Do You Get a Free Gym Membership With Medicare?
Uncover how Medicare options can support your fitness journey. Learn which plans include gym access and how to effectively find and use these valuable benefits.
Many individuals wonder if Medicare covers gym memberships. Maintaining an active lifestyle is important, leading to questions about financial support for fitness activities. Understanding Medicare’s coverage for gym memberships requires distinguishing between its various parts and supplemental options.
Original Medicare and Gym Memberships
Original Medicare, which includes Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and doctor visits. However, neither Part A nor Part B typically covers gym memberships or general fitness programs.
Original Medicare considers gym memberships and general fitness activities as not medically necessary for treatment of a specific illness or injury. Therefore, if an individual only has Original Medicare, they are generally responsible for the full cost of any gym memberships or fitness programs they choose to join. While Original Medicare does not cover broad fitness programs, it may cover certain fitness-related benefits in specific situations, such as medically necessary physical therapy to treat an injury or illness, or diabetes prevention programs.
Medicare Advantage and Supplemental Plans
While Original Medicare does not cover gym memberships, private insurance companies offer alternatives that often include such benefits. Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and must cover all the services that Original Medicare covers. Many Medicare Advantage plans extend beyond Original Medicare by offering additional benefits, which frequently include gym memberships or fitness programs. A significant majority of Medicare Advantage plans include fitness benefits.
These plans often partner with nationwide fitness programs, providing members with access to gyms and fitness classes at no additional cost. Some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans may also offer fitness benefits, though this is less common than with Medicare Advantage plans. Medigap plans help cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare. While their standard coverage does not typically include gym memberships, some Medigap plans might offer discounts or include gym memberships as an added benefit.
Common Fitness Programs
Several popular fitness programs are often included as benefits with Medicare Advantage and, less frequently, Medigap plans. SilverSneakers is a widely recognized program designed for adults aged 65 and older, providing access to a network of thousands of gyms and fitness centers across the country. Members typically have access to cardio and strength equipment, walking tracks, pools, and various fitness classes tailored for seniors. It also offers online classes and an on-demand video library.
Renew Active is another prominent fitness program, exclusively available with many UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. It offers a free gym membership at a wide national network of fitness locations and includes an online program for brain health. It also provides access to online workout videos, live streaming classes, and local health events.
Silver&Fit is a program that offers access to a network of participating fitness centers and YMCAs, often at no additional cost. It also provides options for working out at home through home fitness kits and online resources like workout plans, on-demand videos, and live virtual classes. Some Silver&Fit plans may also offer healthy aging coaching.
Accessing Your Fitness Benefits
To determine if your Medicare plan includes fitness benefits, it is important to review your specific plan documents or contact your plan provider directly. Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans vary significantly in the benefits they offer, so checking your individual policy details is essential. Many plans and fitness programs provide online tools to help you find participating gyms or verify your eligibility.
If your plan includes a fitness program, you typically receive membership information or can sign up directly through the program’s website or at a participating facility. The availability and scope of these benefits depend on your specific plan, its location, and the insurance provider.