Check your eligibility through your insurance plan
Approval for SilverSneakers is not a standalone process; it is included as a benefit with select health insurance plans. The first and most critical step is to confirm that you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan that offers the SilverSneakers program.
Verify eligibility online
The most direct way to check is by using the eligibility tool on the official SilverSneakers website. You will be asked to provide some basic information to check your status instantly.
- Visit the SilverSneakers official website.
- Navigate to the "Check Your Eligibility" section.
- Enter your name, date of birth, zip code, and email address.
- Submit the form to receive an instant result that confirms if your current plan includes the benefit.
Contact your insurance provider directly
If you prefer to speak with someone or want to confirm with your insurer, you can call the member services number on your health insurance card. An insurance representative can verify if SilverSneakers is part of your plan's benefits package. This is also a good opportunity to ask about which specific local gyms and facilities are included in the network.
Understand the qualifying plans
Original Medicare (Parts A and B), which is federal health insurance, does not cover fitness programs like SilverSneakers. The program is offered by private insurance companies that provide supplemental and alternative Medicare plans.
Qualifying plans include:
- Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C): These plans are an alternative to Original Medicare and are sold by private companies approved by Medicare. They must provide all the same coverage as Original Medicare but often include additional benefits like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and fitness programs such as SilverSneakers.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans: Medigap policies help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare. Some Medigap plans also offer SilverSneakers as an added benefit.
The enrollment and approval process
Once you confirm your eligibility, getting your SilverSneakers member ID is a simple process. There is no separate "approval" or application to be reviewed by a committee; your eligibility is tied to your insurance plan. The process is more about registration and receiving your unique member ID.
- Register on the SilverSneakers website: After checking your eligibility, the site will guide you through setting up an online account. You will need to provide some personal information to create your profile.
- Receive your member ID: Upon successful registration, you will get a 16-digit SilverSneakers ID number. This ID can be accessed online or via the SilverSneakers GO mobile app. A physical card is also available if you prefer.
- Find a participating location: Use the online location finder tool or the mobile app to search for gyms, community centers, and other fitness locations that are part of the SilverSneakers network near you.
- Visit a gym: Present your SilverSneakers ID at the front desk of any participating location to gain access to the facility's basic amenities. For your first visit, it's a good idea to arrive early and let the staff know you are a new SilverSneakers member.
Comparison of eligibility checks
| Feature | SilverSneakers Website Eligibility Check | Direct Contact with Insurance Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Instant, 24/7 access from any device. | Requires phone call during business hours. |
| Information Required | Name, date of birth, zip code, and email. | Member ID, personal information for verification. |
| Information Provided | Immediate eligibility result, registration link. | Verbal confirmation, potentially more detailed plan information. |
| Best For | Quick verification and online-savvy individuals. | Those who prefer talking to a person or want detailed plan specifics. |
The next steps if you are not eligible
If the eligibility tool or your insurance provider confirms that your current plan does not include SilverSneakers, you have a couple of options to consider during the next open enrollment period.
- Explore alternative Medicare plans: Use the official Medicare website's plan finder tool to compare Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans in your area that offer a fitness benefit. Different insurers offer different perks, so it is important to find a plan that aligns with your specific health and fitness goals. Note: Benefits can change year to year, so always confirm the current plan details.
- Investigate other fitness programs: Some insurance companies, like UnitedHealthcare, offer alternative fitness programs such as Renew Active. Your insurer can provide details on any other fitness benefits they may offer.
- Seek senior discounts directly from gyms: Many fitness centers and community facilities offer special, low-cost memberships for seniors. If you are not tied to a specific program, this could be a cost-effective alternative.
Conclusion
Getting approved for SilverSneakers is a straightforward process that depends entirely on having a qualifying health insurance plan. Since Original Medicare does not cover the program, approval is granted to individuals enrolled in select Medicare Advantage or Medigap policies. The quickest way to check your eligibility is through the SilverSneakers website using their online tool, which will instantly confirm if you qualify based on your insurance information. For a more detailed conversation about your plan's benefits, contacting your insurance provider is recommended. Once confirmed, you can register for your member ID and start using the program at participating fitness locations. If you are not currently eligible, you can look into switching to a qualifying plan during the next open enrollment period. Remember to consult your healthcare provider before starting any new fitness program.
