Will Aetna cover SilverSneakers in 2025? Yes, for most Medicare Advantage plans

According to CVS Health, the parent company of Aetna, Aetna will continue to offer a SilverSneakers fitness membership to all individual Medicare Advantage (MA) members at no additional cost in 2025. This continued coverage is a key component for many seniors looking to stay active and healthy. To confirm if your specific Aetna plan includes this perk, you will need to check your individual policy details.

Quick Summary

Aetna plans to continue its SilverSneakers coverage for most of its individual Medicare Advantage members throughout 2025. This benefit provides access to a network of fitness centers, virtual classes, and at-home fitness kits. Availability depends on the specific plan and location, so members should verify their eligibility through Aetna or SilverSneakers' official channels.

Key Points

• Continued Coverage for 2025: Aetna will continue to cover SilverSneakers for the majority of its individual Medicare Advantage (MA) plan members in 2025.

• Not all plans included: The benefit is not available with all Aetna policies, such as Integrated Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs).

• Easy Eligibility Check: You can verify your eligibility online using the SilverSneakers website, your Aetna member portal, or by calling member services.

• Includes Virtual and In-Person Access: The SilverSneakers benefit offers access to thousands of fitness locations, live online classes, on-demand videos, and the SilverSneakers GO mobile app.

• Available at No Extra Cost: For those with an eligible Aetna MA plan, the SilverSneakers basic membership is included at no additional monthly cost.

• Different benefits apply to other Aetna plans: Customers with other Aetna products, like employer-sponsored or PDP plans, do not receive the SilverSneakers benefit and should check their specific wellness options.

Aetna's commitment to SilverSneakers in 2025

For seniors considering their health plan options, understanding wellness benefits is crucial. For 2025, Aetna has publicly announced its commitment to maintaining the popular SilverSneakers fitness benefit for the majority of its individual Medicare Advantage (MA) plan members. This means many beneficiaries can continue to enjoy gym access, fitness classes, and other wellness resources at no extra cost.

This decision is part of Aetna's broader strategy to support both the physical and mental well-being of its Medicare members, recognizing that staying active contributes significantly to overall health. By including SilverSneakers, Aetna plans offer a valuable incentive for seniors to engage in regular exercise, build community, and access resources that promote a healthier lifestyle.

How to verify your Aetna SilverSneakers coverage for 2025

While most individual MA plans from Aetna include the SilverSneakers benefit, coverage is not universal across all plan types or regions. For example, some plans, like Integrated Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs), which are designed for people in long-term care settings, may not include this benefit. Therefore, all current and prospective members should confirm their eligibility.

Here are the recommended steps to verify if your specific Aetna plan includes SilverSneakers in 2025:

• Check your plan documents: Review your 2025 plan's "Evidence of Coverage" document, which provides a detailed breakdown of all covered benefits, exclusions, and limitations.
• Use the Aetna website: Log in to your Aetna member portal. You can use their online tools to browse your added Medicare benefits and access information about the SilverSneakers program.
• Use the SilverSneakers website: The SilverSneakers website has an instant eligibility check tool. You can input your name, date of birth, and ZIP code to confirm if your specific plan is eligible.
• Contact Aetna member services: Call the member services number on your Aetna ID card to speak with a representative directly. They can provide specific information about your plan's included benefits.
• Consult a licensed insurance agent: If you are in the process of choosing a plan, a licensed agent can help you compare different Aetna Medicare Advantage options in your area and confirm which ones include the SilverSneakers benefit.

Comparison of Aetna fitness benefits for 2025

While Aetna's commitment to SilverSneakers is clear for many MA members, it's worth noting the variety of wellness benefits offered. Aetna may also provide alternative fitness benefits or additional wellness resources that vary by plan. The following table compares what's generally included with the SilverSneakers benefit in individual MA plans versus a standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or certain employer-based plans.

