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.
The Cost Of Silver Sneakers
How much will you pay for this service? In every case, Silver Sneakers is free to you. Its not something that you are charged for, which could explain why it isnt offered everywhere. It is essentially something that the insurance company pays for on its own and does not get reimbursed for, so it makes sense that they would only offer it in places where there would be a high demand for such a program or where facilities that offer it would be widely available.
If you can find Silver Sneakers available in your area through some of the Supplement plans offered by providers operating near you, then you should take advantage of it. It is something that can improve your lifestyle and help you to live longer and healthier. Its a very beneficial program, and it is unfortunate that it is not available to more seniors, but those who have access to it should definitely use it.
You may even want to make Silver Sneakers a deciding factor as to whether you choose one insurance provider or another. Thats how much value this program offers you as a senior. This is really one of the very few free services that Medicare Supplements can offer seniors, so its one you should be thankful to enjoy.
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.
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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:
- Living in the U.S.
- Enrolled in a private Medicare plan that offers the SilverSneakers benefit
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.
Where Can I Learn More About Medicare Benefits Plans And Costs
If youre interested in learning more about Medicare plans, such as Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Supplement Insurance, visit our Medicare Hub to read our latest articles.
If you are just interested in SilverSneakers plans, however, PolicyScout can help you find answers to the questions you may have.
Reach out on or to get one-on-one assistance with your life insurance questions. Our medicare agents can assist if you have any questions or want to speak to someone about your Medicare options.
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What Is Silver Sneakers
Silver Sneakers is a fitness program for men and women who have enrolled in participating Medicare insurance plans. A membership in Silver Sneakers allows you to work out in various name brand fitness centers across the country. You can take classes there, or at the comfort of your home with online video lessons.
There are more than 16,000 participating fitness locations. It does not matter if you are a beginner or an experienced participant. These classes are designed to be safe and effective for adults over 65. Depending on the center you select, you may have access to cardio and strength training equipment, as well as amenities like pools and walking tracks.
Is Silver& Fit The Same As Silversneakers
Silver& Fit is similar to and is sometimes mistaken for another Medicare fitness program called SilverSneakers.
Both companies offer group fitness classes and exercise opportunities to improve general fitness, strength, flexibility, and walking ability. Both also partner with Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to provide their benefit. Eligibility for both programs is generally the same.
SilverSneakers offers benefits at more than 17,000 locations nationwide and offers seven types of classes including classic, circuit, cardio fit, boom programs, splash, stability, and yoga.
The main difference between the two programs are locations, types of classes, and home fitness availability.
Before committing to one or the other, its probably best to see which one gives you access to more locations in your immediate area. If you dont have a gym or fitness center in your immediate area, or you cant go to a gym for any reason, Silver& Fit offers home fitness kits so you can exercise at home.
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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.
The Silver& Fit Home Fitness Program
If you cant travel to a fitness center or if you prefer to work out in the privacy of your own home, you may be able to request a Silver& Fit Home Fitness Kit.
Members who receive can select two of the 17 home fitness program options each benefit year. Each includes an instructional booklet and a DVD or CD.
You get your first kit about 10 days after you enroll, and the second kit about 90 days after the first kit is shipped.
Home Fitness Kit choices include:
- Aquatics
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Types Of Plans With Silversneakers
You can find the SilverSneakers® benefit inside a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies but approved by Medicare. That means that they cover everything that Medicare covers, but can also add additional benefits .
On occasion, you may also find fitness programs within a Medigap, or Medicare Supplement plan. Medigap plans are also offered by private insurance companies but most of the time, they do not add coverage in the same way that Medicare Advantage plans do. In most cases, the extra coverage that Medigap plans provide relates more to coverage for your deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. However, on occasion, you may find a Medigap plan that includes a gym membership.
Even if your plan does not include this program, it may include another Medicare fitness program called Silver & Fit®.
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.
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Which Insurance Plans Include Silver Sneakers
If you are looking forward to starting a steady, exciting, and rewarding exercise program, Silver Sneakers may be a suitable option for you. Getting active and setting up an exercise regime is important to keeping good health and leading a well-balanced lifestyle. Some insurance plans even offer coverage for the Silver Sneakers program. If youre wondering how to enjoy the benefits of the extensive program and what your insurance offers, keep reading.
