How SilverSneakers Benefits Seniors On Medicare
- Stamina. Stamina gives you the ability to exercise for a decent amount of time without your body becoming tired.
- Strength. Strength training can help prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, arthritis, and type 2 diabetes. ...
- Flexibility. ...
- Balance. ...
Full Answer
Who is eligible for Silver Sneakers?
The program requires the following:
- Medicare-eligible
- Enrollment in a plan that includes a membership
- If the gym membership costs an extra fee, you must pay the premium.
What insurances offer Silver Sneakers?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer valuable additional benefits, such as:
- Vision coverage
- Dental coverage
- Hearing coverage
- Fitness program coverage (including gym memberships or discounts)
- Transportation to doctor visits
- Over-the-counter drug coverage
- Other services that promote health and wellness
Is Silver Sneakers covered by Medicaid?
The simple answer is no, the SilverSneakers program is not covered by Medicare. Original Medicare consists of Part A and B of Medicare and covers hospital care and outpatient medical expenses. Silver Sneakers is an extra benefit that is offered by Medicare Advantage plans, as well as some supplement plans to add to Original Medicare benefits.
Who offers Silver Sneakers program?
While Powell and other seniors equate Silver Sneakers with their Medicare Advantage plans – in his case through Florida Blue – Silver Sneakers is actually operated by Franklin, Tennessee-based Tivity Health. “Tivity is the bridge between us and the insurance companies,” Bishop noted.
What is one of the benefits of the Silver Sneakers program?
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program that provides gym access and fitness classes for older adults. It's covered by some Medicare plans. A 2019 study of SilverSneakers participants found that individuals with more gym visits had higher self-reported physical and mental health scores.
Is Silver Sneakers go free?
If SilverSneakers is included in your Medicare Plan, you can have all of that—at no additional cost to you. To help you learn more and take advantage of SilverSneakers, we put together this handy guide to answer your questions.
What kind of exercises does Silver Sneakers do?
SilverSneakers classes, from easiest to hardestMIND combines yoga and Pilates to help relax the body and mind. ... SilverSneakers Classic focuses on strengthening muscles and increasing range of movement for daily life activities.More items...•
Is Silver Sneakers being discontinued?
Some of these include AARP Silver Sneakers (also known as United Healthcare), but they have discontinued this relationship in several states. Many Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage insurance plans include this benefit at no extra cost.
How do you become a Silver Sneakers member?
To be eligible for SilverSneakers, you must join a participating Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. If you are already enrolled in one of those types of private insurance plans, you can visit SilverSneakers.com to see if your current plan offers the program.
Does Silver Sneakers have a new name?
The company has replaced SilverSneakers with coverage for a different program called “Renew Active.”
Does SilverSneakers DVD?
A special SilverSneakers at-home workout DVD so you can get the same great exercise in your living room as you would in a fitness center. Access to the members-only website where you can log in all your steps, see your fitness progress, download healthy recipes, and take a survey about your health.
Is Silver Sneakers free on YouTube?
Right now you can stay fit and well with SilverSneakers workout classes that are posted on YouTube. We found a variety and assortment of workouts available at no cost from mild movement to vigorous cardio workouts.
What is Silver Sneakers splash?
A fun, shallow-water exercise class that uses a signature splash-board to increase movement and intensity options. Splash is suitable for all skill levels and is safe for non-swimmers. The pool provides many benefits when used for aerobic exercise and resistance training.
Why did UnitedHealthcare drop silver sneakers?
According to Sam Warner, who leads UHC's Medicare Advantage product team, the company's move away from SilverSneakers® is to “reach a broader portion of our membership” with a “wider variety of fitness resources.” Warner noted that “over 90 percent of policyholders who are eligible for SilverSneakers® “never step foot ...
What did UnitedHealthcare replace silver sneakers with?
Renew ActiveUnitedHealthcare replaced SilverSneakers with a different fitness program called Renew Active. Renew Active works similar to SilverSneakers.
Did AARP drop silver sneakers?
In some states, the major Medicare Supplement insurers — such as Humana, BlueCross Blue Shield, AARP — include SilverSneakers membership with some Medigap plans. These instances are few and far between though, as most Medigap plans do not include SilverSneakers, especially those offered by smaller insurance companies.
What age do silversneakers work?
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program that’s specifically aimed at adults age 65 and older.
Can you sign up for Silversneakers?
If your plan covers the SilverSneakers program, you can sign up for it on the SilverSneakers website. After signing up, you’ll be provided with a SilverSneakers membership card with a member ID number. SilverSneakers members have access to any gym that participates in the program.
Does Medicare cover Silversneakers gym memberships?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover gym memberships or fitness programs like SilverSneakers. However, some Medicare Part C and Medigap plans do. If you’re interested in SilverSneakers, check to see if it’s included in your plan or any plan you’re ...
Can you use a Silversneakers membership card to enroll in a gym?
SilverSneakers members have access to any gym that participates in the program. You can use your membership card to enroll at your gym of choice. You’ll then have access to all SilverSneakers benefits free of charge. Tips for choosing the best Medicare plan for your needs.
Is Silversneakers covered by Medicare?
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program that provides gym access and fitness classes for older adults. It’s covered by some Medicare plans. of SilverSneakers participants found that individuals with more gym visits had higher self-reported physical and mental health scores. Keep reading to learn more about SilverSneakers, ...
Do Silversneakers have free benefits?
SilverSneakers members have access to the included benefits free of charge. You’ll have to pay for anything that isn’t covered in the SilverSneakers program.
How to find Silversneakers fitness?
To find participating fitness locations or classes in the SilverSneakers network near you, use our location tool, or download the SilverSneakers GO app (free, iOS and Android ). We recommend that you check with locations directly to find out about their hours and class schedules.
