Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover SilverSneakers?
- Some Blue Cross Blue Shield cover SilverSneakers membership as an extra benefit. Learn more about the SilverSneakers fitness program and the other benefits that may be available with a Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is part of the Anthem family of brands that offer insurance plans under several different company names throughout the U.S. Many Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may offer a SilverSneakers membership as an added benefit.
Though plan availability and benefits may vary, you can compare Medicare plans available where you live and find out which plans cover SilverSneakers as well as other benefits you want, such as dental, hearing, vision, prescription drugs and more.
What Is SilverSneakers?
SilverSneakers is a health and fitness program designed specifically for senior adults. There are more than 15,000 gyms and fitness centers around the U.S. that participate in the SilverSneakers program. It is important to note, however, that SilverSneakers has now been replaced by a program called Renew Active.
What Does SilverSneakers Cover?
A SilverSneakers membership includes a basic gym membership at a fitness center near where you live, and members are granted access to any amenities that are included with a basic membership of the facility. Amenities will of course vary by location and could include access to things like swimming pools, saunas, sports courts, walking tracks, workout rooms and more.
Most gyms and fitness centers that participate in SilverSneakers also include exercise classes and wellness clubs specifically for seniors. These might include yoga, Tai Chi, walking or running clubs, sports leagues, weight and cardio training and more.
Some of the classes may be held at other locations such as parks or senior centers. Those who do not live near a SilverSneakers location may still participate at home using a series of SilverSneakers online exercise videos and live workout classes.
How Do You Enroll in SilverSneakers?
If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes SilverSneakers as a benefit, you simply then have to register with SilverSneakers on the SilverSneakers website to receive your ID card and membership number that will grant you access to SilverSneakers locations and programs.
Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, is an alternative way to receive Original Medicare benefits (Part A and Part B) while also receiving coverage for things not found in Original Medicare. These extra benefits can often include things like dental care, vision care or prescription drugs. SilverSneakers is a common and popular included benefit within these plans.
Is there a SilverSneakers Age Requirement?
No, there is no age requirement to be a part of SilverSneakers.
Is Silver&Fit the Same as SilverSneakers?
SilverSneakers is perhaps the most widely used fitness program included in many Medicare insurance plans, but it’s not the only one.
Silver&Fit is a program like SilverSneakers that is included in Medicare plans by some carriers. While the programs are sure to have their subtle differences, they are very similar in what they offer.
How Can I Find a Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan with SilverSneakers?
The easiest way to find a Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan in your area that includes a SilverSneakers membership is to connect with a licensed insurance agent.
It’s possible that your local Blue Cross Blue Shield affiliate may not offer SilverSneakers as part of its Medicare plans. Should that be the case, an insurance agent who is contracted with multiple different carriers may be able to find some Medicare Advantage plans offered by other carriers that include SilverSneakers, Silver & Fit or a similar fitness program for seniors.
Who Covers SilverSneakers?
