Is Silver& fit The Same As Silversneakers
SilverSneakers is perhaps the most widely used fitness program included in many Medicare insurance plans, but its not the only one.
Silver& Fit is a program like SilverSneakers that is included in Medicare plans by some carriers. While the programs are sure to have their subtle differences, they are very similar in what they offer.
What Silversneakers Programs Does Medicare Cover
SilverSneakers is a fitness program designed specifically for seniors.
If you enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan that offers SilverSneakers, you can gain access to:
- A wide network of gymsIf you’re a member of SilverSneakers, you’re not tied down to a single gym membership. You can work out at any participating gym in the SilverSneakers network.
- Community fitness programsSilverSneakers offers group exercise programs that extend beyond the gym. These take place at recreational centers, parks, pools, and other venues.
- A variety of classesMembers can head into a number of different classes on any given day. These range from tai chi, to yoga, to Latin dancing, to shallow-water exercise classes.
- A community of your peersSilverSneakers aims to create a sense of community among its members. In fact, about three quarters of members say they have friends in the program.
What If My Plan Doesnt Include Silversneakers
Its in everyones best interests for insurance plans to offer fitness benefits. According to the National Institutes of Health, exercise protects against heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and can even help prevent some forms of cancer. It also improves mental health and contributes to a better quality of life. For these reasons, its not surprising that a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study showed almost one-half of all U.S. workplaces include fitness benefits in their health plans.
SilverSneakers is a subsidiary of Tivity Health, the company behind Nutrisystem, Prime Fitness, and Wisely Well brands. Although its the largest company offering Medicare fitness programs, it competes against programs such as Active & Fit Direct and Silver & Fit.
Insurers that want to offer fitness benefits choose the program that makes the most sense for their members. Some insurance companies develop their own fitness networks. For instance, UnitedHealthcare recently scaled back its participation in SilverSneakers in favor of Renew Active, a new fitness program created exclusively for UHC Medicare Advantage members.
If your Medicare plan doesnt offer SilverSneakers, it may offer one of the other fitness programs. You may even get fitness benefits with your life insurance policy: For example, John Hancocks Vitality Program rewards policyholders who participate in an active lifestyle.
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Most Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Fitness Benefits Like Silversneakers
Staying active is important for your health, regardless of age. Depending on your interests and level of physical activity, you may turn to a local gym, group fitness classes, or personal instructors for assistance in exercising.
How you receive your Medicare benefits determines whether you have access to low-cost or free fitness and wellness benefits, such as access to SilverSneakers, which is heavily used by beneficiaries and members. In fact, 88% of members say SilverSneakers has improved their quality of life.
The SilverSneakers benefit is not available on all plans. However, if you want to have access to SilverSneakers and are eligible for Medicare, you may have options. Here is some more information about SilverSneakers if you have TRICARE coverage and how you can take advantage of this benefit.
Medicare Advantage And Medicare Supplemental Silversneakers
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Enjoy this perk for those 65 years of age and older! Maybe a fitness membership is already apart of the fitness plan dont miss this opportunity to participate in a fitness membership you may already pay for but could be obtained for free through a Medicare Advantage, Supplemental Insurance or a group retiree plan.
Each year the program offers an increased variety of classes and programs for the 65+ member. Most of the local fitness clubs in my urban area offer the SilverSneakers program. And do not forget the SilverSneakers app!
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Whats Included In The Silversneakers Program
SilverSneakers is much more than just a gym membership, although it does include all the perks of a basic membership at participating fitness and community centers. You can work out on weight machines, join a group fitness class, swim a few laps, and even relax in the sauna or hot tub .
Youre also not locked into one particular fitness center. Your membership works at 17,000 participating locations across the United States, any of which you can visit. If you prefer exercising outdoors, try one of the SilverSneakers FLEX classes offered at a local park. Use the SilverSneakers GO app to find class schedules and locations, and track your progress toward fitness goals.
When going to the gym isnt an option, you can stream live classes and workshops to your TV or use the library of on-demand videos to exercise on your own schedule.
If youre eligible for SilverSneakers, these benefits are free at all participating locations. Youll only pay out-of-pocket for things like a smoothie from the health bar or a massage after your workout if you desire those extras.
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Silversneakers
Medicare Supplement plans are designed to help pay out-of-pocket costs with Part A and Part B . If something isnt covered by Original Medicare, it usually isnt covered by a Medicare Supplement plan. Medicare rules prohibit Medigap plans from offering extra benefits, but gym memberships such as SilverSneakers are the rare exception to the rule.
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.
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What Does Silversneakers Include
SilverSneakers includes a network of fitness facilities that includes access to thousands of gyms. You will be able to use any participating location. With SilverSneakers, youll be able to use amenities like weight machines, treadmills, ellipticals, pools, walking tracks, and group exercise classes. SilverSneakers also includes an on-demand video library of workout classes.
