Guide To The Silversneakers Program
Your physical health is a primary concern at any age, but it becomes especially important as you transition into your elderly years where health concerns, doctors visits, and prescriptions can pile up. All of these factors can inhibit your ability to stay active, but its as important as ever to remain physically active and engaged as you age.
SilverSneakers does not sell sneakers, nor does it provide you with sneakers to use.
In fact, your doctors will likely encourage you to be more active, because exercise and healthy eating can help as part of the treatment plans for many of the most common conditions found in elderly people.
These conditions include:
As a way of encouraging physical activity in the elderly, the program called SilverSneakers was created in the early 1990s. Well now discuss this free program and its benefits in addition to how you can qualify and enroll in it.
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SilverSneakers is a fitness program that focuses on getting elderly people out of their homes and into the gym and their community.
Whats Included In The Silversneakers Program
SilverSneakers is much more than just a gym membership, although it does include all the perks of a basic membership at participating fitness and community centers. You can work out on weight machines, join a group fitness class, swim a few laps, and even relax in the sauna or hot tub .
Youre also not locked into one particular fitness center. Your membership works at 17,000 participating locations across the United States, any of which you can visit. If you prefer exercising outdoors, try one of the SilverSneakers FLEX classes offered at a local park. Use the SilverSneakers GO app to find class schedules and locations, and track your progress toward fitness goals.
When going to the gym isnt an option, you can stream live classes and workshops to your TV or use the library of on-demand videos to exercise on your own schedule.
If youre eligible for SilverSneakers, these benefits are free at all participating locations. Youll only pay out-of-pocket for things like a smoothie from the health bar or a massage after your workout if you desire those extras.
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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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Find Silversneakers Locations Near You:
To find SilverSneakers® locations near you, or click on the buttons below. You can search by class type, amenity , or even gender if you prefer a women-only gym. Some examples of locations that may support the program are hospital wellness centers, select Planet Fitness locations, and other local gyms.
Note: YMCAs are part of the SilverSneakers® network in many states. However, YMCAs are NOT part of the SilverSneakers® network in Tennessee as of January 1, 2020.Chattanooga, TNChicago, ILHouston, TXKnoxville, TNLexington, KYLouisville, KYMemphis, TNNashville, TNNew Orleans, LASan Antonio, TXTucson, AZ
How Do I Sign Up For Medicare Silversneakers
It is very easy and very quick to begin the enrollment process. Locate your health insurance identification card, and navigate to the enrollment page.
The following information will be asked to gain entrance to the facilities in your area which provide SilverSneakers programs: First and Last Name, email address, Date Of Birth and Zip Code. If you qualify for SilverSneakers then find the preferred health club facility and contact the facility for information as to how to enroll with the SilverSneakers membership.
While the SilverSneakers program covers basic membership, there may also be the added perk of access to classes geared toward the older adult. Specialty classes such as Cardiofit, Yoga, Splash, Boom Muscle and Stability are a few of the niche classes for participating members in participating clubs.
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Get A Medicare Gym Membership Today
Medicare isnt free, so having additional coverage is beneficial. Some plans include gym memberships.
Our agents can help you find a Medicare Supplement with access to a fitness program. You deserve the best rate on the coverage you want.
There are benefits to working out and living a healthy lifestyle. Here at MedicareFAQ, we can help you choose the best plan for you.
Call our team today for a quote! Not ready to call? Fill out an online rate comparison form and get one step closer to the best policy for you!
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Silversneakers: Free Health Club Membership For Medicare Seniors
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When I first heard about this program, I was skeptical. Free health club membership for seniors 65 years and older? It is true. SilverSneakers is a free fitness membership through Medicare if a Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplemental plan is purchased. Group retiree plans may also participate!
Most insurance providers participate in SilverSneakers and provide the wonderful benefit of free membership to a local health club. But Silversneakers is not just membership to a health club! Silversneakers is a comprehensive long term health program to help you navigate life over 65 with health and fitness in mind.
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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.
Question #: Whats The Silversneakers Community Like
Friendly. Supportive. Motivating. Fun. Like family. Thats how members often describe the SilverSneakers community.
What they all know: SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program, and often its the friendships that people make that keep them coming back. Many SilverSneakers groups even plan social events outside of classes, like potlucks or outings around town. Or if theyre taking a SilverSneakers LIVE class, theyll chat online before or after the workout.