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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Is Silver Sneakers Included In Any Supplement Plans
There are more than 60 health plans across the country that include Silver Sneakers, so it would make sense that some Supplement plans would include them. Supplement plans for Medicare subscribers are also known as Medigap plans, and these cover common medical expenses like blood usage, deductibles, copayments and more. Silver Sneakers is not a requirements for any of the 10 different kinds of Supplement plans, but private insurers that sell the plans are allowed to include them in their Supplement plans, if they want.
Only a fraction of insurance providers will include Silver Sneakers in 2020 Medicare Supplement plans, and you will need to check to see if this program is a part of any plan you are intending to sign up for. Its something that may be covered on the companys website, if they are operating in a single state. For nationwide insurance providers, such as Aetna, CIGNA, AARP and others, you will need to use a Silver Sneakers search tool to find out of they offer this program as part of their plans.
There are definitely Supplement plans that include it, but its inclusion is not the norm. It is far more common to find this program included in Medicare Advantage plans, but since both kinds of plans cater to seniors, it makes sense to have Silver Sneakers in both of them.
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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How We Reviewed Medicare Providers
Even Medicare health plans with a national presence can vary locally in their cost, quality, and customer satisfaction. To evaluate Medicare plans, we looked at health insurance industry ratings from the primary accrediting agency for health plans, the National Committee for Quality Assurance , and the Medicare Star Ratings from CMS, the regulatory agency that oversees Medicare. We included the National Association of Insurance Commissioners complaint index, and AM Bests financial stability ratings. We also considered information from the companies on their programs and strategies.
Medicare Supplement Plans That Cover Silversneakers
Many Medicare supplement plans include some access to gym memberships. As far as silver sneakers go, few Medigap carriers offer SilverSneakers.
Most Medicare Supplement plans have some sort of added gym membership you can access. Many have an additional premium for these services.
For example, Cigna offers Silver and Fit in some areas. It is approximately $25 a month, and Mutual Of Omaha has its Mutually Well fitness program.
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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.
Does Medicaid Cover Silver Sneakers
SilverSneakers is a fantastic chance for the elderly who wish to keep fit, however, but the question is if the membership can be covered by Medicaid.
If youre wondering the same thing, youve come to the correct spot since we have all the information you need regarding SilverSneakers and Medicaid. You will discover all of the tactics and strategies for making the most of your benefits.
So, keep reading if you want to stay in good shape even as you become older.
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Plan Benefits Enhance Tricare For Life And Medicare Prescription Coverage
Optima Medicare Salute provides Virginia members the freedom to keep their existing VA or TRICARE for Life and Medicare prescription drug coverage while receiving extra benefits for $0 monthly premium. When you enroll in Optima Medicare Salute, you gain access to an entire team focused on providing quality healthcare â when and where you need it.
Optima Health is a service of Sentara Healthcare, recognized as one of the nations top 15 highest-performing health systems by IBM Watson Healthî*2. As part of the Sentara system, Optima Health operates with the same missionto improve health every day.
Expand your VA or TRICARE for Life dental and prescription drug coverage with Optima Medicare Salute. You will receive all-in-one coverage with access to more than 35,000 providers and healthcare facilities, plus benefits including:
- SilverSneakersî â New
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Will A Silver Sneakers Gym Membership Improve My Health
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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What Is The Silver Sneakers Program
SilverSneakers is a fitness program designed for seniors to help them stay healthy and fit. The benefit can be found in many Medicare advantage or supplemental health plans, typically at no additional cost over the premium you already pay.
The Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness® program offers fitness classes targeted to seniors in participating gyms, fitness studios or YMCAs.
Currently more than 65 Medicare advantage plans nationwide offer SilverSneakers memberships at over 17,000 participating fitness locations as an additional benefit to their members. You may also participate in the program from the comfort of your home by joining online classes.
Millions of Medicare beneficiaries use it as a fun way to stay or become fit and healthy thus improving their overall health and lowering their health care expenses. Most participating fitness locations offer a variety of equipment and classes, specifically targeted to older adults in order to increase flexibility and agility. The classes are designed for all fitness levels and held by certified and specialized trainers. Some offer chair support, outdoor activities or even workshops about health and nutrition.