Feature	Aetna Medicare Advantage with SilverSneakers (Most Plans)	Aetna Standalone Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)	Aetna Employer/Group Health Plans (Varies)
Fitness Access	Access to 15,000+ fitness locations and community centers.	Not included. These plans cover prescription drugs only.	May include fitness discounts or reimbursement, but varies by employer.
Cost	Typically included at no additional monthly cost.	Not applicable. No fitness benefit is provided.	Depends on the employer plan structure and may require a wellness credit process.
Virtual Classes	Includes access to SilverSneakers LIVE and on-demand fitness classes.	No virtual fitness classes included.	May offer access to different online wellness platforms, but varies by plan.
Online Resources	Access to digital wellness content and mobile apps like SilverSneakers GO.	Does not include wellness resources beyond drug-related tools.	Includes a range of online tools, like the Simple Steps To A Healthier Life® program.
Exclusions	Generally excludes certain specialized plans, like I-SNPs.	Covers only prescription drugs. No fitness program is associated with these plans.	Exclusions and covered benefits are defined by the specific employer's plan design.

Understanding your SilverSneakers benefits with Aetna

Once you confirm your Aetna Medicare Advantage plan includes the SilverSneakers benefit for 2025, you can start leveraging the program's resources. A basic membership provides access to thousands of fitness centers and amenities nationwide. Depending on the specific facility, this can include access to weight rooms, cardio equipment, and pools.

Beyond the physical gym access, the program also offers a robust digital and community component. This includes SilverSneakers LIVE, a schedule of live, virtual classes led by qualified instructors, and SilverSneakers On-Demand for pre-recorded workout videos. For those who prefer to exercise at home, some plans also offer the option of an at-home fitness kit.

Conclusion

In short, the answer to the question "Will Aetna cover SilverSneakers in 2025?" is a resounding "yes" for most individual Medicare Advantage plans. Aetna has publicly affirmed its commitment to including this benefit for the new plan year. However, the crucial next step for any beneficiary is to verify their specific plan's coverage, as exceptions exist for certain policies like I-SNPs or standalone Part D plans. By using the tools provided by Aetna and SilverSneakers, members can easily confirm their eligibility and take full advantage of this valuable fitness benefit for a healthier 2025.

Get started with Aetna SilverSneakers

1. Confirm Eligibility: Use the SilverSneakers website's eligibility checker or contact Aetna to verify your 2025 plan includes the benefit.
2. Get your ID: Once confirmed, find your 16-digit SilverSneakers ID online through your Aetna portal or by calling SilverSneakers customer service.
3. Find a Location: Use the locator tool on the SilverSneakers website or mobile app to find a participating gym or community center near you.
4. Explore Options: Consider both in-person and online classes to find routines that fit your fitness level and schedule.
5. Enjoy the Benefits: Use your ID card to access facilities and start your fitness journey for 2025 at no additional cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Aetna plans cover SilverSneakers in 2025?

Most individual Aetna Medicare Advantage (MA) plans include the SilverSneakers benefit for 2025. However, coverage is not included with standalone Aetna Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) or certain specialized plans like I-SNPs.

How can I verify if my Aetna plan is eligible for SilverSneakers in 2025?

To verify your eligibility, you can visit the SilverSneakers website and use their eligibility checker, log in to your Aetna member portal, or call the number on your Aetna ID card.

Do I have to pay extra for SilverSneakers with my Aetna plan?

No, if your Aetna Medicare Advantage plan includes the SilverSneakers benefit, it is provided at no additional cost to you.

What is included in the SilverSneakers basic membership through Aetna?

The basic membership typically includes access to thousands of participating fitness locations nationwide, live online fitness classes, on-demand workout videos, and the SilverSneakers GO mobile app.

What if my Aetna plan does not cover SilverSneakers?

If your plan does not cover SilverSneakers, you can investigate other wellness programs offered by Aetna, such as fitness reimbursement options available with some employer-based plans. During the Annual Enrollment Period, you can also explore changing to a different Aetna Medicare Advantage plan that includes the benefit.

Can I use SilverSneakers with an Aetna Medicare Supplement plan?

SilverSneakers is generally a benefit included with Medicare Advantage plans, not Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. The coverage is provided by the private insurance company, so it’s essential to confirm with Aetna regarding any potential wellness benefits associated with a supplement policy.

What if my Aetna employer-based plan previously had SilverSneakers?

Coverage details can change from year to year, especially with employer or group health plans. If you are on an Aetna employer-based plan, you should review the specific documentation from your employer to confirm your 2025 wellness benefits.