What is SilverSneakers?
If you are about to start Medicare you have likely heard about SilverSneakers. SilverSneakers is one of the most popular health and fitness plans for Medicare beneficiaries. It is a program specifically designed for people who are 65 and older and want to maintain their physical health throughout retirement. SilverSneaker presents a goal to have seniors stay strong in 3 ways: mind, body, and spirit.
You can check your SilverSneakers eligibility here.
Where Can I Take SilverSneakers Classes?
Silver Sneakers offers classes both in person and online, so you can make the decision as to which you are most comfortable with!
If you are looking for in-person classes, there are many different types of workouts offered through Silver Sneakers. Whether you are looking for cardio classes, water aerobics, yoga, or boot camp, there is something for everyone no matter what your activity level is! If indoor gym classes aren’t your preference, you can also look into classes through Silver Sneakers FLEX program. FLEX classes are typically outdoor classes that will take place in locations such as parks, recreation centers, and churches.
Online classes are offered live through Zoom with more than 50 weekly classes. If you are unable to attend the live Zoom classes, Silver Sneakers also offers classes through On-Demand, so you can attend on your own schedule. There are also nutrition videos offered through the On-Demand feature to improve nutrition habits along with physical fitness.
You can also use your Silver Sneakers membership to attend the gym independently at any participating location.
Does Medicare Include Silver Sneakers?
Unfortunately, Original Medicare Parts A and B do not include a membership for Silver Sneakers. However, there are other ways to have Silver Sneakers included with your Medicare coverage, by enrolling into either a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan that includes this added benefit. Not all insurance carriers, however, include Silver Sneakers in their plan benefits, and the inclusion is not a permanent benefit.
The inclusion of Silver Sneakers as a benefit to Medicare beneficiaries is strictly at the insurance carriers’ discretion. It is important to not choose a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage plan solely based on the inclusion of a Silver Sneakers membership, as that membership is not guaranteed to be renewed annually. You want to choose your supplemental Medicare coverage based on your health needs, with the gym membership as a possible added benefit.
Some insurance carriers who have included Silver Sneakers as an added benefit are Aetna, BCBS, and Humana. It is important to note that Silver Sneakers is not included in every plan or every state that these insurance carriers are present in. The inclusion is based on specific plan enrollment. Here is a list of Silver Sneakers participating health plans.