United Healthcares New Program Renew Active
Despite the partnership between SilverSneakers and United Healthcare ending, United Healthcare is promoting fitness for seniors with a new program.
Renew Active is a new program that is covered by United Healthcare to promote the same fitness goals seniors have been achieving through SilverSneakers.
Along with typical workout routines, Renew Active provides brain fitness activities. This program, known as AARP Staying Sharp, comes at no additional cost to subscribers who already receive Renew Active as a benefit. Staying Sharp allows users to take a quiz that builds a personalized routine. Articles on mental fitness and workouts are all provided virtually.
Renew Active provides many of the same benefits as SilverSneakers. Gyms are available to members at no additional cost with instruction-based classes and open gym equipment. Renew Active also offers a FitBit sponsored community in which members can track their progress with other members, supporting the social aspect of this program.
Regardless of your fitness level, you can find programs that fit your needs. Here are some examples of programs available:
- Strength programs including dumbbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, calisthenics
- Aquatic programs such as water yoga, aqua aerobics, and swimming
- Cardio such as cycling, kickboxing and aerobics.
- Speciality programs such as personal training, Zumba, and self-defense
- Mind/Body activities like yoga, pilates, and tai chi
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What Does It Include
You get access to over 15,000 gyms across the nation. Not only can you get into the gym, you are able to take classes that promote a healthy lifestyle. Also, many gyms offer programs and social opportunities for their members. As a note that you dont have to got a gym to take the classes. Many community centers and other places are available to you. And there are additional programs that allow you to save toward a family members college scholarship!
Question #: I Lost My Silversneakers Card How Do I Get A New One
If youre already a SilverSneakers member, you can get your digital membership card instantly here.
To make things even easier, download the SilverSneakers GO app . Youll be able to:
- Access your digital membership card anytime.
- Find SilverSneakers locations and classes near you.
- Discover, schedule, and track your workouts.
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What Is Silver Sneakers
Silver Sneakers is a private health and fitness membership program designed for seniors. Its available at no cost to those enrolled in a participating Medicare Advantage plan. There are over 16,000 participating Silver Sneaker gym facilities and 70 different types of health and fitness classes available nationwide.
If you join the Silver Sneakers program through a Medicare Advantage plan, you get a no-cost basic gym membership at any participating fitness center across the country. You can also take Silver Sneakers classes, which may include everything from cardio to tai chi to yoga, at no cost. The Silver Sneakers Flex classes are a new type of community-based exercise class that take place both inside the gym and outdoors at places like public parks and walking paths.
How To Qualify For Silversneakers
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Unfortunately, Original Medicare plans dont cover a SilverSneakers membership. SilverSneakers is considered a gym membership or fitness program, and the Medicare website explicitly says it wont cover those.
However, there is the chance that a Medicare Advantage plan will cover it. A supplemental plan could also cover the SneakerSilvers program. The SilverSneakers website says the program is covered by one in four Medicare programs, though the organization doesnt specify if this is 25 percent of Medicare Advantage plans or 25 percent of all Medicare plans.
You can check if your Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan covers SilverSneakers on the programs website. You can visit that same link if youre in the market for a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan and want to find one that include SilverSneakers in its coverage.
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Find Out If Youre Eligible For Silversneakers
What are the SilverSneakers eligibility requirements?
In order to be eligible for the SilverSneakers Fitness program, you must be:
- Living in the U.S.
- Enrolled in a private Medicare plan that offers the SilverSneakers benefit
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.
How To Join The Program
The best way to take advantage of this program is through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the SilverSneakers® benefit. The good news is that we have thousands and thousands of licensed agents who can guide you through the process of selecting a Medicare Advantage plan that includes the SilverSneakers® benefit.
You should know that Medicare Advantage plans have the ability to change their benefits every year, which is why its a good idea to have a licensed agent that you can turn to at least once a year to review your coverage and make sure that youre getting everything you need. To set up an appointment, or call 833-438-3676.
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What Medicare Supplement Plans Does Mutual Of Omaha Offer
Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap, provides coverage for some of the out-of-pocket costs that are required by Original Medicare . These costs can include deductibles, copayments and coinsurance that can be covered in part or in full by some types of Medigap plans.
Medicare Supplement Insurance coverage is standardized by the federal government, and there are 10 different types of standardized Medigap plans available in most states across the country.
Mutual of Omaha sells Medigap Plans A, F, G and N, along with high-deductible Plan F.
The chart below shows the different types of Medigap plans and the benefits they offer.
Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans 2021
You can learn more about Mutual of Omaha Medigap plans, find out what they cover and find an option that includes the Mutually Well fitness program by comparing Medigap plans that are available where you live.
