Is there a new name for the SilverSneakers program?
Many seniors have been asking, 'What is the new name for silver sneakers?' because their health plan information or coverage changed. The short and direct answer is that the SilverSneakers program has not officially changed its name. It continues to operate under its original name, provided by Tivity Health, and is still a popular benefit offered by many Medicare Advantage and Medigap insurance plans. The widespread confusion is not because of a rebrand but because certain large insurance providers have opted to create or switch to their own, competing senior fitness programs.
The origin of the confusion: Renew Active
For many AARP and UnitedHealthcare plan members, the question of a new name for SilverSneakers is very real. Beginning in 2023, AARP UnitedHealthcare plans replaced SilverSneakers with their own branded wellness program called Renew Active. This decision was due to contractual changes, not a failure of the SilverSneakers program. As a result, countless seniors who previously had SilverSneakers coverage through their UHC plan were moved to Renew Active instead. This change naturally led many to believe that Renew Active was simply the 'new name' for SilverSneakers, when in fact, they are two entirely separate programs operated by different companies.
Renew Active vs. SilverSneakers: A comparative overview
While both Renew Active and SilverSneakers are senior fitness programs included with qualifying Medicare plans, they have distinct differences. It's crucial for beneficiaries to understand which program their specific plan covers to avoid confusion.
| Feature | SilverSneakers | Renew Active (UnitedHealthcare Plans) |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Tivity Health | UnitedHealthcare |
| Availability | Offered by a wide variety of insurance carriers | Exclusively for UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan members |
| Fitness Network | Includes thousands of gyms and fitness centers nationwide | Access to a large network of participating gyms and centers |
| Online Content | Features SilverSneakers LIVE and On-Demand videos | Includes Fitbit Premium membership access for workouts |
| Brain Health | Social opportunities to combat isolation | Exclusive "Staying Sharp" brain health program |
| Classes | Offers instructor-led classes at gyms and FLEX locations | Provides personalized fitness plans and online classes |
What if my plan didn't switch?
If your insurance provider did not make a switch, you likely still have SilverSneakers coverage. Many companies, including Humana, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and others, continue to partner with Tivity Health to offer SilverSneakers as a benefit. For these members, nothing has changed, and they still have access to all the standard SilverSneakers benefits. This discrepancy in coverage across different health plans is the primary cause of confusion for beneficiaries trying to navigate their fitness options.
How to verify your fitness program coverage
To definitively know whether your plan offers SilverSneakers, Renew Active, or another fitness program, follow these steps:
- Consult your plan documents: Review the information sent by your Medicare Advantage or Medigap provider. Look for details on included fitness benefits.
- Check online: Visit the official websites for both SilverSneakers and Renew Active. Use their eligibility checkers by entering your member information or health insurance details.
- Call your insurance provider: The most reliable way to confirm your benefits is to contact your health plan directly. A customer service representative can verify your coverage in minutes.
- Use your member ID: If you are a Renew Active member, you will need to access your confirmation code from your UnitedHealthcare account to use the benefits. SilverSneakers members use their membership ID card or digital ID.
Understanding the value of senior fitness programs
The underlying biological and genetic factors that contribute to aging highlight the importance of these fitness programs. Regular physical activity, as encouraged by both SilverSneakers and Renew Active, is proven to have significant health benefits for older adults, including:
- Cardiovascular health: Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and lungs, lowering the risk of heart disease.
- Bone and muscle strength: Strength training helps combat age-related muscle loss and osteoporosis.
- Improved flexibility and balance: This is crucial for preventing falls, which are a major health risk for seniors.
- Mental well-being: Physical activity reduces the risk of depression and social isolation.
Even with the different program names and providers, the ultimate goal of these programs is to empower active aging and improve overall quality of life.
To learn more about the science behind aging, genetics, and health, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Conclusion: SilverSneakers is still SilverSneakers
In summary, the SilverSneakers program has not been renamed. It continues to exist under its original name and is available through a variety of health insurance providers. The question "What is the new name for silver sneakers?" primarily arose because some insurers, notably UnitedHealthcare with AARP plans, replaced it with a different program called Renew Active. The key takeaway for beneficiaries is to always check their specific health plan to confirm which senior fitness program they are eligible for.
