SilverSneakers is a fitness program for older adults that provides access to gyms, community exercise classes, and workout videos. It helps promote good health through physical activity, but socialization can also foster good mental and emotional health.
To be eligible, a person must have a Medicare plan that includes SilverSneakers among its benefits.
This article discusses what SilverSneakers entails, which Medicare plans offer the program, and the costs. It also examines the potential health benefits of SilverSneakers and how to find a plan that includes the program.
Glossary of Medicare terms
We may use a few terms in this article that can be helpful to understand when selecting the best insurance plan:
- Deductible: This is an annual amount a person must spend out of pocket within a certain period before an insurer starts to fund their treatments.
- Coinsurance: This is a percentage of a treatment cost that a person will need to self-fund. For Medicare Part B, this is 20%.
- Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount an insured person pays when receiving certain treatments. For Medicare, this usually applies to prescription drugs.
SilverSneakers is a fitness program for adults 65 years and older who have Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medigap. Members have access to a network of thousands of gyms, where a person may use:
- cardio equipment, such as treadmills
- amenities, such as walking tracks and pools
- strength equipment, such as weights
Gyms may also include the following types of exercise classes:
The SilverSneakers program does not include cover for other services and products that gyms sometimes offer, such as massages or smoothies.
Members of SilverSneakers have unlimited access to the nationwide network of gyms and classes, meaning that they may enjoy the program when traveling or use the facilities at more than one location in their hometown.
FLEX
In addition to gyms, SilverSneakers offers admittance to FLEX classes, which are instructor-led activities that take place in community parks and recreation centers. People can choose from a wide range of classes, including yoga and nutritional awareness.
An online library of FLEX videos is also available. These provide information on various topics, such as:
- cardio workouts
- healthful eating
- strength training
- fall prevention
Well-being
Aside from the activities that can help improve physical health, the program offers a social support network.
The exercise classes provide an opportunity for members to meet and form friendships.
Many groups also plan social events, such as outings, and connect through social media platforms.
SilverSneakers is a benefit of some Medicare Advantage or Medigap plans.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans offer the same coverage as Original Medicare (Parts A and B) but often provide additional benefits, such as dental or vision care.
Many Medicare Advantage plans also include SilverSneakers among their benefits. Individuals can check with their plan provider whether they are eligible for SilverSneakers.
People with Original Medicare are not eligible for SilverSneakers, as the plan does not have the extra benefits of Medicare Advantage.
Learn about the benefits and drawbacks of Medicare Advantage.
Medigap
Some Medigap plans also include SilverSneakers as one of their benefits.
Medigap is Medicare supplement insurance that helps pay out-of-pocket costs and fill coverage gaps for an individual with Original Medicare only.
Learn more about Medigap plans and costs.
Finding a plan with SilverSneakers
A person looking for a Medicare Advantage plan can use this search tool to discover the options in their area.
The tool makes it easy to compare prices and see which plans offer SilverSneakers.
Most Advantage plans include fitness benefits, so if they do not provide this specific program, they may offer a similar one.
People who have a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan that includes SilverSneakers pay nothing to become a program member. However, the plans involve other costs, such as premiums, deductibles, and copayments.
Medicare Advantage costs
One of the out-of-pocket costs of Medicare Advantage plans is the monthly premium, which ranges from $0 to more than $200 or more per month, depending on the particular plan. The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans in 2024 is an estimated $18.50.
The plans also have deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance — all of which can vary. In addition to these expenses, a person with Medicare Advantage must pay the Part B monthly premium, which is $174.70 or higher, depending on an individual’s income in 2024.
Medigap costs
The only cost with a Medigap policy is the monthly premium, which varies widely among plans and service areas. Some Medigap providers may offer discounts, including:
- nonsmokers
- females
- married couples
- paying yearly
- paying with electronic funds transfer
- having multiple policies
Individuals can check with the Medigap providers to find the most affordable plan for them.
Regular exercise has multiple health benefits,
An exercise program also:
- strengthens the bones and muscles
- reduces the likelihood of a person developing:
- decreases the risk of falls and functional limitations
- increases a person’s chance of living longer
Social engagement is another lifestyle practice that plays an essential role in health. As social isolation raises the likelihood of a decline in functional abilities and severe illness, developing social relationships may reduce these risks and improve overall health.
A 2018 study examined the benefits of a program such as SilverSneakers. The authors noted that older adults who participated in a fitness program increased their physical activity and self-rated overall health.
They also found that programs such as SilverSneakers helped decrease social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation has significant effects on an individual’s overall health and well-being. There is also a connection with depression, memory problems, and lower functional ability.
SilverSneakers may also lead to increased self-esteem among members, which can, in turn, further increase their sociability.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.
Regular exercise and maintaining a social network can have positive effects on physical and emotional health.
Participating in a fitness program, such as SilverSneakers, can make it easier for a person to engage in these beneficial lifestyle practices.
Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans include a SilverSneakers membership. Individuals can check with their plan provider for more information on SilverSneakers coverage.