Mutual Of Omaha Senior Fitness Benefits
Recently, Mutual of Omaha Medicare Advantage plans began a wellness initiative with the Tivity Healths Prime Fitness network of over 10,000 workout locations. With the help of a mobile app, customers have access to many resources.
Further, the wellness program includes complementary and alternative medicine services like chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, and more. The program has a discount network with over 20,000 doctors.
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How Is Silver& Fit Similar To Silversneakers
Silver& Fit is an online workout program that can be used at home or in the gym. Members have access to both live and archived workouts and classes taught by expert instructors on Facebook Live and YouTube. Live 30-minute classes are taught throughout the day Monday through Friday while additional classes are available in an on-demand library.
Classes include cardio, yoga, strength training, flexibility and balance, dance, Tai Chi, cycling and more. Home kits that include weights, resistance bands, mats and even a wearable fitness tracker are available to those wish to participate from the comfort of home.
Silver& Fit membership also grants you a basic membership to over 15,000 gyms and fitness centers nationwide. Silver& Fit members have access to any amenity included in a basic membership at each facility, such as pools, saunas or anything else covered by the respective membership level. A Silver& Fit mobile app allows members to stream live classes or on-demand workouts on a phone or tablet when working out at the gym.
Included in a Silver& Fit membership is a collection of lifestyle content, social clubs where members can connect with other members from their area, a rewards program for reaching workout goals and scheduled phone sessions with personal health coaches.
Which Is Better Medicare Advantage Or Supplements
Its important to know that Medicare Advantage plans are much different than Medicare supplement plans and you cannot have both at the same time. While Silver Sneakers is a nice perk, it may not be reason enough to choose one policy over the other. Its a good idea to discuss the differences with an independent agent before enrolling.
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Other Perks Of Wellcare Medicare Advantage Plans
While SilverSneakers is a popular benefit that may be covered by many Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans, its far from the only attraction. Some Wellcare Medicare plans may cover additional benefits such as:
- A 24-hour nurse advice phone line provides real-time answers to medical questions from nurses
- An online surgery decision-support program helps members make decisions about surgeries, alternative options, preparations and recoveries
- Fixed dollar amounts to put toward over-the-counter medications and products like bandages, pain relievers, cold remedies and even toothpaste
- Telehealth services where members may video conference with a doctor from the comfort and safety of their own home
- Reimbursement for non-emergency medical transportation for trips to appointments or the pharmacy
- Coverage of routine dental, vision and hearing care, which is not included in Original Medicare
- Coverage of prescription drugs, which is also not included by Original Medicare
- Discounts on health-related items like medical alert systems, blood pressure monitors, braces, canes, vitamins, and more and even discounts on non-health items like computers and car rentals
A licensed insurance agent can help you find a Medicare Advantage plan in your area that includes a SilverSneakers membership.
Silversneakers: Free Health Club Membership For Medicare Seniors
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When I first heard about this program, I was skeptical. Free health club membership for seniors 65 years and older? It is true. SilverSneakers is a free fitness membership through Medicare if a Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplemental plan is purchased. Group retiree plans may also participate!
Most insurance providers participate in SilverSneakers and provide the wonderful benefit of free membership to a local health club. But Silversneakers is not just membership to a health club! Silversneakers is a comprehensive long term health program to help you navigate life over 65 with health and fitness in mind.
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Question #: Whats The Silversneakers Community Like
Friendly. Supportive. Motivating. Fun. Like family. Thats how members often describe the SilverSneakers community.
What they all know: SilverSneakers is more than a fitness program, and often its the friendships that people make that keep them coming back. Many SilverSneakers groups even plan social events outside of classes, like potlucks or outings around town. Or if theyre taking a SilverSneakers LIVE class, theyll chat online before or after the workout.
This social support has real health benefits. SilverSneakers members who participate in group exercise are more active, feel healthier, and are less likely to experience social isolation than non-members, according to a Massachusetts Institute of Technology AgeLab study.
Plus, you can stay connected with the SilverSneakers community on and .
Getting The Most Out Of Your Medicare Insurance
Too often Medicare insurance policies are purchased and stashed away. Whether you purchase a Supplement or Advantage plan, its important to know about extra benefits. Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to offer ancillary benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Conversely, Supplements, by rule, cannot usually offer as many added benefits.
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What Medicare Supplement Companies Offer The Active And Fit Direct Program
The American Specialty Health Incorporateds new fitness program has millions of members. The Active and Fit Direct Program has been the market a couple of years, and its become the countrys most notable commercial fitness program.
Further, many companies offer programs like Active & Fit. Aetna members may have access to these programs, although supplement insurance may vary.
Learn if your Supplement company offers the Active & Fit Direct Program by contacting your agent.