Can You Get SilverSneakers with Plan G? A Comprehensive Guide

Oct 24, 2025 5 min read •

Medicare Senior Fitness Medigap

Millions of Medicare beneficiaries select Medigap Plan G for its robust gap coverage, but many are also interested in valuable extras like the SilverSneakers fitness program.

The simple answer is that the eligibility for a free SilverSneakers membership with Plan G depends entirely on your insurance carrier, not on the standardized Medigap plan itself.

Quick Summary

It is possible to get SilverSneakers with a Medigap Plan G, but it is not a guaranteed benefit; your eligibility hinges on the specific private insurance company offering the policy in your area. Always verify directly with your provider.

Key Points

Plan G and SilverSneakers: A Medigap Plan G does not automatically include a SilverSneakers membership; it's an optional benefit offered by some private insurers.
Benefit Varies by Insurer: The inclusion of SilverSneakers depends on the specific company and policy you purchase, not the standardized plan letter.
Check Your Eligibility: Use the official SilverSneakers website's eligibility tool or contact your insurance company directly to confirm your benefits.
Alternatives Exist: If your Plan G doesn't offer SilverSneakers, your insurer may provide a different fitness program, or you can join a gym separately.
Market Trends: Many insurers have recently removed SilverSneakers from their Medigap Plan G offerings to lower premiums and remain competitive.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: Unlike Medigap, most Medicare Advantage plans commonly include fitness program benefits.

Understanding Medigap and Added Benefits

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides hospital and medical coverage but leaves certain out-of-pocket costs, or “gaps,” for beneficiaries. Medigap, or Medicare Supplement Insurance, is sold by private companies to help cover these costs.

While the core benefits of Medigap plans are standardized by the federal government, private insurers can choose to offer extra benefits, or “riders,” to make their policies more attractive. SilverSneakers is one such extra benefit, and its inclusion is at the insurer's discretion. This is different from Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, where extra perks like fitness memberships are more commonly bundled into the policy structure.

The Shifting Landscape of Plan G and SilverSneakers

For a time, some Medigap carriers, including large national providers like UnitedHealthcare (AARP), included SilverSneakers with many of their policies, including Plan G. This helped attract a large number of enrollees. However, market trends have caused many insurers to reassess this practice.

Many providers found that the cost of providing the SilverSneakers benefit to all policyholders drove up premiums, even for those who never used the gyms. To remain competitive on price, many carriers have discontinued offering SilverSneakers as a standard perk with their Medigap Plan G policies. UnitedHealthcare, for instance, transitioned to its own Renew Active program for eligible members.

This means that relying on a specific Medigap Plan G to include SilverSneakers is no longer a safe assumption. It's crucial for you to research not just the plan type, but the specific policy from the specific insurer in your region.

How to Check Your Eligibility for SilverSneakers

There are several steps you can take to determine if your Medigap Plan G policy includes the SilverSneakers program:

Use the official SilverSneakers website. Visit the eligibility tool on the SilverSneakers website, where you can enter your Medicare information to see if you qualify. This is the most direct method to confirm eligibility.
Contact your insurance provider directly. Look at your insurance card or policy documents and call the number for member services. A representative can tell you exactly what benefits your specific policy includes.
Review your plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC). Your EOC is a detailed document that outlines everything your policy covers. You can usually find it online through your insurer's portal or request a physical copy.

What if Your Plan G Doesn't Include SilverSneakers?

If you discover that your current Medigap Plan G does not include a SilverSneakers membership, you have a few options to consider:

Explore Alternatives: Many Medigap providers now offer alternative fitness programs. Programs like Renew Active (offered by UnitedHealthcare/AARP) and Silver&Fit are common and provide similar benefits. Check with your insurance company to see what, if any, fitness programs are offered with your current plan.
Pay for a Membership: You can opt to pay for your own gym membership. Many gyms, including many that participate in the SilverSneakers network, offer discounted rates for seniors. Considering the lower premiums you might have from a Medigap plan without the fitness rider, paying for a separate membership could be more cost-effective.
Consider a Plan Switch: If you are within your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or have a guaranteed issue right, you could switch to a different Medigap policy or even a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the fitness program you desire. Be aware that switching outside of these periods may require medical underwriting, which could impact your eligibility or premium.

Compare Medigap Plan G vs. Medicare Advantage for Fitness Benefits


Feature	Medigap Plan G	Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Availability of Fitness Programs	Not standardized; depends on the specific private insurer and policy. Not all providers include it.	Commonly includes fitness programs like SilverSneakers, Renew Active, or Silver&Fit as a standard benefit.
Cost	You pay a monthly premium to the Medigap insurer. If a fitness benefit is included, it's typically bundled into this premium.	Often features low or $0 monthly premiums for the plan itself, but you must continue to pay your Part B premium. The fitness benefit is usually free.
Provider Network	No network limitations for doctors who accept Original Medicare.	May require you to stay within a specific provider network (HMO or PPO).
Flexibility	Offers flexibility to use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.	Limits flexibility for some plans, requiring network use for full coverage.
Annual Enrollment	Can typically be purchased anytime, but medical underwriting may apply outside of your initial enrollment period.	Requires annual enrollment during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) to switch plans.

How to Choose What's Right For You

Choosing the right Medicare path involves weighing your priorities. For many, a Medigap Plan G is the best choice for its robust, predictable coverage that leaves you with very few out-of-pocket costs after the Part B deductible is met. It offers the freedom to see any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare, without worrying about networks.

For those who prioritize supplemental benefits like gym memberships, dental, or vision coverage, a Medicare Advantage plan can be a more appealing option, even with network restrictions. However, it's essential to compare the overall coverage and costs. As highlighted, assuming your Plan G has SilverSneakers is a common mistake that can lead to disappointment. Always verify with your insurance provider.

For more information on comparing Medicare plans, visit the official Medicare website. This resource offers detailed comparisons and information on what different parts of Medicare cover.

Conclusion

While it was more common in the past, SilverSneakers is not a standard inclusion with Medigap Plan G policies today. The availability is determined by the private insurance company offering the plan in your specific area. To determine your eligibility, the most reliable method is to use the official SilverSneakers eligibility checker or contact your insurer directly. If your plan doesn't include it, explore alternative fitness benefits offered by your provider or consider the cost-effectiveness of a separate gym membership. Understanding the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your healthcare and wellness needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, a SilverSneakers membership is not a standard, mandatory benefit for Medigap Plan G. It is an extra perk offered at the discretion of the private insurance company, and its availability varies by insurer and location.

The most accurate way is to check your eligibility on the official SilverSneakers website or to contact your specific Medigap insurance provider directly. You can also review your policy's Evidence of Coverage.

To stay competitive on pricing, many insurance carriers opted to remove optional benefits like SilverSneakers. By not bundling the cost of the program into the premiums for all policyholders, they can offer lower overall rates.

You can check if your insurer offers an alternative fitness program like Renew Active or Silver&Fit. You can also pay for a gym membership yourself, as many facilities offer discounts for seniors.

Yes, but switching depends on your eligibility. During your initial Medigap enrollment or certain special periods, you can switch easily. Outside of these times, you may have to go through medical underwriting, which could result in higher premiums or denial based on your health.

No, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover fitness programs like SilverSneakers. To be eligible, you must be enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that offers the benefit.

Medicare Advantage plans are more likely to include fitness program benefits like SilverSneakers as a standard feature, though you may be limited to a network. Medigap plans, including Plan G, do not have this benefit as a standard part of the policy, and its inclusion depends on the insurer.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.