No, SilverSneakers Didn't Change Its Name
Despite widespread confusion, SilverSneakers, the popular fitness program for seniors, has not officially changed its name. The program continues to operate under the SilverSneakers brand, now owned and managed by the company Tivity Health. The misconception that the name changed likely stems from two major events: the rebranding of its parent company and the departure of a major insurance partner.
The Corporate Journey of SilverSneakers
To understand the program's history, it helps to look at its parent company's evolution. SilverSneakers was founded in 1992 but was later acquired by Healthways. In 2017, Healthways rebranded as Tivity Health, which is the company that still owns SilverSneakers today. The fitness program has remained a core offering under the Tivity Health umbrella, alongside other products like Prime Fitness and WholeHealth Living. In 2022, Tivity Health was itself acquired by the private equity firm Stone Point Capital, but again, this did not change the SilverSneakers name.
The UnitedHealthcare Split and the Rise of Renew Active
A major source of confusion arose in early 2019 when UnitedHealthcare, which was partnered with AARP, dropped the SilverSneakers program from many of its Medicare Advantage plans. In its place, UnitedHealthcare introduced its own proprietary fitness program called Renew Active. As of 2023, the transition became official for many members, leading to headlines and communications that stated, "your SilverSneakers program will change to Renew Active". This created the false impression that SilverSneakers had been renamed when, in reality, a specific health plan provider had simply stopped offering the program in favor of its own alternative. The widespread nature of AARP/UnitedHealthcare plans meant this change affected a significant number of seniors, causing substantial confusion.
Comparing SilverSneakers and Renew Active
For seniors impacted by the switch, understanding the differences between the two programs is key to continuing a healthy lifestyle.
| Feature | SilverSneakers (via Tivity Health) | Renew Active (via UnitedHealthcare) |
|---|---|---|
| Gym Access | Access to a nationwide network of thousands of participating fitness centers and community locations. | Access to a network of participating gyms, which may include some that SilverSneakers previously covered. |
| Online Classes | Offers live, instructor-led virtual classes and an extensive library of on-demand workout videos. | Includes online fitness programs and access to brain health exercises via the Staying Sharp program. |
| Specialized Classes | Provides a wide range of specialized classes like yoga, tai chi, cardio, and strength training, some offered via the SilverSneakers FLEX program. | Features a variety of fitness classes, potentially differing from the offerings and locations of SilverSneakers. |
| Community | Fosters a strong social community through in-person classes and an active online community. | Also includes social and community opportunities, with specific details depending on the member's plan. |
The Wider Impact of Healthcare Provider Changes
UnitedHealthcare isn't the only insurance provider to have made adjustments related to senior fitness benefits. The move highlights a broader trend where insurance companies may create their own fitness and wellness programs to compete with established third-party providers like SilverSneakers. For seniors, this means their coverage is tied directly to their specific Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan. To avoid disruptions, it is crucial for seniors to review their plan documents carefully during the open enrollment period each year.
The Importance of Health Plan Due Diligence
Choosing a Medicare plan is a personal decision that requires careful consideration. Here are a few tips to ensure your fitness benefits meet your needs:
- Confirm your plan's included benefits. Never assume your SilverSneakers or other fitness coverage will remain the same from one year to the next.
- Utilize online tools. Most health plans and programs like SilverSneakers offer online eligibility checkers where you can confirm your coverage.
- Call customer service. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, contact your health plan directly.
- Compare alternatives. If your plan no longer offers SilverSneakers, explore the replacement program, such as Renew Active, or other potential benefits your plan provides.
Conclusion: The Name Stays, but the Partnership Shifts
The short answer is no, SilverSneakers did not change its name. The long answer is more complex and involves a shifting landscape of healthcare partnerships and acquisitions. While the brand remains, its availability depends on your specific Medicare plan, and the departure of major partners like UnitedHealthcare has led many to mistakenly believe the program was rebranded. By staying informed and checking your specific plan's benefits, you can avoid confusion and continue prioritizing your healthy aging journey.
For more information on the SilverSneakers program, visit the official SilverSneakers website: https://www.silversneakers.com/
