Does United Healthcare Cover Silver Sneakers In 2020
1, UnitedHealthcare no longer offers SilverSneakers for the more than 2 million customers using Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplemental insurance in certain states, including North Carolina. But instead, the company said it is offering its own fitness program that is more flexible and innovative.
What Insurance Plans Include Silversneakers
Keeping fit as you age can improve your health and help you manage chronic ailments. Medicare-eligible Americans can gain access to SilverSneakers, a popular health and fitness program that is often integrated into Medicare insurance plans. In this guide, well cover a few basics about SilverSneakers, dive into which insurance plans include the program, and touch on how to choose the one that best fits your specific needs.
Key takeaways:
- SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults age 65 and older.
- SilverSneakers is included in many Medicare plans, including both Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement insurance.
- Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement carriers have different benefits in different states and counties, which means that not every plan in every state offers SilverSneakers.
Which Medicare Plans Include Silversneakers
Fitness is an essential part of staying healthy. Staying fit as you age will help ensure you are healthier longer and live a vibrant life.
When retiring, we transition to a paycheck to live off social security. Cutting costs become necessary, and gym memberships are one of the first things to go.
Thankfully some options are low or no cost, which allows you to maintain your physical health. Medicare beneficiaries may have access to fitness benefits through their Medicare plan.
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Silversneakers & Silver Fit
SilverSneakers is for seniors with select Medicare supplemental insurance policies. This unique program allows older adults to take charge of their health and maintain an active, independent lifestyle. If an individual has this option on their health insurance plan they will receive a free adult membership to the Y.
Does Blue Shield Cover Silver Sneakers
With a Blue Shield Medicare plan, individuals can get fit, make companions, and mess around with. As a Blue Cross Blue Shield part, your wellbeing plan may as of now incorporate SilverSneakers program participation as an additional advantage. That implies free rec center admittance to different SilverSneakers wellness areas and exercise classes driven by affirmed educators who realize how to assist seniors with remaining fit.
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What Is Aarp Renew Active
Members of AARP Medicare Advantage plans arent entirely out of luck when it comes to fitness program benefits. UnitedHealthcare replaced SilverSneakers with a different fitness program called Renew Active.
Renew Active works similar to SilverSneakers. The program offers a list of participating gyms and fitness centers, which you can find using the Find a Fitness Location search tool on the companys website. Some AARP Medicare Advantage plan members may also have the option of participating from home using a Fitbit and online workout videos.
Participating Renew Active locations include nationwide gym chains, local fitness centers and even community organizations like senior centers. Some of the participating facilities include:
- Orangetheory A heart rate-based total body group workout combining science, coaching and technology
- Pure Barre Workouts inspired by elements of ballet, yoga and Pilates that focus on low-impact, high-intensity movements incporporating strength training, stretching and cardio
- Club Pilates Low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and posture
The gym and fitness center amenities available to Renew Active members will vary by location but may include pools, saunas and more, and they are generally equivalent to a basic membership at the participating facility.
There are even classes to join and events to attend that cover things like nutrition, caregiving, technology and more.
Staying In Shape And Feeling Good Is Important At Any Age
Do you want to:
- help improve your blood pressure and bone health?
- better manage conditions such as diabetes or arthritis?
- take advantage of exercise and activity options at the gym, in classes and through videos at home?
- meet other active folks and make new friends?
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Which Plans Include Silver Sneakers
As indicated, some of the Medigap and Medicare Advantage marketers include Sneakers in your coverage when you sign up through them. The list of participating marketers is constantly changing but here are a few:
- United Healthcare Medicare supplement through AARP
You can review the current list of marketers by usingthis link.
As best we can tell you cannot sign up direct with Silver Sneakers for a membership.
What Medicare Supplement Companies Offer The Active And Fit Direct Program
The American Specialty Health Incorporateds new fitness program has millions of members. The Active and Fit Direct Program has been the market a couple of years, and its become the countrys most notable commercial fitness program.
Further, many companies offer programs like Active & Fit. Aetna members may have access to these programs, although supplement insurance may vary.
Learn if your Supplement company offers the Active & Fit Direct Program by contacting your agent.
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Union Security Insurance Company
Union Security Insurance Company is now offering Medicare Supplement plans in several states. They are part of a larger insurance family . One of their mottos is small business feel with big company support.
Their enrollment platform is one of the best in the industry, allowing us to help you complete an application in minutes. When you decide to enroll into a Union Security Medicare Supplement plan, the process will be hassle-free.
What we like about Union Security Insurance Company:
They offer a generous household discount .
The Union Security Medicare Supplement application is very easy to use, allowing for a quick and easy enrollment it can be done 100% over the phone.
Their rates are very competitive in select states. Call us for a Union Security Medicare Supplement quote.
They are part of Assurant .
Apply Today, Pay Tomorrow.Union Security Medicare Supplement applications do not require up-front payment on their Medicare Supplement policies if you are applying for a future start date. For instance, if you are turning 65 in August, and applying for a Medicare Supplement in May you will pay your first payment in August.
Any Negatives?
-
Because they are new to the Medicare Supplement market having started in 2019, we do not yet have any experience with them to share, other than that so far, we like working with them. But this in and of itself can be considered a negative that we dont yet have a track record to look at.
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%
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Frequently Asked Questions About Silversneakers
Understanding all the ins and outs of Medicare and the SilverSneakers program can seem overwhelming at first. The more questions you ask about specific insurance coverage plans and what is covered by SilverSneakers, the more youll understand. Look through the frequently asked questions below to learn what other people are asking.
