SilverSneakers

 The Wellness Center offers a membership based fitness area for adults with their best health and well-being in mind. 

Medicare and SilverSneakers

Exercise is important for all age groups, including older adults.

Making sure that you stay physically active can help to maintain mobility and physical function, lift your mood, and make performing your day-to-day activities easier.

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 studyTrusted Source 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, which Medicare plans cover it, and more.

What is SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program that’s specifically aimed at adults age 65 and older.

It includes the following benefits:

• use of participating gym facilities, including fitness equipment, pools, and walking tracks
• fitness classes specifically designed for older adults of all fitness levels, including cardio workouts, strength training, and yoga
• access to online resources, including workout videos as well as nutrition and fitness tips
• promotion of a supportive community of fellow participants both in person and online

SilverSneakers has thousands of participating gyms nationwide. To find a location near you, use the free search tool on the SilverSneakers website.

Using fitness programs can help improve your overall health and may also lower your healthcare costs.

One study Trusted Source followed SilverSneakers participants for 2 years. By year 2, it was found that participants had lower total healthcare costs as well as smaller increases in healthcare costs compared to nonparticipants.

Does Medicare cover SilverSneakers?

Some Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans cover SilverSneakers. Additionally, some Medigap (Medicare supplement) plans offer it as well.

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. 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.

Which parts of Medicare cover SilverSneakers?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs. Since SilverSneakers falls under this category, original Medicare doesn’t cover it.

However, gym memberships and fitness programs, including SilverSneakers, are often covered as an additional benefit in Medicare Part C plans.

Private insurance companies approved by Medicare offer these plans.

Part C plans include the benefits covered by Parts A and B. They also typically have additional benefits like dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.

Some Medigap policies will also cover gym memberships and fitness programs. Like Part C plans, private insurance companies offer Medigap plans. Medigap plans help to cover costs that original Medicare doesn’t.

How much does Silver Sneakers cost?

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.

If you’re unsure about what’s included at a specific gym, be sure to ask.

Additionally, it’s important to note that the specific amenities and classes available to you can vary by gym. You may have to search for a participating gym that meets your specific fitness needs.

The takeaway       

SilverSneakers is a fitness program specifically geared toward older adults. It includes:

• access to gym facilities
• specialized fitness classes
• online resources

SilverSneakers benefits are provided to members free of charge. If you want to use gym or fitness services not included in SilverSneakers, you’ll have to pay for them.

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 considering.