Does Medicare Pay for a Gym Membership?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program in the United States. It primarily serves people aged 65 or older, along with some younger individuals who have certain disabilities or specific medical conditions. This program helps manage the costs associated with various health services and treatments. The program helps with healthcare expenses but does not cover all medical costs.

Original Medicare Coverage for Fitness

Original Medicare, which consists of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), generally does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs. These services are not considered medically necessary. Part A primarily covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and some home health and hospice services. Part B focuses on outpatient medical care, doctor’s services, and certain preventive services.

Individuals with only Original Medicare are responsible for the full cost of gym memberships and fitness programs. Its framework does not extend to routine fitness club fees. Beneficiaries will need to explore alternative coverage options.

Medicare Advantage Plan Fitness Benefits

Many individuals find that Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, offer a broader range of benefits, including coverage for gym memberships and fitness programs. These plans are offered by private insurance companies that are approved by Medicare, and they must provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B. Beyond the basic coverage, Medicare Advantage Plans often include supplemental benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, and prescription drug coverage, along with fitness programs. A majority of Medicare Advantage plans, about 95%, offer fitness benefits.

One widely recognized fitness program available through many Medicare Advantage plans is SilverSneakers. This program provides members with access to a network of thousands of participating gyms and fitness centers nationwide. SilverSneakers includes fitness classes tailored for older adults, such as yoga, strength training, and cardio, along with access to gym equipment and pools. It also offers online resources, including on-demand videos and virtual classes, allowing for at-home workouts.

Another common fitness benefit found in many UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans is Renew Active. This program offers a free gym membership within an extensive national network of fitness locations. Renew Active also provides resources for brain health, including online programs, and access to online videos and live streaming fitness classes. The program aims to support both physical and mental well-being for its members.

Active&Fit Direct is another program that may be included with certain Medicare Advantage plans or offered through other organizations. This program provides access to a large network of standard gyms for a monthly fee, which can be around $28, plus an enrollment fee. It also offers discounts on premium exercise studios and includes thousands of on-demand workout videos and digital resources. Members can track their activity using compatible fitness trackers and apps, and some versions may offer one-on-one well-being coaching.

Finding and Using Your Fitness Benefits

Determining if your Medicare Advantage plan includes fitness benefits requires reviewing your specific plan details. Beneficiaries should consult their plan’s Summary of Benefits or Member Handbook, as these documents outline the covered services and additional benefits. Many plans also provide information about fitness programs on their websites or through dedicated member portals. If you are unsure, contacting your plan provider directly by calling the member services number on your ID card is an effective way to confirm eligibility and learn about included programs.

Once you have confirmed that your plan offers a fitness benefit, the next step involves locating participating facilities. For programs like SilverSneakers, Renew Active, or Active&Fit Direct, their websites or mobile applications feature searchable directories of gyms and fitness centers. These tools allow you to find locations near your home or while traveling. Checking these online resources helps ensure that a preferred facility is part of your plan’s network before visiting.

To use your fitness benefits, present your plan’s member ID card or a specific program ID at the participating gym or fitness center. Some programs may require you to obtain a confirmation code or register online before your first visit. The facility staff can then verify your eligibility and complete the enrollment process, often providing a scan card for future check-ins. While the core fitness membership may be covered, any additional services or premium amenities offered by the gym, such as personal training or special classes, might incur extra costs not covered by your plan.