Stay Fit: Move Your Body At A Local Gym Or Fitness Center
Find a gym or fitness center near you through our location tracker. Since RenewActive is one of the largest Medicare fitness programs,1 youll have many choices, including premium gyms. If you prefer to work out from home, you can access Fitbit Premium with thousands of online workout videos. Youll have the option of trying group classes or scheduling an in-person fitness orientation to help you get started.
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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 Medicare Supplement Plans Include Silversneakers
Most Medicare Supplements do not offer SilverSneakers®, but as of 2021, some plans are starting to include this free fitness membership program.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Illinois, Texas, Oklahoma, and Montana has a product called Plan G Plus, which includes SilverSneakers® benefits along with other perks like $0 dental, vision, and hearing exams.
Any innovative benefits offered with Medigap plans must be approved by the state, so not all states have access to Plan G Plus.
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Silver And Fit Vs Silversneakers
While both Silver and Fit and SilverSneakers are available through Medicare, there are some key differences that set each program apart. Eligibility is the same, so it is up to the user which one they prefer.
SilverSneakers, by far, has more locations available to seniors, with 17,000 gyms available. Silver and Fit has about 11,000 locations nationwide. Despite the lack of locations on the part of Silver and Fit, they provide 17 different home fitness kits that allow seniors to work out on their own time from the comfort of their home. This is great for people who do not want the instructor style of workout, which is what SilverSneakers excels at. Along with instructor-based fitness in a SilverSneakers gym, they offer instruction outside of the facility in classes such as yoga and Tai Chi.
Medicare Insurance For Elderly
Other medical concerns that qualify as Medicare Special Plans include Medicare Complete United Healthcare Protection or Eligibility Standards for Government Health Programs.
While there are certain requirements under over 80 life insurance plan protection. However, depending on your own personal medical and aarp medical care needs. Purchasing extra protection may be a choice you wish to consider.
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How Does Silver Sneakers Work
Silver Sneakers eligibility is based around if you are a member in one of their more than 60 participating Medicare Advantage plans across the United States. If you are a member in a participating Medicare Advantage plan you are eligible for a free Silver Sneakers gym membership. Its that easy.
How it works is simple, too.
Can anyone join SilverSneakers?
Silver Sneakers eligibility requirements are solely based around those who enroll in Silver Sneaker partnered Medicare plans. This is one of the benefits of using a Medicare Advantage plan over a Medicare Supplement as most Medicare Supplements do not include Silver Sneakers.
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Lots Of Seniors Are Overweight But Few Use Free Counseling For It
Altogether, more than 5 million customers have been affected. But the company is making market-by-market decisions, and nearly 675,000 UnitedHealthcare Medigap policyholders and 1.9 million UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan members will retain access to SilverSneakers in 2019.
I think its a smart move, said Connie Holt, an independent broker with Goldsum Insurance Solutions of Pleasant Hill, Calif.
But many of the companys customers arent happy that SilverSneakers, which offers group classes tailored to seniors in addition to gym access at 15,000 sites, is disappearing. And confusion about alternatives is widespread.
Its one of the top topics that seniors have been raising over the past few months when they call Ohios Senior Health Insurance Information Program, said Chris Reeg, the OSHIIP program director.
Michael Chanak Jr., 69, of Wadsworth, Ohio, had problems getting through to UnitedHealthcares customer relations department several times when he called with questions a common complaint. The way this is being implemented is a train wreck, said Chanak, who has a UnitedHealthcare Medicare supplemental policy and spends an hour every day exercising at his gym.
People are extremely upset, wrote Margaret Lee of Arroyo Grande, Calif., in an email. Thats about the only topic of conversation at my water exercise class!
In an email, Mark Bagley, a spokesman for the organization, said , not AARP, operates these plans and determines the benefits.
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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.
What Are Medicare Advantage Plans And Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Plans, or Medicare Part C, are sold by private health insurance companies. These plans cover everything from Medicare Part A and Part B, and sometimes even prescription drugs.
Your monthly premium, deductible, coinsurance, and other costs will depend on the insurance plans you choose. However, there is a set out-of-pocket maximum limit that all plans have to follow.
Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, also known as Medigap plans, are health insurance policies for people who have Original Medicare cover.
Like Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans help pay for the additional costs of Original Medicare services, items, and equipment, and some plans even offer prescription drug coverage.
As a member of a Medicare Supplement Plan, you will pay a monthly fee on top of your Original Medicare premiums and get additional coverage for costs that Original Medicare doesnt pay for.
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How Do I Enroll In An Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan
To learn more about Aetna Medicare Advantage plans in your area that offer SilverSneakers membership, or to enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, speak with a licensed insurance agent. You can reach one by calling 1-877-890-1409TTY Users: 711. Theyre available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
More than 26 million people are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.3
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services releases annual Star ratings for Medicare Advantage plans. For 2022, Aetna Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans earned an overall weighted average rating of 4.29 out of 5 stars. The majority of Aetna Medicare plan members are in a plan rated 4.5 stars or higher out of 5 stars.4
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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What Parts Of Medicare Cover Silversneakers
The SilverSneakers program is not included under all parts of the Medicare umbrella. Namely, Original Medicare does not offer the program as a benefit.
However, Medicare Advantage plans might provide coverage depending on the provider you use. SilverSneakers is included as a bundled benefit in most Medicare Advantage plans, which also offer extra perks like vision, hearing, and dental coverage.
Medicare Supplement plans may also provide SilverSneakers membership as a benefit. These plans are designed to fill the gaps for services that arent covered under Original Medicare. But again, it will depend on your providers particular benefits package.
