Medicare Advantage plans that include SilverSneakers or Fit
Not all Medicare Advantage plans cover fitness programs, but many do — and the ones that do often include either SilverSneakers or Fit, two of the largest fitness networks for older adults. Which program your plan covers depends on your specific plan and your insurance company. You will need to check your plan documents or call your plan's member services line to find out whether you have access to either one.
SilverSneakers is offered by plans from UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Cigna, and several regional insurers. Fit is offered primarily by plans from Anthem and some regional carriers. Some plans offer both, and some offer neither — there is no single answer that applies to every Medicare Advantage plan nationwide.
The easiest way to find out what your plan covers is to look at your plan's Summary of Benefits document, which lists all covered services. You can also call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask directly whether your plan includes SilverSneakers, Fit, or any other fitness benefit.
Key Takeaways
- SilverSneakers and Fit are fitness programs offered by different Medicare Advantage insurers, but not all plans include them.
- Your plan's Summary of Benefits document lists whether you have access to SilverSneakers, Fit, or other fitness benefits.
- You can call your plan's member services number to confirm which fitness program, if any, is included in your coverage.
- If your plan does not cover either program, ask whether it offers any other fitness or wellness benefit instead.
- Once you confirm your plan covers one of these programs, you can enroll directly through the program's website or by phone.
How to check your plan documents
Your Medicare Advantage plan sends you a Summary of Benefits and Coverage document every year, usually in the fall. This document lists all covered services, including fitness programs. Look for a section titled "Fitness" or "Wellness" or search the document for the words "SilverSneakers" or "Fit."
If you cannot find your current plan documents, you can request them from your insurance company by calling the member services number on your insurance card. You can also visit your plan's website and read the document from there. Many plans post their benefit documents in a "Members" or "Resources" section.
When you call or visit the website, have your member ID number ready. This number appears on your insurance card and helps the representative pull up your specific plan details quickly.
SilverSneakers: which insurers offer it
SilverSneakers is available through Medicare Advantage plans offered by UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Cigna, and several smaller regional insurance companies. The program gives you access to fitness classes, gym facilities, and online workout videos at no extra cost beyond your plan premium.
If your plan includes SilverSneakers, you can use gyms and fitness centers in the SilverSneakers network, which includes YMCAs, Planet Fitness locations, and thousands of other facilities nationwide. You can also take live and on-demand fitness classes online through the SilverSneakers GO app.
Not every plan from these insurers includes SilverSneakers — it depends on which specific plan you chose. A UnitedHealthcare plan in one county might include it while a different UnitedHealthcare plan in the same county does not. This is why checking your own plan documents is the only reliable way to know.
Fit: which insurers offer it
Fit is offered primarily through Medicare Advantage plans from Anthem (which operates under different regional brand names like Anthem Blue Cross, Empire, and Wellmark). Some regional insurers also offer Fit as part of their plans.
Fit provides access to fitness centers, group exercise classes, and digital fitness content. Like SilverSneakers, it is included at no extra cost if your plan covers it. The network of participating gyms and fitness centers varies by region.
Because Fit is offered by fewer insurers than SilverSneakers, fewer Medicare Advantage members have access to it overall. If you have an Anthem plan, check your plan documents to see whether Fit is included.
What to do if your plan does not cover either program
If your plan does not include SilverSneakers or Fit, ask your plan's member services whether it offers any other fitness or wellness benefit. Many plans cover other programs, such as gym membership discounts, virtual fitness classes, or wellness coaching.
Some plans also cover physical therapy or cardiac rehabilitation, which may include supervised exercise. If you have a specific health condition, your plan may cover exercise programs related to that condition even if it does not offer a general fitness benefit.
You can also ask whether your plan will cover a gym membership or fitness class if you pay for it yourself — some plans reimburse members for fitness expenses up to a certain amount per year. The member services representative can tell you what options are available under your specific plan.
How to enroll once you confirm your coverage
If you confirm that your plan includes SilverSneakers, you can enroll through the SilverSneakers website or by calling 1-888-423-4632. You will need your Medicare number and your plan information. Enrollment is free and usually takes just a few minutes.
If your plan includes Fit, you can enroll through the Fit website or by calling the number provided in your plan documents. Again, enrollment is free and requires your Medicare number.
Once you are enrolled, you will receive a membership card or digital access information that you can use at participating fitness centers. Many programs also offer a free orientation or fitness assessment when you first join.
Using your fitness benefit at the gym
When you arrive at a participating gym or fitness center, bring your SilverSneakers or Fit membership card (or show your digital membership on your phone). The gym staff will check you in and may ask you to complete a health screening form on your first visit.
Most facilities offer a free tour and fitness assessment so you can learn what classes and equipment are available. You can then attend group fitness classes, use the gym equipment, or work with a trainer — the scope of what is included depends on your specific membership and the facility.
If you have questions about what is covered at a particular gym, call the gym directly or ask the front desk staff. Different locations may offer slightly different services even though they are part of the same network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan if mine does not include a fitness benefit?
Yes. You can change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. If fitness coverage is important to you, you can compare plans that include SilverSneakers or Fit and switch to one of them. Keep in mind that switching plans may change your doctor network and prescription drug coverage, so review the full plan details before deciding.
Do I have to pay anything extra to use SilverSneakers or Fit?
No. If your plan includes either program, there is no additional cost beyond your plan premium. You do not pay per visit or per class. However, some gyms may charge a small fee for services beyond the basic membership, such as personal training sessions.
What if there are no participating gyms near me?
Both SilverSneakers and Fit offer online fitness classes and videos that you can use from home. You can search the network locator on their websites to see what facilities are in your area. If the network is thin where you live, ask your plan whether it covers other fitness options or gym membership discounts instead.
Can I use SilverSneakers or Fit if I am not yet 65?
These programs are designed for Medicare beneficiaries, so you must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to use them. If you are under 65 and have Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease, you may be able to use these programs if your plan includes them.
How do I know if my plan changed its fitness benefit?
Your plan sends you updated benefit information each fall before the new plan year begins. Review the new Summary of Benefits document carefully, as fitness coverage can change from year to year. You can also call member services to ask whether your fitness benefit is the same as the previous year.