Are SilverSneakers part of Blue Cross? How to Check Your Eligibility

Millions of older adults utilize fitness benefits through their insurance, but coverage depends on the specific plan. The question, "Are SilverSneakers part of Blue Cross?" has a nuanced answer, as this popular benefit is a partnership that varies by insurance product.

Quick Summary

Some Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans include the SilverSneakers fitness benefit at no extra cost. Coverage is not automatic; members must check their specific plan to confirm eligibility for gym access and fitness classes.

Key Points

• Coverage is Plan-Specific: SilverSneakers is not included with every Blue Cross plan; it is a benefit offered with some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement policies.

• Check Your Eligibility: You can easily verify if your plan includes SilverSneakers by using the online eligibility tool on the SilverSneakers website or calling the number on your Blue Cross member ID card.

• Access at No Extra Cost: If your Blue Cross plan includes the benefit, you can access thousands of gyms and online resources for free.

• What's Included: The program provides a basic gym membership, senior-focused fitness classes, and digital resources like on-demand videos and a mobile app.

• Other Options Exist: Some Blue Cross plans offer alternative fitness programs like Silver&Fit instead of SilverSneakers, so it's important to know which benefit your plan provides.

• Action Required: You must check your specific plan to see what benefits are included, as coverage varies by state and insurer.

Understanding the Blue Cross and SilverSneakers Partnership

SilverSneakers is not owned by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), but rather is an independent health and fitness program provided by Tivity Health. BCBS, a large network of independent and locally operated health insurance companies, partners with Tivity Health to offer SilverSneakers as a no-cost added benefit on certain plans. This means that the availability of SilverSneakers is determined by your specific Blue Cross health plan and location, and it is not universally included in all BCBS products. For example, a plan in one state might include it, while a different plan in another state or from a different local BCBS company might not. The key is to investigate your individual plan's coverage details, especially regarding Medicare options.

Which Blue Cross plans include SilverSneakers?

Typically, SilverSneakers is offered with qualifying Medicare health plans. These include:

• Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans: Many Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans, which are run by private insurance companies, include SilverSneakers as a wellness benefit. This is a common way for plans to offer extra benefits beyond Original Medicare.
• Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans: Some Medigap policies, which help cover costs not covered by Original Medicare, also offer the SilverSneakers program. This varies significantly by the specific plan and insurer.

It is crucial for members to remember that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs directly, so eligibility is tied to your enrollment in one of these specific, qualifying BCBS Medicare plans.

How to confirm your SilverSneakers eligibility

Determining if your specific Blue Cross plan includes the SilverSneakers benefit is a straightforward process. The most reliable methods include:

1. Check your plan details: Review the documents you received when you enrolled in your Blue Cross plan. The Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage will list any included fitness programs.
2. Contact member services: Call the customer service number on the back of your Blue Cross member ID card. A representative can quickly confirm your eligibility based on your plan.
3. Use the official SilverSneakers website: The most direct method is to visit the SilverSneakers website. They provide an online tool where you can enter your information to check if your plan qualifies for the benefit. You can find this tool at https://tools.silversneakers.com/Eligibility/CheckEligibility.
4. Visit a participating location: You can visit a participating fitness location and present your Blue Cross member ID card. The staff can often verify your eligibility on-site.

What does the SilverSneakers benefit include?

For eligible Blue Cross members, SilverSneakers offers a comprehensive fitness package at no additional cost. The benefits typically include:

• Access to thousands of participating gyms and fitness centers nationwide.
• A variety of group exercise classes, designed for all fitness levels, such as yoga, Tai Chi, and water aerobics.
• The SilverSneakers GO™ mobile app, with personalized workout programs and a location finder.
• On-demand workout videos and educational wellness workshops.
• Opportunities for social connection through various events and classes.
• Use of basic gym amenities, which can include exercise equipment, pools, and walking tracks.

Comparing SilverSneakers to other programs offered by Blue Cross

Blue Cross insurers sometimes offer alternative fitness programs depending on the specific plan and location. A common alternative is Silver&Fit®, another wellness program for seniors. It's important to know which program your plan offers, as you cannot be enrolled in both at the same time through your insurance benefit. The features and network of participating locations for each program will differ. Silver&Fit, for example, sometimes includes access to at-home workout kits in addition to gym access.

Feature	SilverSneakers	Other Programs (e.g., Silver&Fit)
Provider	Tivity Health, Inc.	Various (e.g., American Specialty Health)
Availability	Offered by some Blue Cross plans; check eligibility.	Offered by other Blue Cross plans; check eligibility.
Network Size	Over 15,000 locations nationwide.	Varies by program and provider.
Offerings	Gym access, group classes, on-demand videos, app.	Gym access, home workout kits, digital tools.
Cost to Member	$0 if included in your qualifying plan.	$0 if included in your qualifying plan.

Conclusion

For seniors looking to maintain an active lifestyle, the prospect of a free gym membership through their insurance is a significant draw. While SilverSneakers is not inherently part of Blue Cross, the program is widely offered as a valuable benefit with many Blue Cross Medicare Advantage and certain Medicare Supplement plans. By understanding the need to verify your specific plan's benefits and using the resources provided by both your insurer and SilverSneakers, you can easily determine your eligibility and start enjoying the program's many health and wellness advantages.

Staying physically active is one of the best ways to promote healthy aging. With the right information, you can take full advantage of the benefits your insurance provides to stay fit and engaged in your community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which specific Blue Cross plans include SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is most often included with certain Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans and some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. The specific plans and availability vary by location and insurer, so you must check your plan's details.

How do I find a gym that participates in SilverSneakers?

You can find participating locations by using the online search tool on the official SilverSneakers website or by using the SilverSneakers GO mobile app. The network includes thousands of gyms and community centers nationwide.

Is there an age requirement for the SilverSneakers benefit through Blue Cross?

While SilverSneakers is designed for adults 65 and older, the age requirement is tied to your Medicare eligibility. If you are eligible for Medicare and enrolled in a qualifying Blue Cross plan, you can access the benefit.

Can I use SilverSneakers if I have Original Medicare?

No, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs like SilverSneakers. You must be enrolled in a qualifying Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan that specifically includes the benefit.

What if my Blue Cross plan offers a different fitness program?

Some Blue Cross plans offer different wellness programs, such as Silver&Fit. If your plan includes an alternative program, you will not have access to SilverSneakers. You should use the benefits provided by your specific plan.

How do I get my SilverSneakers ID?

After confirming your eligibility, you can create an account on the SilverSneakers website. Your member ID will be available in your online account, or you can request a card by mail.

Does my eligibility for SilverSneakers with Blue Cross change year to year?

Your coverage can change annually. During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, it's wise to review your plan's benefits to ensure SilverSneakers is still included, as benefit packages can be updated.