by Russell Noga | Updated August 31st, 2023
If you’re an active senior, you probably go to the gym a few times a week to keep yourself in shape and for cardiovascular and muscular benefits. Active seniors and retirees don’t usually experience the same level of health complications as inactive people as they age.
As someone over the age of 65, you probably also have Medicare Parts A & B to assist you with paying for your annual healthcare expenses. If you’re smart, you might even have a Medigap supplemental insurance policy to help you remove the remaining costs associated with your healthcare.
If you don’t, and you’re considering one, we have good news for you. Some Medigap insurers offer you access to the SilverSneakers gym program when registering for a plan.
SilverSneakers is an additional benefit offered by select insurers. It provides a discounted rate to a participating gym, lowering your annual healthcare costs.
Now you can enjoy your training, knowing you’re getting the best value for money with your healthcare and gym membership.
Which Medicare supplement plans include gum membership like SilverSneakers? Let’s explore your options to give you a chance to save on your annual gym membership costs.
Call Us for Advice on SilverSneakers & Medigap Plans
If you need help finding a Medigap provider offering discounted gym membership, call us at 1-888-891-0229.
We offer you a free consultation over the phone to discuss the right insurer to meet your healthcare needs.
We work with all the leading healthcare insurers, and we can set you in the right direction to find the Medigap plan and provider offering you the best value in your state.
You can use the premium calculator on our site to get an automated quote on your preferred Medigap policy. Or fill out the contact form, and we’ll get a Medigap expert to call you back to discuss all your healthcare needs.
You can rely on us for expert, licensed advice in any state.
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Does Medigap Pay for Senior Gym Memberships?
Some Medigap policies from select providers offer you a free or discounted gym membership included in your premiums. That means you get the added benefit of free training sessions at participating gyms without paying extra.
Almost all Medicare Advantage plans give you a gym membership, but only some Medigap insurers offer these programs. A gym membership isn’t guaranteed in your policy and is not standardized coverage. However, some providers offer these memberships to attract more customers to their plans.
However, it’s important to note that policy rates for Medigap can differ by provider and the state you live in. In some states, some providers might say you get a free gym membership with their policy, but you pay more than what a gym membership costs in your monthly premiums to them.
For this reason, you need an expert to guide you through the options in your area. We can help you choose the lowest-cost insurer and the best Medigap policy to suit your needs and advise you on the right insurer to use for a free gym membership.
What Benefits Do You Get with a Gym Membership?
Medigap policies providing you with a free gym membership offer access to healthcare facilities, swimming pools, tennis or squash courts, walking or running tracks, and cardio and strength training equipment. Some plans also provide virtual fitness classes online or in parks or shopping malls.
Each Medigap provider has a version of the gym membership benefits they offer. For instance, you have the “Renew Active” program with AARP, Silver&Fit, and SilverSneakers programs with other providers. Regardless of the name of the benefit, you get the same advantage of a low-cost or free gym.
There are over 15,000 participating locations in the United States, and you have the option of using any participating gym for your workout. It’s ideal for seniors who travel a lot, giving you access to a gym wherever you go in the country.
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How to Choose a Medigap Plan to Cover My Senior Fitness Requirements?
While SilverSneaker, Renew Active, and Silver&Fit are readily available to Medigap policyholders in all states, not all Medigap providers provide these benefits.
Some insurers don’t have any SilverSneakers program and don’t intend to offer you additional benefits. While that might seem like a red flag, making you consider signing with a provider that does, you need to step back and evaluate their offer before making a decision.
Some insurers might not offer these fitness programs, but you’ll save more than the cost of a monthly gym membership in the fee for your monthly premium. Choosing the right Medigap provider in your state is challenging and requires extensive research to find the best deal.
However, you can skip all this due diligence and get us to do it for you. We’re the experts in Medigap and the benefits offered by each insurer. We can assist you with finding the best insurer in your state with the lowest premiums.
Give us an idea of the healthcare benefits you want and that you want a gym membership included in your policy. We’ll review your options for you, giving you total peace of mind knowing you’re getting the best deal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Medicare Supplement plans include gym membership benefits?
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans, do not typically include gym membership benefits. These plans are designed to cover certain out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer gym membership benefits as part of their extra services.
Are there any specific Medicare Supplement plans that provide gym membership coverage?
As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, there are no Medicare Supplement plans that specifically include gym membership coverage. It’s important to note that Medicare Supplement plans are standardized and labeled by letters (Plan A, Plan B, etc.), and the benefits provided by each plan are the same regardless of the insurance company you choose.
How can I obtain gym membership benefits with Medicare coverage?
If gym membership is a priority for you, you may want to consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) instead of a Medicare Supplement plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers, and these benefits may include gym memberships or fitness programs.
What should I look for in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers gym membership benefits?
When searching for a Medicare Advantage plan with gym membership benefits, consider factors such as the network of fitness centers, the availability of classes and facilities that suit your preferences, any associated costs or copayments, and the geographical coverage of the plan.
Can I add gym membership coverage to my existing Medicare Supplement plan?
Medicare Supplement plans do not typically offer the option to add gym membership coverage. If you’re interested in gym membership benefits, your best option may be to explore Medicare Advantage plans available in your area.
Are there any alternative ways to get fitness-related benefits with Medicare?
While Medicare Supplement plans in 2024 may not include gym membership benefits, some plans may offer coverage for services like physical therapy or preventive screenings that contribute to your overall health and fitness.
Are there any specific Medicare Advantage plans known for their gym membership benefits?
Different Medicare Advantage plans offer varying extra benefits, including gym memberships. To find plans with gym membership benefits, it’s advisable to research and compare available plans in your area during the annual enrollment period.
Do gym membership benefits in Medicare Advantage plans vary by state?
Yes, gym membership benefits offered by Medicare Advantage plans can vary by state and region. It’s important to review the plan details for your specific location to understand the fitness-related benefits they provide.
How can I determine if a Medicare Advantage plan’s gym membership benefits suit my needs?
To determine if a Medicare Advantage plan’s gym membership benefits suit your needs, review the plan’s Summary of Benefits, check which fitness centers are included in the network, inquire about any associated costs, and assess whether the offered facilities and services align with your fitness goals.
Are there any restrictions or limitations to using gym memberships provided by Medicare Advantage plans?
Yes, there can be restrictions or limitations when using gym memberships provided by Medicare Advantage plans. These might include specific fitness center locations, class availability, or certain eligibility criteria. Always review the plan documents and contact the plan provider if you have any questions about the gym membership benefits.
Find the Right Medicare Plan for You
Finding the right Medicare plan doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether it’s a Medigap plan or you have questions about Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D, we can help.
Call today at 1-888-891-0229 and one of our knowledgeable, licensed insurance agents will be happy to assist you!
Russell Noga is the CEO and Medicare editor of Medisupps.com. His 15 years of experience in the Medicare insurance market includes being a licensed Medicare insurance broker in all 50 states. He is frequently featured as a featured as a keynote Medicare event speaker, has authored hundreds of Medicare content pages, and hosts the very popular Medisupps.com Medicare Youtube channel. His expertise includes Medicare, Medigap insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, and Medicare Part D.