Which Advantage plans cover SilverSneakers?

Millions of older Americans stay active through the popular SilverSneakers fitness program, which is typically covered as a supplemental benefit by certain insurance plans. This article provides a comprehensive look at which Advantage plans cover SilverSneakers and how to determine if you are eligible for this valuable program.

Quick Summary

Several major insurance carriers offer SilverSneakers as a no-cost benefit within many of their Medicare Advantage plans, though availability varies by carrier, plan, and location, requiring a direct check of your specific policy or eligibility online.

Key Points

• Eligibility Varies: SilverSneakers is a benefit of many Medicare Advantage plans, but not all; eligibility depends on your specific plan, carrier, and location.

• Leading Providers: Major insurers like Aetna, Humana, and Blue Cross Blue Shield are known to offer Advantage plans that include SilverSneakers.

• Checking Coverage: You can check your eligibility online on the SilverSneakers website, review your plan documents, or call your insurance carrier directly.

• Not a Universal Benefit: Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover fitness programs; this is a supplemental benefit offered by private Advantage plans.

• Alternatives Exist: Some providers, like UnitedHealthcare, offer alternative fitness programs such as Renew Active instead of SilverSneakers.

• No Extra Cost: If your plan includes SilverSneakers, the basic membership is typically included at no additional cost to you.

What is SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults aged 65 and older. It provides access to thousands of fitness centers across the country, as well as a robust library of online workouts and live virtual classes. The program emphasizes physical and mental wellness, offering a variety of activities to suit all fitness levels, from strength training and yoga to water aerobics and walking clubs. For eligible seniors, the membership is included at no additional cost as a supplemental benefit through a qualifying health plan.

Leading Providers of Advantage Plans with SilverSneakers

While Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover fitness programs like SilverSneakers, many private insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans choose to include it as an extra benefit. It's important to remember that coverage can be specific to certain plans and geographical locations. Major carriers known for including SilverSneakers in many of their Advantage offerings include:

• Aetna: Aetna includes a SilverSneakers basic fitness membership at no extra cost in many of its Medicare Advantage plans.
• Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield: Many Anthem Medicare Advantage plans and some Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement plans offer the SilverSneakers benefit, though specifics depend on your state and specific policy.
• Humana: A large number of Humana's Medicare Advantage plans offer SilverSneakers as a no-cost extra benefit.
• Wellcare: Many of Wellcare's Medicare plans also provide access to the SilverSneakers program.
• Medical Mutual: This carrier includes a SilverSneakers membership with many of its Medicare Advantage plans.
• Other carriers: Other regional and national carriers like CareFirst, Clear Spring Health, and UPMC Health Plan also participate.

Why Availability Varies

Coverage is not guaranteed across all plans from a single provider. The specific plans and benefits available depend on the insurance market in your county or state. An insurer might offer a plan with SilverSneakers in one county but not another, or might substitute SilverSneakers for an alternative fitness program, such as UnitedHealthcare's Renew Active. Therefore, checking your specific plan is the most reliable way to confirm coverage.

How to Check Your Eligibility and Coverage

There are a few simple ways to confirm if your Medicare Advantage plan covers SilverSneakers:

1. Check the SilverSneakers Website: The easiest method is to use the online eligibility tool on the SilverSneakers website. You will need to enter your Medicare information to check if your specific plan is included.
2. Review Your Plan Documents: Look through the Summary of Benefits or other member materials from your insurance carrier. The coverage for fitness programs is typically listed as a supplemental benefit.
3. Call Your Insurance Provider: A customer service representative from your insurance company can tell you definitively if your plan offers SilverSneakers and can answer any specific questions about coverage.
4. Contact a Licensed Medicare Agent: A licensed insurance agent can review your current coverage or help you compare new plans to find one that includes the benefits you want, including SilverSneakers.

SilverSneakers vs. Other Fitness Programs

SilverSneakers is not the only fitness program available through Medicare plans. Some providers partner with different programs or have their own proprietary offerings. It's helpful to compare what each option provides before enrolling in a plan.

Comparison Table: SilverSneakers vs. Competitors

Feature	SilverSneakers	Renew Active (UnitedHealthcare)	Silver&Fit
Participating Insurers	Aetna, Humana, BCBS, Wellcare, etc.	UnitedHealthcare plans	BCBS, others
In-Person Access	Access to a large network of participating gyms and community centers nationwide.	Access to participating gyms and fitness locations in your plan's network.	In-network access to thousands of fitness centers.
Online/At-Home Options	Extensive library of on-demand and live online classes, plus the SilverSneakers GO mobile app.	Online workout videos and live streaming classes, along with an online brain health program.	Online or in-person fitness services with a health coach option.
Specialized Classes	FLEX community classes for activities like yoga, tai chi, and Zumba, in addition to standard gym offerings.	Brain health program via AARP Staying Sharp.	Paired with a certified health coach for fitness and nutrition goals.
Extra Costs	Basic membership is free with qualifying plans. Additional services like personal training may have extra fees.	Basic membership is free. Extra services beyond the standard offerings may have additional fees.	Basic membership is free with qualifying plans. Extra services may incur additional costs.

The Benefits of Staying Active as a Senior

Regardless of which program your plan offers, engaging in regular physical activity has significant benefits for seniors. These benefits extend beyond physical health to include mental and social well-being.

• Improved Physical Health: Regular exercise helps maintain healthy weight levels, improves mobility, and can help prevent or manage chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
• Better Mental Health: Studies have shown that physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive function.
• Increased Social Engagement: Programs like SilverSneakers promote community by offering group fitness classes and social events, combating feelings of loneliness and isolation.
• Enhanced Independence: By building strength, stamina, and balance, seniors can maintain their independence and continue to perform daily activities with greater ease.

The Bottom Line

If you are considering a new Medicare Advantage plan, or if you are already enrolled and unsure of your benefits, checking for SilverSneakers coverage is a simple process that can unlock a valuable fitness resource at no extra cost. By using the SilverSneakers eligibility checker or contacting your provider, you can quickly find out if this comprehensive fitness program is included in your plan. You can find more information directly on the official SilverSneakers website at silversneakers.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between SilverSneakers and Original Medicare?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs. SilverSneakers is a supplemental benefit offered by many private Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans as a no-cost addition.

How can I find out if my current plan covers SilverSneakers?

You can check your eligibility by visiting the SilverSneakers website and using their online tool, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your insurance card.

Do all Medicare Advantage plans cover SilverSneakers?

No, not all Medicare Advantage plans cover SilverSneakers. Availability depends on the specific insurance carrier, the plan you choose, and your geographical location.

Does AARP/UnitedHealthcare offer SilverSneakers?

AARP/UnitedHealthcare largely replaced SilverSneakers with their own fitness program, Renew Active, for most of their Medicare Advantage plans. If you are a UnitedHealthcare member, you should check your plan for Renew Active coverage.

What does a SilverSneakers membership include?

A SilverSneakers membership provides access to thousands of participating fitness locations, fitness equipment, group exercise classes, and an extensive library of online workouts and resources.

Is there a cost for SilverSneakers if my plan covers it?

If SilverSneakers is included in your qualifying Medicare Advantage plan, the basic membership is free. However, extra services at a fitness location, such as personal training or spa amenities, may incur additional fees.

Can I use SilverSneakers at multiple gyms?

Yes, SilverSneakers members can typically use their membership at any participating location across the country. You can use the SilverSneakers website to find a participating gym near you.

Are there other fitness programs besides SilverSneakers?

Yes, other fitness programs like Renew Active (UnitedHealthcare) and Silver&Fit are also offered by various Medicare plans. The program available to you depends on your specific plan.