What Is the SilverSneakers Program for Seniors offered by Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigap Plans?
The SilverSneakers Program is an option available on certain Medicare Plans that include the SilverSneakers fitness program. These plans offer a variety of benefits, including free fitness classes and reduced and zero-cost gym memberships at local gyms.
The SilverSneakers Program is often beneficial for seniors who are new to exercise and want a low-cost or no-cost fitness option.
It’s also great for those with limited mobility, chronic conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or mental health illnesses that make it difficult to work out regularly.
Does your Medicare plan include SilverSneakers or a similar type of gym membership plan, learn more about these programs below.
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What is SilverSneakers Gyms Membership and Fitness Program?
SilverSneakers is a gym membership and fitness program designed specifically for seniors. It offers memberships to gyms and other fitness facilities, social networking opportunities, online education resources, and more.
The program is available as a benefit with some Medicare Advantage plans and some Medigap Plans.
SilverSneakers membership includes everything from instructor-led group fitness classes, to no-cost or reduced-cost fitness membership, on-demand fitness classes, and online live workout classes.
If you’re a Medicare recipient, check to see if your plan includes the SilverSneakers program. If you’re eligible for the program, you can enjoy all of its benefits – including staying active and fit!
How does SilverSneakers Membership work?
SilverSneakers members have access to a nationwide network of gyms, fitness centers, and other wellness facilities. SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for seniors so they can enjoy discounts on membership dues, personal training, and other services.
The insurance company should provide you with a SilverSneakers membership card that you can present to the fitness center that participates in the program.
To find a SilverSneakers location you can log into their website and use their search tool.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for the SilverSneakers Program?
To be eligible for the SilverSneakers Medicare program, you must be over the age of 65 and you need a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that includes SilverSneakers.
SilverSneakers Features Indoor and Outdoor Fitness Locations to fit your Workout Style
SilverSneakers features
If you’re eligible for SilverSneakers it provides a comprehensive fitness program designed for people of all abilities. Qualifying Medicare plans with SilverSneakers offer group exercise classes, on-demand videos, tips on fitness and nutrition, and additional online resources.
Members also receive newsletters and social media updates. Rough events are a great way to get to know other members better and build relationships.
Indoor SilverSneakers options
SilverSneakers comes with a wide variety of indoor workout options to fit your fitness needs and preferences.
You can find participating locations all across the country, and take advantage of online classes led by SilverSneakers instructors. Plus, with over 15,000 participating fitness locations, you’re sure to find a workout that’s right for you!
Outdoor SilverSneakers options
There are also on-demand videos and an app that includes exercise videos. SilverSneakers offers a wide range of programs that help all types of people, no matter what their physical activity level is.
SilverSneakers offers more than 70 kinds of classes through its FLEX community network. Classes are typically smaller and have personal contact info available for students. FLEX locators allow users to see what classes are available in their area.
How to choose the right SilverSneakers option for you
SilverSneakers included in your Medicare benefits is a great way to save on your health care costs. The best way to take advantage of this program is through a Medicare Supplemental plan or Medicare Advantage plan that includes the SilverSneakers network benefit.
Medicare insurance companies can change their benefits every year, which is why it’s important to have a licensed insurance agent that you can turn to for help at least once a year. To book an appointment, click here or call 562-735-3553.
What Types of Workout classes are offered through SilverSneakers?
Cardio workouts
Cardio workouts are a type of workout that helps to improve your cardiovascular fitness. These workouts typically involve activities that raise your heart rate and get your blood pumping.
Cardio workouts can help to improve your overall health and fitness, and can also be beneficial for weight loss.
SilverSneakers members can benefit from cardio workouts by getting access to classes that are specifically designed for older adults. These classes can help you to stay active and fit, and can also reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease.
Strength-training workouts
SilverSneakers provides a variety of strength-training workouts to help keep members fit and healthy. Cardiofit is a cardiovascular class that can be strenuous.
This class may not be ideal for beginners. However, SilverSneakers also offers other, less intense classes that focus on strength training.
