learn more about the SilverSneakers® program, which Medicare plans it comes with, and more.

â If youâre 65+ and are enrolled in Medicare, there are plans that offer free gym memberships as a part of your health insurance. It’s never been easier to get motivated and stay in shape! Learn more

What Does The Silversneakers Program Include

A SilverSneakers membership includes free access to any participating fitness center, meaning you can stop in at any of the thousands of SilverSneakers-participating locations for a workout.

In addition to the exercise equipment and other amenities that may be available at these locations, SilverSneakers members also gain access to some fitness classes and instruction.

Some of the fitness classes that are offered as part of the SilverSneakers program include:

• Classic
• Boom moveHigh-intensity dance workout built to burn calories and improve cardio endurance while having fun

SilverSneakers can help you stay healthy and fit as you age while boosting your happiness and self-confidence. Plus, the program provides an opportunity to meet and socialize with other like-minded seniors.

Silver And Fit Vs Silversneakers

Silver and Fit and SilverSneakers are similar in the fact that theyre both fitness programs through Medicare, but theyre not the same plan. These are different companies that provide comparable benefits.

Both companies offer fitness opportunities and group fitness classes. The programs are attainable with Supplement and Advantage plans.

Check location listings in your area to make sure that a program IS near you. Those without a local gym can choose Silver and Fit, which provides a home fitness kit.

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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.

Are You Interested In A Medicare Advantage Plan That Includes The Silversneakers Program We Can Help

The SilverSneakers program is just one possible benefit to getting on a more comprehensive Medicare plan. Often, Medicare Advantage plans can also provide you with additional healthcare coverage for needs like vision, hearing, and dental care.

If youre interested in learning more about getting on a Medicare Advantage program that could provide you with more benefits at a reasonable price, dont hesitate to contact the licensed insurance agent at MedicareInsurance.com today!

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When Can I Enroll In A Medicare Advantage Or Medicare Supplement Plan

The Annual Enrollment Period is from October 15 December 7, which is the time of year many Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in new plans or make changes to existing ones.

Some members qualify for a Special Enrollment Period . Depending on your eligibility, you may have a lifelong SEP, which allows you to make one change per quarter for the first three quarters of the year instead of only during AEP. Some people may only be eligible for a temporary SEP due to a life change, like moving to a new service area.

If you have just become eligible for Medicare for the first time, you can enroll in Medicare Advantage during your Initial Enrollment Period .

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What Is Silversneakers And Which Insurance Plans Include It

Find out if plans in your area include this fitness program.

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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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Should Silver Sneakers Coverage Impact Your Medicare Coverage Choices

No. While Silver Sneakers is a great plan, you should not make health insurance choices based on the program itself. You should always choose your Medicare plan and evaluate your Medicare coverage options based on your medical and health needs. Making sure your doctor is in-network or that your prescriptions and pharmacy are in-network is always more important than selecting a plan for the non-Medicare related benefits. There are a few reasons why.

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.

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Why Do Medicare Plans Offer A Silversneakers Benefit

Many insurance companies have started offering unique benefits and incentives to those who are working to improve their health through fitness and diet.

For example, the Attain by Aetna program is built around customizing your activity goals, such as how many steps you take or how many laps you swim. The weekly challenges are issued through the Apple Watch, and the points you earn by completing the challenges can be used to actually pay for said Apple Watch.

You also have life insurance companies like John Hancock, who have put together a âVitality Program,â which gives policyholders the chance to reduce premiums by up to 15% for living a healthy life. You can earn rewards like Amazon discounts, an Apple Watch, a Fitbit device, and even a Vitality Healthy Food benefit with up to $600 in annual savings on healthy food purchases.

Many insurance companies recognize the value of encouraging their policyholders to stay on top of their health. The SilverSneakers® program is just one more way for insurance companies to help their members stay healthy for longer.

Healthier members mean lower medical bills, which ultimately saves the insurance company money in the long run. Thatâs the idea, anyway.

Their program has also had a âsignificant impactâ on social isolation and loneliness.

Best of all, SilverSneakers® reports that group exercise class attendees have $2,144 lower average healthcare costs than matched non-enrollees after only a single year in the program .

What Do I Do If My Plan Drops Silversneakers

There seems to have been a recent trend of companies dropping coverage for SilverSneakers. Recently, several YMCAs across the country have discontinued their partnership with SilverSneakers, no longer allowing people with a SilverSneakers membership into the popular recreation center. Just last fall, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee dropped its contract with SilverSneakers entirely according to a story from the Nashville Post.

Luckily, Medicare beneficiaries arent necessarily out of luck. If your plan drops SilverSneakers, your plan may replace it with a similar program such as Silver& Fitwhich was the case for BCBS of Tennessee. Or, if you want only SilverSneakers, you may be able to switch to a plan that offers it. If you need help, consider speaking to a licensed agent.

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Which Parts Of Medicare Cover Silver Sneakers

None of the parts of Medicare cover Silver Sneakers. Silver Sneakers is a private company that markets to private insurance companies to offer additional benefits to you. Medicare Part C or a Medicare Supplement Plans may offer Silver Sneakers as a benefit, but are not required to do so by Medicare and can end participation in the program at the plans discretion.

Silver Sneakers offers a tool that allows you to look up which Medicare Supplement and Advantage Plans offer Silver Sneakers as a benefit.

