The Shifting Landscape of Insurance Partnerships
The most significant changes for SilverSneakers members in 2025 are not within the program itself, but within the relationships with insurance providers. Medicare Advantage plans can change their supplementary benefits annually, which means a plan that included SilverSneakers one year may offer a different fitness program the next.
Highmark's Reinstatement in 2025
For many Highmark Medicare Advantage, D-SNP, and Medigap members, a welcome change is occurring in 2025. After a temporary switch to FitOn Health for the beginning of the year, Highmark announced a reinstatement of its partnership with SilverSneakers, effective August 1, 2025. This means members who had SilverSneakers in 2024 but were transitioned to FitOn Health will see their SilverSneakers benefits reactivated. Members received communications in July to prepare for this change.
Notable Departures from the Network
Conversely, many members have faced the disappointment of losing their SilverSneakers access. For 2025, major insurance providers like Humana and Priority Health dropped their coverage, impacting a large number of seniors. These decisions mean members had to either find a new insurance plan that includes SilverSneakers or transition to an alternative fitness benefit offered by their current insurer, such as United Healthcare's Renew Active program. Gold's Gyms also saw some locations drop SilverSneakers for 2025.
The Rise of Alternative Programs
In tandem with these shifts, competing fitness programs are gaining traction. For example, effective January 1, 2025, Kaiser Permanente transitioned its Medicare fitness benefit from Silver & Fit to OnePass™. This illustrates a broader trend where insurers are exploring new wellness partnerships to provide different features and network options.
Expanding the Scope of Fitness Benefits
The evolution of senior fitness programs is moving beyond simple gym access. For 2025, many Medicare Advantage plans are bundling a wider array of wellness perks to encourage healthy aging. This holistic approach recognizes that overall well-being encompasses more than just physical activity.
Virtual and At-Home Options
SilverSneakers has long offered robust online options, and this trend continues to be a key feature for 2025. Members can access a comprehensive library of on-demand workout videos and live, virtual classes through the SilverSneakers website and the SilverSneakers GO mobile app. The program has also expanded its offerings through partnerships with platforms like Burnalong, providing members with a wider variety of online classes at no additional cost.
Holistic Wellness Integration
Beyond physical workouts, modern senior fitness benefits often include components for mental and social well-being. SilverSneakers provides online mental enrichment classes through its collaboration with GetSetUp. Competitors like Renew Active include brain health programs like BrainHQ as part of their offering, and many plans are adding features like mindfulness tools and fall prevention programs.
A Comparison of Major Senior Fitness Programs in 2025
| Program | Primary Insurer(s) | Key Features | 2025 Changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SilverSneakers | Highmark (returning Aug 1), Aetna (select plans) | Free gym access, live/on-demand online classes, SilverSneakers GO app, social events, GetSetUp enrichment classes | Reinstated for Highmark members; dropped by Humana and Priority Health |
| Renew Active | UnitedHealthcare | Gym network access, BrainHQ brain health program, social events, custom workout plans | Primarily offered by UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans as an alternative to SilverSneakers |
| OnePass™ | Kaiser Permanente | 26,000+ fitness locations, 23K+ on-demand/livestream classes, app, partnerships with Fitbit and Daily Burn | Replaced Silver & Fit for Kaiser Permanente members starting Jan 1, 2025 |
Key Steps for Members
To navigate these changes, members must be proactive and verify their specific plan details. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your fitness coverage remains intact:
- Check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC): This document, sent by your insurance provider, outlines all changes to your plan for the upcoming year. It's the most reliable source of information about your specific benefits.
- Verify your eligibility on the SilverSneakers website: The official site is the best place to confirm your coverage. You can enter your insurance details or member ID to see if your plan includes SilverSneakers for 2025. Check your eligibility on the official SilverSneakers website.
- Find new participating locations: If your plan changed providers, or if a specific gym has left the network (like some Gold's Gyms), use the program's website or app to find a new, participating fitness location near you.
- Explore virtual options: If you prefer at-home workouts, take advantage of the expanded library of on-demand videos and live virtual classes. This is a great way to maintain an active routine regardless of your physical location.
The Future of Senior Fitness Benefits
The landscape of senior fitness benefits is becoming more competitive and comprehensive. As health plans vie for members, they are offering more bundled wellness programs that cater to diverse needs, from physical exercise to mental enrichment and social connection. While this can mean more choices, it also requires members to pay close attention to their plan's Annual Notice of Change to ensure their preferred benefits are still included. Staying informed and knowing how to navigate the network changes is the best way for seniors to make the most of their fitness coverage in 2025 and beyond.
Conclusion
While the SilverSneakers program itself has not undergone a universal redesign, the primary changes for 2025 are centered on insurance plan partnerships. The re-adoption by Highmark is a positive development for many, but the departure of large insurers like Humana signifies the importance of vigilance for all Medicare beneficiaries. It is crucial to review your specific health plan's benefits to understand if and how are silver sneakers changing in 2025 for you. By staying informed and utilizing the various resources available, seniors can continue to access the fitness and wellness support they need to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.
