Staying active and fit is crucial for our health and well-being, especially as we age. If you’re a senior with Medicare, here’s some great news: your healthcare plan may support your fitness goals by covering gym memberships. Discover how to use this benefit to stay healthy, active, and energized—at no extra cost!
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals 65 and older, provides more than essential medical coverage. Some Medicare plans, especially Medicare Advantage Plans, offer fitness benefits to keep you active and healthy.
These plans are an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). They are available through private insurance companies approved by Medicare, often including perks like free or discounted gym memberships and wellness programs.
Finding a Free Gym Membership
To begin your journey towards a healthier lifestyle with a free gym membership, follow these steps:
Research Medicare Advantage Plans: Check if your Advantage Plan includes a fitness program. Programs like ‘SilverSneakers’ are popular among older adults.
Local Gyms: Once you’ve identified the programs available through your plan, contact them to see if they participate.
Understand the Offerings: Some gyms might offer additional benefits like fitness classes or personalized training sessions.
Advantage Plans that Offer Free Gym Membership
Medicare Advantage plans may include additional benefits beyond Original Medicare, including free or discounted gym memberships. Here’s a brief overview of some well-known plans that usually offer this perk:
UnitedHealthcare: UnitedHealthcare offers the SilverSneakers program in many Medicare Advantage plans. SilverSneakers provides access to gyms, fitness classes, and wellness resources at no additional cost.
Humana: Humana’s Medicare plans often include the SilverSneakers benefit. Additionally, they may offer wellness programs, like Humana Go365, which reward members for healthy behaviors.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield: Anthem’s plans often include SilverSneakers. In some areas, they might offer alternative fitness programs tailored to senior health needs.
Aetna: Aetna plans usually include a fitness benefit, such as the SilverSneakers program. They also offer additional wellness resources and discounts on health-related products.
Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser Permanente’s Medicare Advantage plans often include Silver&Fit, providing access to a network of fitness centers, exercise classes designed for older adults, and home fitness kits.
Cigna: Cigna’s Advantage plans often include fitness benefits through programs like Silver&Fit, offering gym memberships, home fitness options, and healthy aging coaching.
Eligibility for a gym membership through Medicare typically depends on the specific Medicare plan. Here’s a breakdown of the general eligibility criteria:
Enrollment, Benefits & Participation
Enrollment in Medicare: You must be enrolled in Medicare and typically be 65 years or older. Medicare eligibility also extends to individuals under 65 with specific disabilities or medical conditions.
Specific Medicare Plan Type: Most gym memberships are through Medicare Advantage plans (Part C), not Original Medicare (Part A and B). Private insurance companies offer these plans, often including additional benefits like fitness programs.
Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits: Not all Advantage plans offer gym memberships. Plans that offer this benefit often partner with fitness programs like SilverSneakers or Silver&Fit. You need to be enrolled in a project that includes one of these programs or similar fitness benefits.
Location and Gym Participation: The availability of gym memberships also depends on whether local gyms participate in the program offered by your Advantage plan. Not all gyms work with all Medicare fitness programs.
Additional Cost: Typically, gym memberships are free of charge beyond your Medicare Advantage plan premiums. However, it’s essential to confirm this, as plans can vary.
Guidance for Further Research
-
- Check Specific Plan Details: It’s crucial to examine the particular details of an Advantage plan thoroughly to ensure that it includes gym memberships and other wellness benefits.
- Regional Variations: Be aware that the availability of specific programs might vary based on your location.
- Consult with a Medicare Advisor: Consider consulting with a Medicare advisor or agent for personalized advice and to explore all options available.