A Shift in Senior Fitness Programs
For years, SilverSneakers was a widely recognized fitness benefit, particularly for seniors with Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans. It offered members access to a large network of gyms and fitness classes at no extra cost. However, in a significant shake-up that began in 2023, UnitedHealthcare, including its affiliated AARP plans, transitioned its members from SilverSneakers to a different program called Renew Active. This move surprised many policyholders who had come to rely on the SilverSneakers benefit for their health and wellness routines. The switch underscores the need for seniors to stay informed about their specific plan's benefits, as the fitness program offered can change depending on their insurance carrier and plan details.
Renew Active: An In-Depth Look
Renew Active is now the primary fitness and wellness benefit for many UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage members. This program is designed to support both body and mind, offering more than just gym access. Here are some of its key features:
- Physical Fitness: Members get access to a national network of thousands of gyms and fitness locations. For those who prefer to exercise at home, Renew Active also provides a library of on-demand and live-streaming workout videos.
- Mental Enrichment: A distinctive feature of Renew Active is its focus on cognitive health. It includes access to an online program from AARP called 'Staying Sharp,' which offers brain health content, challenges, and cognitive assessments.
- Social Connection: The program encourages social engagement through local health and wellness classes, clubs, and social activities. It also provides access to the online Fitbit Community, allowing members to connect with others.
- Personalized Experience: Renew Active aims for a more personalized approach, including a potential annual one-on-one session with a personal trainer to discuss fitness goals.
What This Means for AARP and UnitedHealthcare Policyholders
For many AARP policyholders with UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans, the transition from SilverSneakers to Renew Active was mandatory and automatic. If you were a member of one of these plans, your SilverSneakers benefit would have ended, and you would have been moved to Renew Active. It's crucial for these members to understand the different gym network and the added wellness benefits of the new program. Some members have reported frustration over the change, citing the loss of access to specific gyms they preferred or classes they enjoyed under SilverSneakers. However, others appreciate the expanded focus on mental wellness and the larger network of gyms.
What About Other Insurers? SilverSneakers Still Exists
It is important to clarify that SilverSneakers was not discontinued entirely. It still exists and is offered by numerous other insurance carriers who sell Medicare Advantage plans. Insurance companies like Humana, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield are among those that continue to include SilverSneakers as a benefit for many of their members. The key takeaway is that the program you have depends on your specific insurance provider and plan, and you must check your plan's details during open enrollment or by contacting your insurer directly.
Comparing Renew Active vs. SilverSneakers
To understand the differences, a direct comparison is helpful. Here is a breakdown of the two programs for seniors seeking fitness benefits.
| Feature | Renew Active (UnitedHealthcare/AARP) | SilverSneakers (Various Insurers) |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Primarily with select UnitedHealthcare Medicare plans. | Offered by many different insurance carriers, including Humana, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. |
| Network Size | Claims a slightly larger network, partnering with over 25,000 locations. | Partners with thousands of gyms, recreation centers, and community locations nationwide. |
| Cognitive Health | Includes the AARP Staying Sharp program with online brain health resources and activities. | Focuses mainly on physical fitness, though some online resources are available. |
| Social Programs | Offers local health and wellness classes, clubs, and social activities, plus the online Fitbit Community. | Provides the FLEX community program for in-person and online classes and social interaction. |
| Personalized Plans | May offer a one-on-one consultation with a personal trainer. | Provides tools and apps for tracking and scheduling activities, but less emphasis on personalized training. |
| At-Home Workouts | Provides on-demand and live-streaming workouts. | Offers SilverSneakers On-Demand and LIVE online classes. |
The Rise of Other Competitors
Beyond Renew Active and SilverSneakers, other fitness and wellness programs have also emerged to serve the senior population. Programs like One Pass (offered by Independence Blue Cross) and Silver&Fit are examples. Each of these options has unique features and partnerships, and their availability is tied to specific insurance plans. It is more important than ever for seniors to research their options carefully to find a plan that meets their health and wellness needs. For example, Silver&Fit may offer home fitness kits, while One Pass boasts a large network that includes boutique studios and YMCAs.
How to Find Your Current Fitness Program
For seniors who are unsure which fitness program they have access to, the best course of action is to check with their health insurance provider. Look at your plan's official documents, member website, or call the customer service line. Many Medicare plans clearly list their included fitness benefit, and you can also use online eligibility checkers on the program websites to confirm your status.
Conclusion
In summary, the specific program that replaced SilverSneakers for seniors depends on their health insurance plan. For those with select UnitedHealthcare and AARP plans, the new program is Renew Active. SilverSneakers, however, remains a prominent option for members of many other insurance companies. Navigating these changes requires due diligence, and seniors should compare plan benefits carefully to ensure they have the right coverage for their healthy aging goals.
An excellent source for health-related information is the National Institute on Aging, which offers comprehensive resources on exercise and physical activity for older adults [https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity/tips-getting-and-staying-active-you-age].
