Key takeaways:
Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans cover certain out-of-pocket costs for original Medicare enrollees and usually don’t include special benefits. Gym memberships through the fitness programs SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, and Renew Active are sometimes included.
The typical value of this benefit is $40 to $70 a month — about $500 to more than $800 a year — depending on the options offered and the gym(s) you choose.
Often, your gym membership through Medigap gives you the option to access multiple fitness facilities.
Gym membership and other fitness benefits aren’t covered if you have original Medicare — Part A and Part B — even though your insurance benefits include other preventive care. But some Medicare supplement insurance policies, known as Medigap plans, include gym membership programs for seniors at participating fitness centers, including YMCAs. The largest of these programs is SilverSneakers, a privately owned and managed program that offers access to an array of gyms across the country, as well as on-site and online exercise programs.
Access to SilverSneakers — and the similar programs Silver&Fit and Renew Active — offers fitness benefits, cost savings, and motivation for older adults to stay healthy. How much money this benefit is worth depends on the gym(s) you choose. The average cost of a gym membership is about $40 to $70 a month.
What is a Medigap plan?
Medigap is supplemental insurance that, depending on the plan you choose, covers some or all of your out-of-pocket costs for original Medicare. These costs may include the 20% coinsurance you pay for healthcare visits, medical equipment, and other care covered under Part B. Medigap may also pay for your Part A coinsurance and your share of hospital costs.
There are 10 different Medigap plans that are designated by letter names. Medigap rules and benefits are the same in every state except:
Massachusetts
Minnesota
Wisconsin
Will a Medigap plan pay for a senior gym membership?
Some Medigap plans cover gym memberships for seniors through the fitness programs SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, and Renew Active. You can typically join for no additional cost. Though, some Silver&Fit plans, for instance, may have a nominal fee.
Your membership will also include online classes, and you may have access to multiple fitness locations if they are in your covered network. You also can add a buy-up option for access to premium fitness centers such as yoga and Pilates studios.
What are the benefits of a gym membership?
Medigap-covered gym memberships include access to the basic amenities available at participating facilities, such as:
Cardio and strength training equipment
Group exercise classes that may include yoga, walking groups, older-adult-focused workouts, Zumba, Pilates, and tai chi
Pools
Saunas
Tennis courts
Walking tracks
What is Medigap? Medigap is supplemental insurance that covers all or part of certain out-of-pocket costs for people enrolled in original Medicare.
Medicare plans and gym memberships: Many Medicare Advantage plans and some Medigap plans will cover gym membership and other fitness options.
Medigap medical underwriting: After your 6-month Medigap open enrollment period, a plan can opt to use a health review to determine whether to accept you, charge you more, or deny coverage.
The types of in-person classes and live online sessions available through the fitness programs vary, so be sure to check the offerings before you sign up. You will also have access to on-demand fitness content. Each of the programs — SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, and Renew Active -— offers an app that can give you easier access to your benefits.
If you are looking for a nearby facility that offers something unique, such as pickleball courts, use your plan’s locator tool to search for an option near you. Personal training and other special services may not be included, but there are virtual personal training and well-being coaching options with Silver&Fit.
Which Medigap plans cover the SilverSneakers program?
SilverSneakers provides fitness benefits to people ages 65 and older through certain Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. Offerings vary by state. Some examples of insurance companies in specific states that offer Medigap plans with SilverSneakers benefits are:
Humana (in Florida)
Washington National (in Florida)
Blue Shield of California
Anthem (in California)
You can find participating plans by selecting your state in the drop-down menu of this SilverSneakers participating health plans tool.
SilverSneakers works with thousands of participating gyms in the U.S., which means that people who live in two places — for example, Ohio in the summer and Florida in the winter — can access fitness centers year-round. In all, there are more than 22,000 locations nationwide.
Eligibility
Use this eligibility tool to find out if you qualify for SilverSneakers. If you already have a SilverSneakers account, you can log in to get your membership number. This number will give you access under your SilverSneakers membership to participating gyms.
Questions
If you have questions or can’t find the information you need online, you can call 1-866-584-7389 or complete this form on the program’s contact page.
What is the Silver&Fit program?
