Does Kaiser Permanente Cover SilverSneakers?
- Many Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans cover SilverSneakers membership. Learn more about the SilverSneakers fitness program and other Kaiser Medicare plan benefits.
Members of many Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may have the added benefit of a membership to SilverSneakers, though the program isn't offered by Kaiser Medicare plans in every state.
SilverSneakers is a senior-focused fitness program commonly included as an extra benefit covered by some Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans, as well as by plans offered by other insurance companies.
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What Does SilverSneakers Cover?
A SilverSneakers membership includes a basic gym membership that grants you access to any amenities included with that level of membership at the respective gym or fitness center. That could include the use of pools, saunas, tennis or racquetball courts, locker rooms and more.
SilverSneakers members are free to work out on their own, but they also have the option of participating in a variety of clubs and group exercise classes and programs. These classes are designed specifically for older adults and are taught by instructors who are trained to work with seniors.
Programs can include things like:
- Strength or cardio training
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Dance
- Sports
- Nutrition
There are even some SilverSneakers classes designed to boost brain health, reduce stress or practice mindfulness and meditation.
There are more than 15,000 exercise facilities across the country that participate in SilverSneakers. If you can’t find one near you, or if you simply prefer to exercise at home, you can participate using the SilverSneakers mobile app, online workout videos, live online classes and even a FitBit watch issued at no extra cost.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for a Kaiser SilverSneakers Membership?
The first requirement of a Kaiser Permanente SilverSneakers membership is being eligible for Medicare Advantage. That means being enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
Once you’re eligible for Medicare Advantage, you must then be eligible to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan offered by Kaiser Permanente.
Kaiser sells Medicare Advantage plans in the following areas (please note: SilverSneakers may not be offered in each state)
- California
- Colorado
- District of Columbia
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Maryland
- Oregon
- Virginia
- Washington
If you are eligible to enroll in Medicare Advantage and live in one of the areas serviced by Kaiser Permanente, you may be able to enroll in a plan with a SilverSneakers benefit. In some states, Kaiser Medicare plans may offer a similar type of fitness benefit program such as Silver & Fit.
Is Silver and Fit the Same as SilverSneakers?
No, Silver & Fit is a different program than SilverSneakers, and these programs are offered by two different companies. However, they both offer similar benefits, such as fitness classes and gym memberships.
Connecting with a licensed Medicare insurance agent is a good way to navigate the process of finding and enrolling in a plan. If Kaiser does not sell Medicare Advantage plans in your area, an agent can help you find a similar plan sold by another carrier that does include SilverSneakers or a related fitness program.
Remember, you may only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan at certain times of the year, such as during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP, also called the Medicare Fall Open Enrollment Period) or a Special Enrollment Period (SEP).
Who Covers SilverSneakers?
Learn about additional coverage of SilverSneakers and other similar fitness programs.
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