Did Renew Active replace Silver sneakers? The definitive guide for seniors

With millions of older adults enrolled in Medicare plans, understanding which fitness benefits are available is critical. The question, 'Did Renew Active replace Silver sneakers?', is a common one, and the answer depends entirely on your insurance provider and plan specifics.

Quick Summary

No, Renew Active did not entirely replace Silver Sneakers across the board. UnitedHealthcare transitioned its members to Renew Active, while many other Medicare providers continue to offer Silver Sneakers as a benefit.

Key Points

• Not a Universal Replacement: Renew Active did not replace Silver Sneakers for all Medicare plans, but specifically for UnitedHealthcare (and AARP) members.

• Provider-Specific Benefits: Your access to either Renew Active or Silver Sneakers depends on which insurance company and specific Medicare plan you have.

• Unique Features: Renew Active distinguishes itself with a focus on cognitive health via AARP Staying Sharp®, while Silver Sneakers emphasizes community and a wide variety of classes.

• Network Differences: Renew Active claims a larger overall network of gyms, but Silver Sneakers is available through more diverse insurance carriers.

• Check Your Eligibility: The best way to know which program you qualify for is to check your specific plan documents or call your insurance provider.

Understanding the Shift from Silver Sneakers to Renew Active

The perception that Renew Active entirely replaced Silver Sneakers is a common misconception rooted in a specific insurance provider's decision. For years, Silver Sneakers was a widely recognized fitness program offered as a benefit with many Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. However, starting in 2018, and completed in some markets by 2023, UnitedHealthcare—a major provider of Medicare plans and a partner of AARP—began transitioning its members away from Silver Sneakers and onto its proprietary program, Renew Active. This strategic change aimed to offer a tailored fitness and wellness program exclusively for UnitedHealthcare members, leading many people to wonder if Silver Sneakers had been universally discontinued.

The Reason for UnitedHealthcare's Switch

According to reports, AARP's UnitedHealthcare plans dropped Silver Sneakers because they felt not enough members were utilizing the program. By developing their own program, Renew Active, they could provide a customized fitness and wellness plan that they believed better served their members' needs. This change affected millions of AARP Medicare Advantage and Supplement plan holders who previously had access to the Silver Sneakers network but were then transitioned to Renew Active's exclusive network of participating gyms and benefits.

What are the Key Differences?

While both Renew Active and Silver Sneakers are designed to promote active lifestyles for older adults, they have distinct differences in their offerings, eligibility, and network participation. The most significant difference is availability; Renew Active is exclusively for UnitedHealthcare members, whereas Silver Sneakers is offered by a wide range of insurance carriers. This means that your access to one or the other is determined by which Medicare plan you choose.

Beyond eligibility, the programs differ in scope and features:

• Network Size: Renew Active claims a larger network of participating gyms, boasting over 25,000 locations, compared to Silver Sneakers' network of over 15,000. However, the quality and type of facilities can vary, so it's best to check locations in your specific area.
• Brain Health Focus: A unique feature of Renew Active is its focus on cognitive wellness through its partnership with AARP Staying Sharp®. This includes online brain training games, cognitive assessments, and interactive challenges designed to keep your mind engaged.
• Social and Community Engagement: Both programs offer opportunities for social connection. Renew Active provides local clubs, classes, and activities, while Silver Sneakers is well-known for its instructor-led classes and strong community feel both in-person and online.

Comparison: Renew Active vs. Silver Sneakers

To help clarify the differences, here is a detailed comparison of the two popular senior fitness programs.

Feature	Renew Active	Silver Sneakers
Eligibility	Exclusively available with select UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans.	Offered by a broad range of insurance companies that provide Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans.
Network Size	Claims a slightly larger network of over 25,000 gyms and fitness locations.	Access to a network of over 15,000 gyms, community centers, and other fitness locations.
Unique Benefits	Focus on brain health via AARP Staying Sharp®, personalized fitness plans, and one-on-one annual meetings with a trainer.	Strong emphasis on community engagement, supportive instructors for senior fitness, and the FLEX community program for local, non-gym classes.
Online Offerings	Extensive selection of online on-demand workouts, live classes, and access to the Fitbit Community.	Live online classes via Zoom, a large on-demand video library, and a partnership with Burnalong for even more online content.

How to Determine Your Eligibility

For seniors navigating the Medicare landscape, the first step is to confirm which, if any, fitness program is included with their specific plan. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships, so you must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a specific Medigap plan.

Here’s how you can check your eligibility for either program:

1. Review Your Plan Documents: The easiest way to confirm your benefits is to check your Medicare plan's official Summary of Benefits document. This will clearly state if Renew Active, Silver Sneakers, or another fitness program is included.
2. Contact Your Insurer: Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. They can tell you exactly which fitness programs are available to you based on your specific plan.
3. Use Program Websites: Both programs offer online tools to check your eligibility. Visit the official Silver Sneakers website to use their eligibility checker or the Renew Active website to verify with your confirmation code.

Making the Right Choice for Your Health

Choosing a Medicare plan should be based on your overall health needs, preferred doctors, prescription coverage, and budget. While fitness benefits like Renew Active and Silver Sneakers are valuable perks, they should not be the sole deciding factor. Consider them a bonus and evaluate your plan holistically to ensure it aligns with your healthcare goals.

To learn more about your Medicare options and make an informed choice, consult the official federal resource at Medicare.gov.

Conclusion: Two Distinct Paths for Senior Fitness

Ultimately, Renew Active did not replace Silver Sneakers on a national scale. Instead, the Medicare fitness landscape has evolved to offer different programs through different insurers. Renew Active is the dedicated offering for UnitedHealthcare members, with a strong focus on both physical and mental fitness. Silver Sneakers, meanwhile, continues to be a widely available option through many other insurance carriers, prioritizing community and a comprehensive network of fitness locations. By understanding these distinctions, seniors can confidently determine which program is available to them and make an informed choice for a healthier, more active life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Renew Active replace Silver sneakers?

No, Renew Active did not replace Silver Sneakers entirely. UnitedHealthcare made the switch to their own program, Renew Active, for its members, but Silver Sneakers remains an option for those with other insurance providers.

What is the main difference between Renew Active and Silver Sneakers?

The main difference is eligibility. Renew Active is exclusive to UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans, while Silver Sneakers is offered by numerous different insurance companies.

Can I have both Renew Active and Silver Sneakers?

No, you cannot have both. The program you are eligible for is determined by your specific Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan. If your plan includes Renew Active, you cannot also get Silver Sneakers and vice versa.

How can I find out if I am eligible for Renew Active or Silver Sneakers?

You can check your eligibility by contacting your Medicare plan provider directly, reviewing your plan documents, or using the eligibility checker tools available on the official Silver Sneakers and Renew Active websites.

What happens if my insurance company switches from Silver Sneakers to Renew Active?

If your insurance provider switches programs, they will notify you. Your benefits will change to reflect the new program, and you will need to follow the enrollment instructions for the new program to maintain access to gym memberships and wellness benefits.

Do all Medicare plans include a fitness benefit like Renew Active or Silver Sneakers?

No. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover fitness benefits. You must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or a specific Medigap plan that offers it as an extra benefit.

What are the benefits of Renew Active compared to Silver Sneakers?

Renew Active offers a focus on brain health through its AARP partnership and may include a one-on-one session with a personal trainer. Silver Sneakers is known for its strong community programs and network of specialized classes.