How Can You Cover Gym Membership With Medicare Plans

Medicare Plans and Gym Memberships: Here’s What You Need to Know

Staying active is vital in keeping you physically and mentally fit. Unfortunately, lacking access to a gym, fitness program, or recreation center can make it hard to start and stick to an exercise routine. It doesn’t help that Medicare Part A and B don’t cover gym membership. While one can argue that staying fit is preventative care and that it should be covered by Medicare, Medicare Part B focuses on people who are already unwell. Still, it’s possible to get fitness coverage through Medicare plans. In this article, get to learn how that’s possible.

How Can You Cover Gym Membership With Medicare Plans

In the US, you can get fitness coverage via private Medicare plans. Several insurance companies offer Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage. This plan covers much more than what Medicare Part A and B do. Aside from preventative care, outpatient, and inpatient coverage, it also covers several other healthcare services, including coverage for fitness centers and gym memberships.

Aside from Medicare Advantage, Medigap, which is a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan, covers fitness programs as well. You can call your Medigap insurer to find out what benefits are offered under your plan. But generally, with a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, you can expect your health insurance to include fitness memberships for adults ages 65 and above. This plan is called SilverSneakers.

What Is SilverSneakers?

It’s a health and fitness program that gives older adults access to fitness classes and gyms. It includes benefits such as:

• Use of specific gym facilities, including pools, fitness equipment, and walking tracks
• Fitness classes designed for senior adults
• Access to online fitness resources, such as workout videos

If your Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans include a fitness program, the insurer will send you information on how you can enjoy this benefit. In most participating facilities, you’ll be required to show a card before you’re allowed to use their amenities. In case you want a home fitness program, ask your insurer how that works because different companies have different rules about home fitness programs.

Aside from SilverSneakers, you can enjoy fitness benefits through programs like Silver & Fit and Renew Active. Silver & Fit provides a low-cost or no-cost gym membership to over 5 million people enrolled in Medicare. Under the program, you also get a home fitness kit every year. Renew Active is a wellness program available via UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, and the benefits include free gym membership to your local gym.

Note that you can’t join such programs if your Medicare plan doesn’t offer fitness benefits. However, you can still join a gym near you and pay the membership fee to meet your fitness goals.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Fitness Coverage by Medicare

To enjoy the Medicare fitness benefits, you have to use the resources near you. Take a look at some of the ways you can do that.

Make Use of Wellness Visits

One of the benefits of a Medicare plan is that it covers preventative services. Talk to a healthcare provider about your fitness goals during your annual visit. The doctor will guide you on which exercises to do based on your abilities and health condition. If the doctor suggests physical therapy, stick to the plan because it will help you regain strength to participate in fitness activities.

Take Advantage of Fitness Benefits

Being fit requires discipline and dedication, which you’ll need to stay healthy. If your plan offers these benefits, find out what gyms in your area you have access to. Also, look for wellness programs and fitness classes available to you.

Stay Updated About Any Changes in Your Coverage

Medicare coverages tend to change from time to time. It’s wise to stay updated about these changes to make the most out of the benefits available to you. Anytime you have concerns or questions about your coverage, talk to a Medicare representative for answers.

How to Choose a Suitable Medicare Plan to Enjoy These Fitness Benefits

It’s always best to choose a Medicare plan suitable for your needs. Here’s how to do that.

Analyze Your Fitness Needs and Goals

People have different fitness needs. It can be to lose weight, build muscle strength, or any other need. Either way, analyze your fitness needs and find a facility to help you achieve those goals. Ask yourself whether the plan you want aligns with your fitness goals and interests. After all, what works for your friend may not work for you.

Look at Different Plans

Before settling on one insurance company, review several of them. Check what their fitness benefits cover. At the same time, compare prices to see what fits within your budget. Consider things like monthly premiums, copayments, and deductibles, as they’ll determine if a Medicare plan is for you.

Research the Available Fitness Facilities and Programs

Not all fitness centers or gyms participate in these Medicare Plans. You may find that you can’t access the local gyms close to you. It’s good to research the gyms, ensure they’re included, have the amenities you need, and are located near you.

If you want to maintain a healthy lifestyle during your golden years, understand your Medicare plan and whether it offers fitness benefits. If it doesn’t, switch to one that does to reap the benefits of living an active life.