Original Medicare does not offer coverage for gym memberships or fitness courses. However, certain other portions, such as Medicare Advantage, may benefit some fitness programs.
Physical exercise and mobility are vital for a person to remain healthy, and many gyms provide programs designed to assist older folks be more active.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay for gym memberships. However, Medicare Advantage coverage may include gyms and other physical health activities. This article describes how Medicare may pay the cost of a gym membership and programs for mental and physical wellness.
Does Medicare Pay For Gym Membership?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships since they do not consider these services medically essential. Under Original Medicare, a person is liable for 100% of the cost of fitness programs and memberships.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) may offer coverage for exercise programs and club memberships. Private insurance firms run Medicare Advantage plans, and they must follow Medicare guidelines, delivering all services from Medicare Parts A and B. However, they may also offer extra advantages, such as:
• Eyecare
• Hearing care
• Dental care
• Prescription medication plans
Not all Medicare Advantage plans provide the same coverage, so a person may wish to check with their plan provider to confirm available benefits.
Medicare Advantage plans vary by firm and geography, and a person may only enroll in plans accessible where they reside. The Medicare website includes a search tool for plan availability in a person’s zip code.
Each plan featured will have many of its perks mentioned under “plan details,” but fitness benefits may be under the “more benefits” section. A plan may not specify fitness coverage, but a consumer may contact the plan provider to check.
Medigap
Some Medigap plans, commonly known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, include gym memberships and fitness perks. Like Medicare Advantage, commercial insurance firms manage Medigap coverage, and a comparable online search option is provided. A person who already has a Medigap plan might contact their plan provider to find out whether they have coverage for gym memberships or fitness programs.
Rules and Limits for Gym Membership Coverage
Each Medicare Advantage program may have distinct regulations and limits depending on the coverage chosen. Plan possibilities may vary even within the same location. A person with a Medicare Advantage plan may contact their plan provider for particular information on regulations and limits, although these may include:
• Have to utilize particular gyms
• Enrolling for certain fitness courses
• Attending gyms and fitness facilities during specific hours
Medicare Plans and Fitness Programs
Using a gym or following a fitness program may assist enhance a person’s overall health. This may also assist cut healthcare expenditures. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer their fitness programs.
Wellness programs
These are incentive programs provided by several Medicare Advantage plans. These grant particular prizes for performing tasks throughout the year.
SeniorPHIT
Pronounced “SeniorFIT,” this is a service sponsored by Aetna that provides a person two wellness programs, two nutrition plans, and an online coach.
Renew Active
Renew Active is a benefit given by UnitedHealthcare and AARP. The package includes a gym membership, an online program to aid with mental acuity and access to activities hosted by UnitedHealthcare.
SilverSneakers
SilverSneakers is a training program provided by various fitness establishments around the United States. Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap policies include membership that includes:
• Access to nearly 16,000 participating gyms
• Classes for all exercise levels
• Advice from qualified instructors
• SilverSneakers on-demand videos
• A smartphone app to monitor and organize activities
A 2019 study discovered that utilizing the SilverSneakers approach increased the quality of life for older persons. Another study observed that older persons first start attending SilverSneakers mostly because it is an insurance benefit, but continue coming due to the fitness promotion, social ties, and pleasure of the program and instructors.
Silver&Fit
Silver&Fit is another workout program supported by certain Medicare Advantage plans. The program gives access to local gyms and fitness programs at YMCAs, where individuals may get heart and strength training and enjoy facilities such as swimming pools, saunas, and whirlpools.
Medicare Advantage plans may also provide access to the Silver&Fit house exercise programs, in which a person may select to have two exercise kits sent to their house each benefit year. A person cannot enrol in a fitness facility and a home fitness program at the same time. Other private insurers may provide various fitness programs, so a person may find it advantageous to study all choices.
Medicare resources
For additional information to assist guide you through the complicated world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare website.
Bottom Line
Original Medicare does not pay for gym memberships or fitness programs; however, Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans may provide these benefits. Private firms handle Medicare Advantage programs and Medigap. However, benefits change in each plan. A person may verify whether their coverage covers gym memberships by contacting their plan provider.
Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans provide membership with SilverSneakers or Silver&Fit. These are workout regimens particularly created with older persons in mind. A person might compare the fitness benefits accessible to them by looking for a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan on the Medicare website.