Silver&Fit is another large gym access program offering fitness benefits similar to SilverSneakers. You can find participating plans by selecting your state from the drop-down menu of this Silver&Fit participating health plans tool.
You can find one of the more than 20,000 participating locations nationwide by scrolling down this page to the Silver&Fit fitness center locator. Use this eligibility tool to find out if you qualify for Silver&Fit. You also may qualify to receive a home fitness kit.
Questions
If you have questions or can’t find the information you need online, you can call Silver&Fit customer service at 1-877-427-4788.
What is Renew Active?
Renew Active provides gym membership at no additional cost to people enrolled in certain UnitedHealthcare Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans endorsed by AARP. Renew Active is a passport to more than 17,000 fitness locations across the U.S. This program also offers premium benefits at fitness studios such as Pure Barre, Orangetheory Fitness, and Club Pilates — though you may be charged an added fee.
Your Renew Active membership also includes:
Brain-health coaching and content
Livestreaming fitness classes
On-demand workout videos
Use this link to find out more about Renew Active benefits. If you have additional questions, call UnitedHealthcare at 1-855-604-1588.
How do you choose the best Medigap plan for your senior fitness needs?
Fitness benefits can be attractive. If you were planning to pay to join a gym, getting a free membership through your Medigap plan instead is a good deal. But don’t pick a Medigap plan simply because it offers fitness benefits. Choose a Medicare supplement insurance plan for how well it will defray your out-of-pocket costs when you access care and medical equipment. Make sure you compare all the benefits of the 10 available standardized national plans.
If you want to switch Medigap plans, can you keep your SilverSneakers or other gym membership?
You must be enrolled in a Medigap plan that participates with SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, or Renew Active to enjoy a free or low-cost gym membership. If you’re considering switching Medigap plans, check to make sure that the plan you’re considering offers access to the fitness program you want.
If you are thinking about leaving one of the grandfathered Medigap plans — C, F, or J — which are generous, be especially careful. The new plan you’re considering may not offer gym membership benefits or have out-of-pocket coverage benefits that match what you have.
It’s also important to note that if you want to switch Medigap plans outside of your one-time 6-month enrollment period, you may be subject to a type of health assessment known as medical underwriting. The results can lead to higher premiums or a coverage denial.
What should you do if you have questions?
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free counseling on all aspects of Medicare and Medigap. A local benefits counselor in your state or territory can help you pick a Medigap plan or understand potential trade-offs if you want to switch plans. Another useful resource is the Medicare Rights Center, which can help you navigate your options.
Frequently asked questions
AARP-endorsed Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans sold by UnitedHealthcare no longer offer access to the SilverSneakers program. You can access Renew Active for gym membership and other fitness benefits if you have an eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.
The fitness program that is best for you is the one you qualify for through your Medicare supplement or other health insurance plan. Access to SilverSneakers is offered by a variety of Medigap plans, while Renew Active is only available through Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans offered by UnitedHealthcare.
AARP-endorsed Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans sold by UnitedHealthcare no longer offer access to the SilverSneakers program. You can access Renew Active for gym membership and other fitness benefits if you have an eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan.
The fitness program that is best for you is the one you qualify for through your Medicare supplement or other health insurance plan. Access to SilverSneakers is offered by a variety of Medigap plans, while Renew Active is only available through Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans offered by UnitedHealthcare.
The bottom line
Some Medigap plans offer access to gym memberships at no extra charge. This can be a valuable benefit worth hundreds of dollars annually. Depending on your Medicare supplement plan, you could qualify for fitness benefits provided through SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, or Renew Active. Each program includes access to a network of thousands of gyms across the U.S. Offerings typically also include live and on-demand online exercise classes, and sometimes personal training or coaching is available. Check with your Medigap plan to find out if you are eligible to join one of these programs.
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References
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Medicare.gov. (n.d.). Gym memberships and fitness programs.
Medicare.gov. (n.d.). What's Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap)?
PackJac. (2023). Silver Sneakers exercise program through AARP supplement has been CANCELLED. Community.AARP.com.
Silver&Fit. (n.d.). Create an account.
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Silver&Fit. (n.d.). Search for your health plan.
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SilverSneakers. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions (FAQs).
SilverSneakers. (n.d.). How it works.
SilverSneakers. (n.d.). Instant eligibility check.
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