What are silver sneakers being replaced with? Your guide to new senior fitness programs

According to the National Institute on Aging, regular exercise is crucial for older adults to maintain independence and improve daily function. For many, free fitness benefits like SilverSneakers have been the pathway to staying active. But with recent changes from major insurance providers, seniors are asking, 'what are silver sneakers being replaced with?'

Quick Summary

SilverSneakers has not been universally replaced, but certain insurance carriers have opted for alternative proprietary programs. For example, UnitedHealthcare (AARP) transitioned many members to its Renew Active program, while Highmark has made coverage adjustments, leading to confusion and the need for seniors to verify their specific plan details.

Key Points

• Not a Universal Replacement: SilverSneakers has not been completely replaced, but some major insurers have changed their offerings, and coverage now depends on your specific plan.

• UnitedHealthcare Switched: AARP's UnitedHealthcare plans moved members to their own proprietary program called Renew Active, citing low gym usage of the SilverSneakers benefit.

• Highmark's Program Adjustments: Highmark made changes for some members in 2025, first switching to FitOn Health, then announcing a return to SilverSneakers, showing program eligibility can change frequently.

• New Programs Have Varied Features: Alternatives like Renew Active and Silver&Fit offer different benefits, including online classes, brain health resources, and varied gym networks.

• Verification is Key: The most important step is to contact your specific Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan provider to confirm your fitness benefits for the current year.

The evolving landscape of senior fitness benefits

While the SilverSneakers program, run by Tivity Health, continues to be a popular fitness benefit, its availability has shifted over time due to business decisions made by various insurance companies. This has led to a common misconception that SilverSneakers is being replaced entirely. In reality, the program's availability now largely depends on which specific Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan a senior has. These changes often arise from negotiations and financial factors.

UnitedHealthcare moves to Renew Active

One significant change occurred when UnitedHealthcare (UHC), which provides plans for AARP members, replaced the SilverSneakers benefit with its own program, Renew Active, for many Medicare Advantage and Medigap policyholders. UHC stated that a large percentage of its eligible members were not using the SilverSneakers gym benefit.

What Renew Active offers

Renew Active is available at no additional cost with eligible UHC Medicare Advantage plans. It includes:

• Access to a network of fitness locations.
• Personalized fitness plans.
• Online and in-person classes.
• Brain challenges.
• Free Fitbit Premium access for eligible members.

Highmark's recent adjustments: FitOn Health and back

Highmark initially switched its fitness benefit for some members to FitOn Health starting January 1, 2025, requiring them to select a single primary location. However, Highmark later announced a return to administering its fitness benefit through SilverSneakers, effective August 1, 2025.

Other alternatives to SilverSneakers

If your plan no longer covers SilverSneakers, other options for no-cost or discounted senior fitness programs exist. These include:

• Silver&Fit: Offered through select Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans with access to fitness centers and online resources.
• One Pass: Provides access to multiple gym locations and virtual classes.
• Proprietary Insurer Programs: Some insurers offer their own in-house benefits.
• Gym-Specific Benefits: Certain gyms may accept fitness benefits for discounted membership.

How to find your new fitness program

To find a suitable fitness option:

1. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Call the number on your insurance card to confirm your exact fitness benefit.
2. Use Eligibility Tools: Check websites for programs like SilverSneakers, Renew Active, and Silver&Fit.
3. Explore the Medicare Website: Compare Part C and Medigap plans and their benefits at Medicare.gov.
4. Visit Local Gyms: Check with local gyms to see if they participate with your plan.

Comparison of popular senior fitness programs

Feature	SilverSneakers	Renew Active	Silver&Fit
Availability	Offered by many different private health plans	Available exclusively with eligible UnitedHealthcare plans	Offered by many different private health plans
Network Size	Thousands of participating gyms and locations	Over 25,000 participating fitness locations	A wide network of fitness locations
Online Options	Livestreamed and on-demand classes, SilverSneakers GO app	Online classes, Fitbit Premium, and brain challenges	At-home workout kits and digital classes
Other Benefits	FLEX classes held in community centers and parks	Social hours, workshops, and wellness resources	Resources for healthy aging

What you should do next

There are still opportunities for seniors to access fitness benefits at low or no cost.

• Verify Your Coverage: Confirm your benefits with your insurance provider for the current and upcoming year.
• Compare Programs: Use resources to understand what is included in your alternative program.
• Embrace Your Options: Stay active using your available benefits.

Staying informed and proactive ensures you can continue prioritizing your health and wellness, no matter which program your plan offers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my Medicare plan still cover SilverSneakers?

You must check with your specific plan provider. While many plans still offer SilverSneakers, major insurers like UnitedHealthcare have made changes in recent years, so you cannot assume coverage is the same as it was previously.

What is Renew Active, and who offers it?

Renew Active is a senior fitness and wellness program developed by UnitedHealthcare. It is exclusively available to eligible members enrolled in certain UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans and replaces the SilverSneakers benefit for many members.

Why did my insurance company replace SilverSneakers with a different program?

Insurance companies often make these decisions for business and financial reasons. Reasons include low member usage of the previous benefit, the desire to have more control over the benefits offered, or better reimbursement rates with different partners.

How do I find out what fitness program my insurance now covers?

The most reliable way is to call the customer service number on your insurance card. You can also visit your insurer's website or use eligibility tools on the websites of specific programs like SilverSneakers or Renew Active.

Is the Renew Active network of gyms the same as SilverSneakers?

No, the network of participating gyms differs between the programs. Renew Active has its own network of fitness locations, so you should check their website or your plan's details to confirm which gyms you can access.

What if I can't find a new program I like after SilverSneakers was replaced?

You can explore other options during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period. You may be able to switch to a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that does include the SilverSneakers benefit or another program better suited to your needs.

Can I still get the SilverSneakers benefit?

Yes, SilverSneakers is still available through many insurance providers. You will need to check your eligibility with the specific plans offered in your area, as coverage is not universal.