The Relationship Between Renew Active, AARP, and UnitedHealthcare
To understand the connection, it's essential to differentiate between the organizations and their roles. AARP is a nonprofit organization that advocates for seniors and provides a wide array of resources, including access to insurance products through third-party partners. UnitedHealthcare is one of the largest health insurance providers in the U.S. that offers various plans, including Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans. Renew Active is a wellness program specifically created by UnitedHealthcare as a benefit for its Medicare Advantage plan members.
UnitedHealthcare's Role as AARP's Partner
AARP does not directly offer insurance plans. Instead, it collaborates with insurance carriers like UnitedHealthcare to offer products and services under the AARP brand to its members. In this capacity, AARP provides a trusted name, and UnitedHealthcare provides the actual insurance plans and benefits. When an AARP member enrolls in a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan, they are eligible for the Renew Active program if it is included in their specific plan.
Renew Active as a UnitedHealthcare Product
Renew Active is exclusively offered by UnitedHealthcare for its members. The program includes a variety of wellness benefits designed for older adults:
- Fitness Center Access: A network of participating gyms and fitness centers available at no additional cost.
- At-Home Workouts: An extensive library of on-demand workout videos and live streaming classes.
- Social Connection: Local health and wellness classes, clubs, and events to keep members engaged.
- Brain Health: Access to AARP's Staying Sharp® program, which includes interactive challenges, brain health assessments, and educational resources.
AARP's Previous Partnership and the Switch to Renew Active
Historically, AARP's UnitedHealthcare plans offered the popular SilverSneakers program as a fitness benefit. However, in 2023, UnitedHealthcare ended its partnership with SilverSneakers and transitioned to its proprietary program, Renew Active, for its Medicare plans. This change caused considerable confusion for many members accustomed to SilverSneakers. For AARP members, the transition meant their fitness benefit shifted from a widely available, multi-carrier program to one exclusive to UnitedHealthcare plans.
Renew Active vs. SilverSneakers: A Comparison for Informed Decisions
| Feature | Renew Active (UnitedHealthcare) | SilverSneakers (Various Carriers) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Exclusive to UnitedHealthcare plans. | Available with many different Medicare Advantage carriers. |
| Gym Network | Larger network with access to many premium gyms. | Broad network, but may not include as many premium locations. |
| Mind/Brain Health | Includes access to the AARP Staying Sharp® program. | Does not offer a specific brain health component as part of its core benefit. |
| Personalized Plans | Offers an annual one-on-one consultation with a personal trainer to create a personalized fitness plan. | Primarily focused on gym access and classes; personalized plans are less emphasized. |
| Community | Access to the online Fitbit® Community (no device needed) and local social activities. | Offers local community classes (FLEX) and online community features. |
Key Takeaways for Members
When choosing a plan, it is crucial to focus on the plan's overall coverage and costs, rather than just the fitness benefits. The fitness program is a valuable perk, but it should not be the sole deciding factor. Members should check which gyms are in the Renew Active network and compare them to those in the SilverSneakers network if they have multiple plan options. Ultimately, the best choice depends on an individual's specific health needs, budget, and access to desired facilities. A Medicare broker or agent can help compare available plans in a specific area, ensuring all needs are met.
How to Verify Your Eligibility for Renew Active
If you have an AARP-branded Medicare Advantage plan from UnitedHealthcare, you can easily check your eligibility for Renew Active. Log in to your member account on the UnitedHealthcare website, navigate to the Health & Wellness or Fitness section, and find your confirmation code. This code grants you access to the program's benefits. If you are unsure, contacting UnitedHealthcare directly using the number on your member ID card is the most reliable way to confirm your benefits.
Conclusion
Renew Active is not an active part of AARP in the sense that AARP created it. Instead, it is a UnitedHealthcare benefit that is accessible to AARP members who have certain UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans. The connection is a product of the long-standing partnership between AARP and UnitedHealthcare, with Renew Active replacing the previously offered SilverSneakers program. While AARP members benefit from the program, it is essential to remember that it is administered and managed by UnitedHealthcare.
For more detailed information, visit the official Renew Active website: https://www.uhcrenewactive.com/
