The SilverSneakers Program Continues Under Its Original Name
Despite rumors and significant changes for some members, the core SilverSneakers program has not undergone a name change. SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, the parent company that has provided the program for decades. Tivity Health continues to operate and expand the program, offering a robust network of gyms, fitness classes, and on-demand video resources for seniors who qualify through their specific Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans. The misconception that the program has a new name stems from decisions made by individual insurance providers.
The Shift to Renew Active: A Major Provider's Change
The primary source of confusion came from AARP and UnitedHealthcare, who, as of January 1, 2023, discontinued their partnership with SilverSneakers. For beneficiaries with UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, the program was officially replaced with a new offering called Renew Active. This change created the impression that SilverSneakers had been renamed, especially for the large number of seniors enrolled in AARP-affiliated plans.
What is Renew Active?
Renew Active is a fitness and wellness program specifically for UnitedHealthcare members. While similar to SilverSneakers in its goal of promoting senior fitness, it has distinct features and its own network of participating gyms and resources. Key differences include:
- Network: Renew Active has its own network of gyms, which may or may not overlap with SilverSneakers partner locations.
- Brain Health: It incorporates an online brain health component through the Staying Sharp program.
- Home Fitness: It often includes access to digital resources like Fitbit Premium.
- Plan Exclusivity: The program is exclusive to UnitedHealthcare plans.
Comparing Renew Active and SilverSneakers
To help beneficiaries understand their options, here is a comparison of the two leading senior fitness programs.
| Feature | SilverSneakers | Renew Active |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Tivity Health | UnitedHealthcare |
| Availability | Offered by many different Medicare Advantage and Supplement carriers (e.g., Anthem, Humana, Wellcare). | Exclusive to select UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. |
| Gym Network | Large nationwide network of gyms and community centers. | Extensive network of gyms, but specific to UnitedHealthcare plans. |
| Class Offerings | SilverSneakers LIVE virtual classes and FLEX community classes led by certified instructors. | Live and on-demand classes, potentially including Fitbit Premium workouts. |
| Wellness Focus | Primarily physical fitness, with classes for all levels and social engagement opportunities. | Combines physical fitness with brain health activities via the 'Staying Sharp' program. |
How to Determine Your Fitness Program Eligibility
Given the recent changes, it is crucial for seniors to confirm their eligibility for their fitness program. Relying on past information from previous health plans can lead to misdirected searches and frustration. The most reliable way to find out what you are covered for is to check directly with your current insurance provider.
Here are the steps to take:
- Check Your Plan Documents: Review your Medicare Advantage or Supplement plan's Summary of Benefits. It will list any included fitness programs.
- Contact Your Insurer: Call the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. They can tell you exactly which, if any, fitness program is included with your specific plan.
- Use Online Eligibility Checkers: Both the official SilverSneakers website and the Renew Active website have online tools that allow you to check your eligibility by entering your Medicare information.
The Evolution of Senior Fitness Benefits
The shift from a single dominant program to a more fragmented market reflects the evolving landscape of senior healthcare. Health insurance companies are increasingly tailoring their supplemental benefits to attract and retain members. This means that while SilverSneakers remains a major player, it is no longer the only or universal choice for Medicare beneficiaries.
For seniors, this change presents both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it requires more diligence in selecting a plan and understanding its benefits. On the other hand, it has spurred innovation, with programs like Renew Active offering more diverse and tailored wellness features, such as brain health exercises and expanded digital content. The competition benefits consumers by providing more options and potentially better-suited programs for their individual needs.
A Final Word on the Name Change Misconception
It is essential to clarify that the SilverSneakers name has not changed. It is the corporate owner, previously Healthways, that rebranded to Tivity Health in 2017, but the fitness program itself kept its name. The subsequent shift by major providers like UnitedHealthcare to their own proprietary programs created the public perception of a name change. The best path forward for any senior is to verify their benefits directly with their insurance provider to ensure they are using the correct program and have access to the appropriate network of gyms and classes.