These classes can help people of all fitness levels get stronger and improve their overall health.
Flexibility and balance workouts
The SilverSneakers program also offers classes through its FLEX network, which is outside of a gym. FLEX classes are typically smaller and more personal than gym classes, with instructors’ contact info available for students to call and ask questions.
There are also SilverSneakers on-demand videos and an app called SilverSneakers GO which includes exercise videos.
SilverSneakers is available 24/7 so it can work around anyone’s schedule.
Mind and body workouts
Mind and body workouts are exercises that focus on both the body and the mind. These types of workouts can be beneficial because they can help improve mental and physical health.
This is a great program for older adults to take advantage of as it provides many benefits, including:
- Learning new skills and knowledge
- Keeping the mind active and sharp
- Making new friends and socializing
How can I find more Location Near me that Offers SilverSneakers?
Go to the SilverSneakers website
The SilverSneakers website and app provide access to fitness programs near you. You can download a digital membership card on the app if your plan covers SilverSneakers.
The app allows users to access their membership card at any time and is available on both iOS and Android devices. You can also find them from your home computer by visiting their website.
What Additional Gym Memberships Programs do Medicare Plans Cover?
While SilverSneakers is a popular fitness program that provides health and fitness exercise programs, there are additional options available through other Medicare plans.
This program provides similar advantages to SilverSneakers and is accepted by more insurance carriers. At present, approximately 70 carriers include Silver&Fit as a benefit on some of their Medicare plans.
Although it is not as strong as the other two programs, SeniorPHIT (Personal Health Improvement Training) can still be helpful for those who get it. This program provides two personal wellness plans, two personal meal plans, an online coach, and online access to healthy recipes and informative articles.
Does Original Medicare Cover SilverSneakers?
SilverSneakers is a private fitness program that is not covered by Original Medicare. You’ll need to enroll in a private plan that includes Medicare as a benefit in order to take advantage of SilverSneakers.
The SilverSneakers program provides a variety of benefits, including access to gyms and fitness classes, as well as discounts on health and wellness products and services.
Is SilverSneakers Included for Free with Medigap Plans and Medicare Advantage Insurance Plans?
Medicare Supplement Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans that include SilverSneakers membership at no additional cost to its members.
To get a SilverSneakers membership you are required to join a Medicare plan offered by private insurance companies that participate in SilverSneakers.
Coverage will vary by Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, and availability may depend upon your location.
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, you may want to contact your independent Medicare Agent to find out if the plan includes the SilverSneakers benefit.
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Include Silver Sneakers for Seniors?
The SilverSneakers program is a fitness benefit offered by some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans. It provides access to a nationwide network of gyms and other fitness facilities, as well as online resources and support.
The following list of carriers offering the program may change from year to year. The following carriers currently offer the program as part of some (but not necessarily all) of their plans.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Humana
- Mutual of Omaha
- Aetna
- Kaiser Permanente
- Anthem
- Well Care
- United HealthCare
- Vitality
- Bankers Life
- Eon Health
- Medica
- Care Plus
- Clover
Medigap insurance companies are not allowed to advertise these programs as part of their initial sales process. Some insurance companies may offer gym membership programs like SilverSneakers and may or may not charge a fee to access them.
Can I Sign up for a SilverSneakers Gym Membership on my own?
No. You must be enrolled in a Medicare plan that offers SilverSneakers as part of their healthcare benefits.
How Do I find out if My Medicare Plan Participates in SilverSneakers?
To find out if your Medicare plan participates in SilverSneakers, you can contact your plan’s customer service department or check the plan’s website. You may also be able to find this information through the SilverSneakers website.
Integrity Now Insurance Brokers is Here to Assist
Integrity Now Insurance Brokers is here to assist you with your insurance needs. We are an independent insurance brokerage firm that is dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible coverage at the most competitive rates.
We work with a variety of Medicare insurance companies to find the right fit for your individual needs.
Contact one of our Medicare agents today to learn more about how we can help you secure the coverage you need