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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Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans: Whats Included In A Silversneakers Membership

Members may be able to use any of more than 16,000 participating SilverSneakers facilities across the U.S., according to the SilverSneakers website. Depending on whats available at the gym you visit, you can swim, lift weights, take a group exercise class, or rock the treadmill. Any amenities available to regular gym members is typically available for SilverSneakers members, too, so you can soak in the whirlpool or ease your tired muscles in the sauna, if your gym has them. Of course, if you want extras such as a post-workout massage, youll generally have to pay separately.

Not every Medicare Advantage plan whether through Aetna, or a different private Medicare-approved insurance company offers SilverSneakers.

Medicare Supplements With Silver Sneakers Membership

As a rule of thumb, more Medicare Advantage plans offer Silver Sneakers than doMedicare supplement policies. Membership availability will depend on the State where you live. Its more common to see larger insurance Medicare supplement providers offering this benefit. Many smaller companies will not.

Popular insurance companies like Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Humana, United Healthcare , and Medical Mutual of Ohio offer this program in many states. This benefit does not cost extra. It is included as part of your overall monthly premiums.

Taking it a step further, Silver Sneakers is one of the very few benefits that Medicare supplement insurance companies are allowed to include at no additional cost. Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, supplemental policies cannot include many ancillary benefits. Gym memberships are one of the few free service available.

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Getting The Most Out Of Your Medicare Insurance

Too often Medicare insurance policies are purchased and stashed away. Whether you purchase a Supplement or Advantage plan, its important to know about extra benefits. Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to offer ancillary benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Conversely, Supplements, by rule, cannot usually offer as many added benefits.

What Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Silver Sneakers

Even though its common knowledge that physical activity is important for good health, for many people, staying active in their senior years, especially after retirement, is not always an easy feat. If you find yourself in the same situation, joining a fitness organization like Silver Sneakers may be just what you need to get moving.

Even though Original Medicare coverage does not include fitness programs like Silver Sneakers for Medicare beneficiaries, many Medicare Advantage plans do cover this wellness program. If being active is a priority for you, and Silver Sneakers sounds like a great option, make sure to find a Medicare Advantage plan that includes free coverage.

What is Silver Sneakers?

Silver Sneakers is the name of an organization that provides gym and fitness class memberships to people who are 65 and older and are eligible for Medicare coverage. Silver Sneakers programs are available in over 13,000 locations in the United States. They offer free fitness programs in gyms, pools, and even outdoors.

As a member of Silver Sneakers, you have access to a gyms cardio equipment, pool, weights, and fitness classes lead by certified instructors. If you prefer being outside, there are programs that arrange member meetings at parks or recreation centers. Some of the outdoor activities include tai chi, yoga, or walking.

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Is There A Silversneakers Near You

SilverSneakers gives individuals access to over 15,000 fitness locations nationwide, as well as live fitness classes designed for various levels and a library of online video workouts. To find a gym or class near you, you can use the online location tool or download the SilverSneakers GO app for iOS or Android.

Additionally, you can visit any SilverSneakers member location in the network.

Even if you arent a SilverSneakers member, classes are also available on its for everyone. You can do them live or watch them later at your convenience. Classes focus on things like core strength, cardio and endurance, and better balance.

Silversneakers Health And Fitness Program

SilverSneakers® is a fitness and lifestyle program included at no additional cost when you become a Priority Health Medicare Advantage plan member. Enjoy getting fit and improving your health by staying active from the comfort of your home or at a fitness center. Learn new exercises and try fitness classes1 designed by experts for adults of all ages, fitness levels and abilities.

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How Can I Enroll In An Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan With Silversneakers

You can find out which Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are available near you and whether or not they include a SilverSneakers membership.

You may enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan beginning 3 months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday or up to 3 months following your birthday. If you choose not to enroll at this time, you may be able to sign up for a plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, also called the Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period, which lasts from October 15 to December 7 every year.

Some Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Silversneakers

If you are enrolled in Original Medicare , adding a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan that offers SilverSneakers as a benefit may help provide you with the coverage you are looking for.

Also known as Medigap, Medicare Supplement Insurance plans are privately sold insurance policies help cover some of Original Medicares out-of-pocket costs, including some deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

To find Medigap plans in your area that help pay for the SilverSneakers program, speak with a licensed agent at .

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Which Medicare Advantage Plans Offer This Benefit

Medicare Advantage is available through private insurance companies. Typically, these health plans cover all of the services provided by Original Medicare and additional benefits such as dental, vision, hearing and wellness. The Medicare website provides an online tool to help seniors compare different Medicare Advantage plans and their benefits and costs.

Where To Find Silversneakers Programs

If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that doesnt include a SilverSneakers membership , you can contact a licensed agent at 1-800-557-6059TTY Users: 711 to find out if any Medicare Advantage plans in your area offer a SilverSneakers membership. Read more to learn whether you are eligible for SilverSneakers.

Once you obtain a SilverSneakers membership, you will have over 14,000 fitness locations to choose from all over the U.S. To find a participating location near you, simply enter your city or zip code here.

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Is Silver Sneakers Only For Medicare Advantage

The Silver Sneakers Medicare program is accessible just through select Medicare Advantage plans or a couple of Medicare Supplement plans. When you jump on a passing Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan, youll pursue the Silver Sneakers program and get a card with a 16-digit number. This number will give you a quick section to all the classes and gear the Silver Sneakers Medicare program offers. To check whether your present Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan awards you Silver Sneakers qualification, you can utilize the moment Silver Sneakers qualification checker.