What Medicare Plans Cover Gym Memberships?

Medicare, a federal health insurance program, covers individuals aged 65 or older, and some younger people with disabilities. Understanding its components helps beneficiaries navigate healthcare options. This article explores how Medicare plans offer gym membership and fitness benefits.

Medicare Parts and Gym Coverage

Original Medicare, consisting of Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance), does not cover gym memberships or fitness programs. These services are not considered medically necessary. While Part B covers certain medically necessary services like physical therapy or specific wellness programs for conditions such as diabetes, it does not extend to general gym access.

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and are the primary source for gym membership benefits. These plans must cover all services provided by Original Medicare Parts A and B, but often include additional benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. Fitness benefits, including gym memberships, are a common supplemental offering. A significant majority of Medicare Advantage plans, nearly 98%, offered some form of fitness benefits in 2022. While some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans might also offer fitness benefits, this is less common and varies by insurer.

Common Gym Membership Programs

Many Medicare Advantage plans partner with specific wellness programs to provide gym membership benefits. These programs are designed to promote physical activity and overall health among older adults. They typically offer access to a network of fitness centers, various classes, and sometimes even at-home fitness options.

SilverSneakers is a widely recognized fitness program offered through eligible Medicare Advantage and some Medigap plans. It provides members access to over 22,000 participating gyms and fitness centers nationwide, including equipment, pools, and walking tracks. SilverSneakers also offers various instructor-led classes tailored for seniors, both in-person and online, and an on-demand video library. Members can use their benefits at multiple locations, even when traveling.

Renew Active is another popular fitness program, exclusively offered with certain UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans. This program provides access to a large network of fitness centers, including premium gyms and various class types like yoga and cycling. Beyond physical fitness, Renew Active also includes online brain health programs, such as BrainHQ, and opportunities for social engagement through local health and wellness events. Members receive a confirmation code to access participating locations and online resources.

Silver&Fit is another program available through some Medicare Advantage plans, offering access to a network of fitness centers and home fitness kits. This program provides diverse options, including access to YMCAs and various amenities like swimming pools. It also offers online or in-person fitness services at thousands of locations and can include healthy aging coaching to help create personalized health plans. These programs aim to make fitness accessible and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Finding a Plan with Gym Benefits

Identifying a Medicare Advantage plan that includes desired gym membership benefits requires careful research. Since these benefits vary significantly by plan, region, and insurance provider, it is important to review each plan’s specific offerings. Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer the same fitness programs, and availability can change annually.

A primary resource for comparing Medicare plans is the official Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov. This online tool allows individuals to search for Medicare Advantage plans available in their area by entering their zip code. When using the Plan Finder, users can look for plans that indicate fitness benefits in their summary, often marked with a specific icon or check mark. Detailed plan documents and summaries should be reviewed to confirm the exact nature of the fitness benefits, such as which specific gym programs are included.

Direct contact with insurance providers is another effective way to obtain detailed information about their Medicare Advantage plans and associated fitness benefits. Insurance agents can provide personalized guidance and help navigate options to find a plan that aligns with individual fitness preferences. When evaluating plans, prioritize comprehensive medical coverage first, as fitness perks are supplemental. Comparing costs, such as premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, along with the fitness benefits, is also important.

Activating Your Gym Membership Benefit

After enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a gym membership benefit, the next step is to activate and begin using it. Confirming enrollment in the specific gym program is typically the initial action. This can often be done through the plan’s member portal or by contacting the Medicare Advantage plan directly. The plan can provide details on how to proceed and any specific identification needed.

Once confirmed, locating participating gyms or fitness centers within the chosen program’s network is essential. Both SilverSneakers and Renew Active, for instance, offer online tools or websites where members can search for nearby locations by entering their zip code. These tools often provide information about the types of facilities, classes, and amenities available at each location. Members can use these tools to find locations that best suit their preferences and fitness goals.

The typical process for joining a participating gym involves presenting a member ID or a specific program ID or code. For example, Renew Active members use a confirmation code to register at participating fitness locations. SilverSneakers members generally need their 16-digit SilverSneakers ID number. Upon presentation of the required identification, the gym will complete any necessary paperwork and issue a gym membership card, allowing access to the facility and its offerings.