Key takeaways:
Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plans cover certain out-of-pocket costs for original Medicare enrollees. But they don’t usually include special benefits. Gym memberships through SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, and Renew Active are sometimes included.
The typical value of this benefit is $40 to $70 a month, depending on the options offered and the gym you choose.
Your gym membership through Medigap often gives you access to different types of fitness facilities.
Gym membership and other fitness benefits aren’t covered by original Medicare — Part A and Part B. But your insurance benefits do include other preventive services. Some Medicare supplement insurance policies, known as Medigap plans, include gym membership programs at participating fitness centers, including YMCAs. The program with the largest market availability is SilverSneakers. It offers access to gyms across the country, as well as on-site and online exercise programs.
SilverSneakers — and 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 you choose. The average cost of a gym membership is $40 to $70 a month.
Below, we will discuss which Medicare supplement plans include gym membership and details about these programs.
Search and compare options
What is a Medigap plan?
Medigap is supplemental insurance. Depending on your plan, it covers some or most of your post-deductible out-of-pocket costs for original Medicare. These costs include all or part of the coinsurance — typically 20% — that you pay for healthcare visits, medical equipment, and other care covered under Part B. Medigap also pays for your Part A coinsurance and all or part of your hospital costs.
There are 10 Medigap plans, designated by letter names. Prices differ, but 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 older adults through the fitness programs SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, and Renew Active. You can typically join for no additional cost. But some plans may have a nominal fee.
Your membership will also include online classes. If multiple fitness locations are in your covered network, you may also have access to them. You may be offered 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 offer access to the basic amenities available at participating facilities. These include:
Cardio and strength training equipment
Group exercise classes (yoga, walking groups, older-adult-focused workouts, Zumba, Pilates, tai chi)
Pools
Saunas
Tennis courts
Walking tracks
Fitness programs offer different classes, so be sure to check before you sign up. You’ll also have access to on-demand fitness content. SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, and Renew Active apps can give you easier access to benefits.
For popular activities that may be available, such as pickleball, use your plan’s locator tool to find a facility. 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. Several insurance companies offer Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans with SilverSneakers. They include:
Aetna
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Devoted Health Plans
Highmark
Humana
Mutual of Omaha
Washington National
Wellcare
Wellpoint
To find a plan, select your state in the drop-down menu of this SilverSneakers tool.
SilverSneakers works with thousands of participating gyms in the U.S. This means that people who live in two places may be able to access fitness centers year-round. There are about 15,000 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 to participating gyms.
Questions
You can find more information online. You can also call 1-866-584-7389 or complete this form on the program’s contact page.
What is the Silver&Fit program?
Silver&Fit is a gym-access program offering fitness benefits similar to SilverSneakers. To find a plan, select your state from the drop-down menu of this Silver&Fit tool.
There are more than 20,000 participating locations nationwide. You can find one 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 be eligible to receive a home fitness kit.
Questions
You can find more information online. Or you can call Silver&Fit customer service at 1-877-427-4788.
What is Renew Active?
Renew Active provides gym membership at no cost to people enrolled in certain UnitedHealthcare Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. Renew Active is a passport to a large network of fitness locations across the U.S.
Your Renew Active membership also includes:
Brain-health coaching and content
Livestreamed fitness classes
On-demand workout videos
Use this link to find out more about Renew Active benefits. If you have questions, call UnitedHealthcare at 1-855-604-1588.
How do you choose the best Medigap plan for your 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 is a good deal. But don’t pick a Medigap plan simply because it offers fitness benefits. Choose a Medicare supplemental insurance plan for how well it will defray your original Medicare out-of-pocket costs when you access care and medical equipment. Make sure you compare 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 participating Medigap plan to enjoy a free or low-cost gym membership. If you’re considering switching Medigap plans, make sure a plan offers access to the fitness program you want.
If you are thinking about leaving one of the older Medigap plans — C, F, or J — which are generous, be especially careful. The new plan may not offer gym benefits or have out-of-pocket coverage that matches what you have.
If you want to switch Medigap plans outside your onetime 6-month enrollment period, you may be subject to medical underwriting. The results of this health assessment can lead to higher premiums or 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 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 don’t 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’s 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. But Renew Active is available only through Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans offered by UnitedHealthcare.
Yes, the UnitedHealthcare Medigap Plan G covers gym membership through the Renew Active program at no cost. This benefit also includes access to on-demand workout videos and live fitness classes online.
AARP-endorsed Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans sold by UnitedHealthcare don’t 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’s 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. But Renew Active is available only through Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans offered by UnitedHealthcare.
Yes, the UnitedHealthcare Medigap Plan G covers gym membership through the Renew Active program at no cost. This benefit also includes access to on-demand workout videos and live fitness classes online.
The bottom line
Some Medigap plans offer access to gym memberships at no 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 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’re eligible to join one of these programs.
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References
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