This social support has real health benefits. SilverSneakers members who participate in group exercise are more active, feel healthier, and are less likely to experience social isolation than non-members, according to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab study.
Plus, you can stay connected with the SilverSneakers community on and .
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Learn More About The Silversneakers Health And Fitness Program
Call SilverSneakers toll-free at , Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. . For assistance on Saturday or Sunday, call Priority Health Medicare at , from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Find a participating fitness center near you on the SilverSneakers website. There are thousands of SilverSneakers locations nationwide2 so you can exercise while you’re traveling, too. You can visit as many locations as you wish.
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.
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How Do I Get My Silversneakers Card
Much like Costco, SilverSneakers is making your membership card digital. That means its available through their free app and lives on your smartphone. So you never have to worry about losing it!
Meanwhile, if you have to replace a lost or stolen physical card, simply call 423-4632. Then press 1 and 1 again when prompted to request that a replacement card be mailed to you.
How Do You Get Silver Sneakers In Illinois
You must get Silver Sneakers through a qualifying health plan. In less than 1 minute you can determine your eligibility by clicking the plan options below and reviewing the plan that fits you best. See Plans in Illinois Compare Plans Today. Top Rated 2020 Medicare Supplement & Advantage Plans Are Here. Find the Best Price & Save Today!
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How To Join The Program
The best way to take advantage of this program is through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the SilverSneakers® benefit. The good news is that we have thousands and thousands of licensed agents who can guide you through the process of selecting a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the SilverSneakers® benefit.
You should know that Medicare Advantage plans have the ability to change their benefits every year, which is why its a good idea to have a licensed agent that you can turn to at least once a year to review your coverage and make sure that youre getting everything you need. To set up an appointment, or call 833-438-3676.
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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Health Product & Service Discounts For Aetna Members
Posted: Aetna is the brand name used for products and services provided by one or more of the Aetna group of companies, including Aetna Life Insurance Company and its affiliates . Discount programs provide access to discounted prices and are NOT insured benefits. The member is responsible for the full cost of the discounted services.
What Are The Eligibility Requirements For A Kaiser Silversneakers Membership
The first requirement of a Kaiser Permanente SilverSneakers membership is being eligible for Medicare Advantage. That means being enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
Once youre eligible for Medicare Advantage, you must then be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan offered by Kaiser Permanente. You may only enroll in plans that are sold in the area in which you live, and Kaiser sells plans in the following areas:
- California
- Virginia
- Washington
If you are eligible to enroll in Medicare Advantage and live in one of the areas serviced by Kaiser Permanente, you may be able to enroll in a plan with a SilverSneakers benefit.
Connecting with a licensed Medicare insurance agent is a good way to navigate the process of finding and enrolling in a plan. If Kaiser does not sell Medicare Advantage plans in your area, an agent can help you find a similar plan sold by another carrier that does include SilverSneakers or a related fitness program.
Remember, you may only enroll in a Medicare Advantage planat certain times of the year, such as during your Initial Enrollment Period , the Annual Enrollment Period or a Special Enrollment Period .
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Heres What You Need To Know About The Silversneakers Program
Staying active is important at any age, but perhaps no more so than in your senior years. The health benefits of exercise for the senior population are widely acknowledged by both physicians and scientific researchers.
But if the cost of a gym membership is giving your wallet too much of a workout, you need to know about SilverSneakers!
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.
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Can You Buy Silver Sneakers Membership
The only way you can receive a Silver Sneakers membership is if you apply and enroll in either a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan that offers a Silver Sneakers membership along with the plan. Medicare Advantage plans are private Medicare plans that pay instead of your Original Medicare.
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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.
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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%
Millersburg Oh Aetnakinetics Fitness For Life
Patricia Pat Young always has a smile and a kind and encouraging word, and always welcomes new people to class. When Pat first started SilverSneakers, she had balance problems, wasnt as active as she used to be, and took longer to do things. After a few months, she felt better. Then COVID hit and the gym closed. Pat tried to continue her class workouts at home so I wouldnt lose what Id started to fix. Now that the gym is open again, Pat attends class Monday, Wednesday and Friday and says, I can help with more of the outdoor work, I have better balance, and I feel like a new person! Her instructor is grateful for participants like Pat who go above and beyond to encourage others and keep positively aging.
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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.
