Does Aetna Medicare Cover SilverSneakers?

Yes, certain Aetna Medicare Advantage plans provide SilverSneakers membership, a widely recognized nationwide fitness and wellness program for older adults.

This popular benefit allows Aetna plan members to improve their fitness, engage their minds, and socialize with other similarly-minded folks. Membership includes access to 15,000 participating facilities across the country. High-quality fitness facilities like the YMCA or private gyms participate in most locations. SilverSneakers also includes online enrichment activities, an app, live activities, and classes. Thus, members can skip traveling to a gym to enjoy many of the benefits offered by this program.

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Which Aetna Plans Include a SilverSneakers Membership?

Aetna Medicare Advantage Plans

Aetna advertises that the SilverSneakers benefit comes bundled with most Medicare Advantage plans. However, enrollment in Aetna Medicare Advantage plans won’t always guarantee access to the Silver Sneakers program.

In rare cases, Aetna may provide Medicare plans in a geographic area with no local SilverSneakers program participants. Thus, members might still use online resources but not a local gym. The insurance company often offers alternatives, like a home exercise kit with fitness videos and equipment.

How can you tell if your Aetna Medicare Advantage plan includes this fitness program? You can use the company’s search tool, or one of our insurance agents can guide you.

Aetna Medicare Supplement Plans

Aetna Medicare Supplement plans, such as Plan G, Plan F, and Plan N, do not offer coverage for SilverSneakers. However, certain Aetna Supplement plans may provide coverage for Attain by Aetna, which is a fitness and wellness program.

Members with Aetna Medicare Supplement plans can participate in the Attain by Aetna program to earn points for completing healthy actions, such as getting a flu shot or visiting their primary care doctor for a preventive checkup. These points can be exchanged for gift cards at popular retailers nationwide.

How Much Does SilverSneakers Cost With an Aetna Medicare Plan?

Here’s the good news about the cost of SilverSneakers with an Aetna Medicare plan:

• This fitness program costs nothing beyond the regular plan premium (based on your county).
• The facility won’t charge plan members any additional fees.
• Members won’t have to worry about copays or deductibles, as they do for many medical services or prescription medicines.

How to Enroll in an Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan With SilverSneakers

Enrollment in Medicare Advantage requires Part A and B Medicare coverage. Medicare offers an Open Enrollment Period each autumn for people to join or switch plans. New beneficiaries will also have a chance to sign up when they first qualify for Medicare.

Besides Aetna, other insurance companies also offer SilverSneakers as a benefit with their Medicare plans. Plans that provide an exercise program may also offer discounts for health-related products and services, like OTC medicine, nutritional supplements, and healthcare supplies.

Bottom Line

Plans that offer a fitness program can help you achieve your health goals. If you live in an area where Aetna does not offer SilverSneakers, you can always enroll in a membership directly with SilverSneakers at a monthly cost that ranges from $15.00 to $50.00. One of our agents can help you locate the best plan that includes SilverSneakers and assist you in shopping and comparing plans to find the best medical and drug benefits.

Sources: eHealth – Aetna Website – SilverSneakers

FAQ's

• What is SilverSneakers?

  The SilverSneakers program is meant for seniors over the age of 65 and is offered as a part of several Medicare plans focusing on health and fitness.

• How Much Does Silver Sneakers Cost Per Month?

  The program’s cost depends on your location and the fitness locations you choose to attend. If your Medicare plan doesn’t cover it, the monthly program fee ranges from $15 to $50. With this fee, you can access all Silver Sneakers classes and activities at participating fitness locations.

• Does Original Medicare Cover SilverSneakers?

  Original Medicare does not include an exercise program under its primary coverage. Medicare Part A and B cover services from medical providers, and Part D covers prescription drugs. For instance, Medicare covers physical therapy but not fitness classes.

  However, many health insurance plans from private insurers include fitness programs as an added benefit. The fitness program helps keep members healthier, benefiting the insurance company and the members.

• Does SilverSneakers Offer More Than Gym Memberships?

  In some cases, a SilverSneakers membership also includes access to the FLEX program. This program provides members with a network of local fitness alternatives. These exercise alternatives could include various dance or exercise classes, water aerobics, balance exercises, and running or walking groups. Not everybody enjoys hitting the gym for weight or cardio machines. Some older and infirm people struggle to travel away from home. Thus, these alternatives can keep more people engaged in fitness and offer a fun way to socialize with new people.