SilverSneakers and Tivity Health: Clearing up the corporate confusion
Back in 2017, the original parent company of the SilverSneakers fitness program, Healthways, announced a corporate rebrand, changing its name to Tivity Health. This move was part of a larger business strategy that refocused the company's efforts on its fitness and wellness solutions, with SilverSneakers being its flagship brand. The key takeaway is that while the parent company's name changed, the SilverSneakers program itself did not.
The Tivity Health name and branding primarily apply to the corporate entity, not the public-facing fitness program used by members. SilverSneakers continues to be operated and promoted under its own widely recognized name. This is common practice, as many popular consumer products and services are owned by larger holding companies that are less familiar to the general public. This rebrand caused some initial confusion, but the SilverSneakers program has continued to operate seamlessly under its well-known name for many years.
Why some seniors lost their SilverSneakers benefit
For a subset of Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those with AARP-branded UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, the perception that SilverSneakers changed its name came from a different, and more significant, change.
The AARP/UnitedHealthcare to Renew Active transition
In 2023, UnitedHealthcare, which provides many AARP Medicare Advantage plans, transitioned away from the SilverSneakers program. Instead, they began offering their own exclusive fitness program, called Renew Active®. For members of these plans, their SilverSneakers coverage effectively ended and was replaced by the new Renew Active benefit. This created a situation where many seniors discovered that their beloved SilverSneakers benefit was no longer available, leading to the widespread assumption that the program had rebranded or disappeared entirely.
It's important to understand that this was a change made by a specific insurance provider, not a global change to the SilverSneakers program. The SilverSneakers program continued to be offered by many other insurance companies across the country.
SilverSneakers vs. Renew Active: A feature comparison
Understanding the differences between these two senior fitness benefits is crucial, especially for those navigating Medicare plans. Here’s a quick breakdown to help clarify the distinction:
| Feature | SilverSneakers | Renew Active (UnitedHealthcare/AARP) |
|---|---|---|
| Parent Company | Tivity Health | UnitedHealthcare |
| Insurance Providers | Offered by many Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans (e.g., Aetna, Humana, Anthem) | Exclusive to UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans |
| Key Benefits | Access to thousands of partner gyms nationwide, FLEX classes (in-person and online), social events, on-demand workouts | Gym access, online brain exercises ("Staying Sharp"), personalized fitness plans, online and in-person social events |
| Cost to Member | Included with participating plans at no additional cost | Included with participating UnitedHealthcare plans at no additional cost |
| Flexibility | Highly flexible due to a massive network of partner gyms and community centers | Access tied to the UnitedHealthcare network, which includes a slightly different range of facilities |
How to check if your insurance plan includes SilverSneakers
If you're unsure about your eligibility for SilverSneakers, there are a few simple steps you can take:
- Visit the SilverSneakers website: The official website has a tool to check eligibility by entering your health insurance information. This is the most reliable way to confirm your coverage.
- Review your insurance plan documents: Check the Summary of Benefits provided by your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan. These documents will clearly state if SilverSneakers or another fitness program is included.
- Call your insurance provider: You can contact your insurance company directly using the number on your member ID card. They can verify your eligibility and explain the fitness benefits included in your plan.
Why it's essential to check your eligibility
Since Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships, your access to a program like SilverSneakers is dependent on your specific private Medicare plan. Eligibility can vary based on your plan, location, and the specific contract between your insurance company and Tivity Health. Don't assume you are covered, especially if you have heard about program changes in the news. Always verify to ensure you are getting the benefit you expect.
For more details on the program's history and evolution, you can visit the parent company's brand page, which details the ongoing success of the SilverSneakers brand within Tivity Health's portfolio: PR Newswire article.
Conclusion
To put the confusion to rest, the name "SilverSneakers" has not changed. The program is still active and continues to provide fitness benefits to millions of Americans through various Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. The misperception that the name changed stems from two distinct events: the parent company Healthways rebranding as Tivity Health and the departure of AARP/UnitedHealthcare plans to their own Renew Active program. Always remember to check your specific plan's benefits to understand what coverage is available to you for your fitness and wellness needs.