How to describe Silversneakers?
Friendly. Supportive. Motivating. Fun. Like family. That’s how members often describe the SilverSneakers community.
What classes do Silversneakers take?
Cardio and strength classes, which often offer a chair for support. Water aerobics classes. Chair and standing yoga classes. Tai chi, boot camp, and so much more! SilverSneakers classes are led by supportive instructors who are trained in senior fitness.
What is Silversneakers live?
SilverSneakers LIVE offers full-length SilverSneakers classes live through Zoom. With over 50 classes a week, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find favorites such as SilverSneakers Classic Light, Circuit Light, Yoga, EnerChi, and BOOM MIND. There’s also Zumba Gold, Cardio Mix, Bodyweight Boot Camp, and Group Personal Training. Plus, you’ll find live workshops, including Balance Builder, the Happiness Effect, and Nutrition as We Age.
What is a silver sniper?
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed for adults 65+ that’s included with many Medicare Plans.
What are the videos on Silversneakers?
SilverSneakers On-Demand features hundreds of videos for SilverSneakers members only. You’ll find workout videos for cardio, strength training, and fall prevention . You’ll also get nutrition videos, such as healthy eating habits for older adults and how to read food labels.
Where are Silversneakers classes taught?
Not a fan of the traditional gym? You might like SilverSneakers FLEX classes, which are taught at recreation centers, local parks, and other neighborhood locations.
What insurance do you need to get Silversneakers?
To be eligible for SilverSneakers, you must join a participating Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan .
How old do you have to be to get Silversneakers?
In order to be eligible for the SilverSneakers Fitness program, you must be: 65 or older, or eligible for Medicare because of a disability. Living in the U.S. Enrolled in a private Medicare plan that offers the SilverSneakers benefit.
What is Silver Steps?
In addition, the Silver Steps program provides seniors who live in more rural areas access to personalized workout programs they can do from home and an online component to help keep members connected and motivated to stay healthy.
Can you add Silversneakers to Medicare?
Your plan either offers SilverSneakers or it doesn’t — you can’t add it on separately. If you’re interested in joining a Medicare Advantage plan in your area that does include SilverSneakers, one of our licensed insurance agents can help you explore your options.
Does Medicare Advantage include Silversneakers?
Some of the health insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans offer at least one plan that includes SilverSneakers membership. Plan availability and specific plan benefits may vary depending on where you live and the type of plan you have.
Does Medicare cover Silversneakers?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer SilverSneakers membership to eligible seniors. Find a Part C plan that covers your SilverSneakers membership.
What is Silver Sneakers?
With over 15,000 participating fitness locations, Silver Sneakers is one of the top health and fitness programs designed for adults 65 and older.
Who is Eligible?
The eligibility criteria for Silver Sneakers is similar to the requirements for a standard Medicare plan, i.e., one must be 65 and older (unless they are eligible for Medicare due to disability), living in the United States, and enrolled in a supplemental Medicare plan that offers the Silver Sneakers program.
Original Medicare & Silver Sneakers
Since Silver Sneakers is privately operated, it is not offered as a benefit through the federal Medicare program. However, if a Medicare enrollee wants access to a Silver Sneakers membership, they are able to sign up by enrolling in a participating MA or Medigap plan.
MA Plans & Silver Sneakers
Medicare Advantage plans, otherwise known as Medicare Part C, will often cover a Silver Sneakers membership as an added benefit. Common MA plan providers include but are not limited to Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Anthem Blue Cross.
Cost of Silver Sneakers
Select participating Medicare Advantage plans cover the cost of a Silver Sneakers membership. If an enrollee is eligible for a Silver Sneakers membership and the membership is included as a benefit in their supplemental Medicare plan, they pay no extra cost.
How to Enroll
To enroll in a plan that offers a Silver Sneakers membership, Medicare beneficiaries must enroll in a participating MA or Medigap plan during their initial enrollment period or special enrollment period. If they are already enrolled in standard Medicare and are looking to change to an MA plan, they may do so during open enrollment.
Which Insurance Companies Cover Silver Sneakers?
Health insurance companies vary depending on where beneficiaries live. However, common insurance companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans include Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Anthem Blue Cross. To find out if a beneficiary has a Silver Sneakers membership included in their MA plan, they should speak with a licensed insurance provider.
What is silver sneakers?
Silver sneakers is a free fitness program for beneficiaries of Medicare. Medicare partners with gyms all over the country to offer this program. If the gym is one of those partners, you can access the gym completely free.
Does Medicare cover Silver Sneaker?
The original Medicare Part A and B that everyone gets do not cover Silver Sneaker membership. To get free access to this program, you either have to be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Supplement plan that offers the membership.
Is Silver Sneakers Medicare?
The Silver Sneakers Medicare fitness program is only very attractive to many seniors who use Medicare, but also to many Medicare supplemental insurance companies.
Can you use Silver Sneaker membership at a gym?
Many of the most well known gym chains are such partners so odds are you can go down to your local gym chain and use your Silver Sneaker membership.
Can you change your Silver Sneakers plan?
It is important to note that while some types of plans offer the Silver Sneakers program, that is subject to change at any time. For example, you could be in a plan that offer the Silver Sneakers program and upon renewal of the plan the insurance company cancels all Silver Sneakers offerings.
What are the Benefits of SilverSneakers?
SilverSneakers hosts group fitness classes in 17,000 gyms and community facilities across the United States. Additionally, its FLEX program covers 80 different activities outside of the gym environment, from outdoor walking to yoga to strength training — all of which are activities promoted by public health organizations to benefit older adults.
What Parts of Medicare Cover SilverSneakers?
The SilverSneakers program is not included under all parts of the Medicare umbrella. Namely, Original Medicare (which includes both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) does not offer the program as a benefit.
