Medicare covers SilverSneakers through certain plans, but not all Medicare beneficiaries have access to it

SilverSneakers is a fitness program included in many Medicare Advantage plans and some standalone prescription drug plans. It is not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B alone). Whether you have access depends entirely on which plan you chose during enrollment — you need to check your specific plan documents or call your plan's customer service number to know for certain.

If your plan does include SilverSneakers, the program is free to you. You get access to fitness classes, gym equipment, and sometimes virtual fitness options at participating locations. The catch is that not every gym or fitness center participates, so you need to verify that a location near you is included before counting on it.

Key Takeaways

  • SilverSneakers is offered by many Medicare Advantage plans and some prescription drug plans, but Original Medicare does not cover it.
  • If your plan includes SilverSneakers, there is no additional cost to you beyond your regular plan premium.
  • You must check your plan's member materials or call customer service to confirm whether your specific plan offers SilverSneakers.
  • Participating locations vary by region, so you should search the SilverSneakers website or call their member line to find gyms and classes near you before relying on the benefit.

How to learn about your plan includes SilverSneakers

The fastest way is to look at your plan's Summary of Benefits document, which you received when you enrolled. Search for "SilverSneakers" or "fitness" on that document. If it is listed, your plan includes it.

If you cannot find your documents, call the customer service number on the back of your Medicare card. Tell them you want to know whether your plan covers SilverSneakers. They can confirm in one call and often can enroll you on the spot if it is included.

You can also visit the SilverSneakers website and enter your ZIP code and plan name. The site will tell you whether your plan is may be able to access and show you participating locations near you.

What SilverSneakers actually covers

If your plan includes it, SilverSneakers gives you access to fitness classes and gym equipment at participating locations. Classes typically include water aerobics, yoga, strength training, and balance classes — many are designed specifically for older adults. You can usually attend as many classes as you want, and there is no copay or additional charge.

Some plans also include SilverSneakers Online, which offers live and on-demand fitness classes you can do at home. The availability of the online option depends on your specific plan, so ask your plan's customer service whether it is included in yours.

SilverSneakers does not cover personal training sessions, massage, physical therapy, or specialized rehabilitation. Those services may be covered under other parts of your Medicare plan, but not through SilverSneakers itself.

Which Medicare plans typically offer SilverSneakers

Most major Medicare Advantage plans include SilverSneakers, including plans from UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Anthem, and Aetna. However, not every plan from these companies includes it — some lower-cost plans do not. Regional and smaller plans vary widely.

Some standalone prescription drug plans (Part D plans) also include SilverSneakers, though this is less common than in Medicare Advantage plans. If you have Original Medicare and a separate Part D plan, ask your Part D plan whether it offers SilverSneakers.

The only way to know for certain is to check your own plan's documents or call customer service. Do not assume your plan includes it based on the company name or plan type.

How to use SilverSneakers once you are enrolled

Once your plan confirms you have SilverSneakers, you will receive a membership card in the mail. Bring this card to any participating gym or fitness center. You do not need to pre-register at most locations — straightforward show your card when you arrive.

To find participating locations near you, visit the SilverSneakers website or call their member services line. You can search by ZIP code or city. The site shows you class schedules, what equipment is available, and whether the location offers virtual classes.

If you want to take SilverSneakers Online classes, you will need to register on the SilverSneakers website using your membership card number. Once registered, you can access live and recorded classes from home.

What to do if your plan does not include SilverSneakers

If your current plan does not include SilverSneakers but you want access to it, you have options. During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year), you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan that does include SilverSneakers. You can also switch if you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period due to a life event like moving or losing other coverage.

Before switching plans, compare the full benefits, not just SilverSneakers. A plan with SilverSneakers might have higher copays for doctor visits or prescriptions, or a smaller network of doctors. Make sure the trade-off makes sense for your overall health needs.

If you have Original Medicare and want fitness coverage, you could switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment. However, you would lose some of the flexibility that Original Medicare offers, such as the ability to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Weigh this carefully before making a change.

Questions to ask your plan about SilverSneakers

When you call your plan's customer service, ask these specific questions to get the information you need:

  • Does my plan include SilverSneakers?
  • Is there a cost to me beyond my regular premium?
  • Does my plan include SilverSneakers Online?
  • How do I enroll or set up my membership?
  • Are there any participating gyms or fitness centers near my home?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SilverSneakers at any gym?

No. SilverSneakers only works at participating locations, which vary by region. Some large national gym chains participate, but not all of their locations do. Always check the SilverSneakers website or call their member line to confirm a gym near you is included before you count on using it.

Do I have to pay anything to use SilverSneakers if my plan includes it?

No. If your plan includes SilverSneakers, there is no additional copay or membership fee. You pay only your regular plan premium. However, if you want services beyond what SilverSneakers covers — like personal training — you would pay out of pocket for those.

What if I switch Medicare plans mid-year?

You can only switch Medicare plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) or if you may have access to for a Special Enrollment Period. If you switch plans, your new SilverSneakers membership (if your new plan includes it) typically starts on the first day of the month after your new plan begins.

Does Original Medicare cover any fitness programs?

Original Medicare does not cover SilverSneakers or most fitness programs. However, Original Medicare does cover cardiac rehabilitation and pulmonary rehabilitation programs if your doctor prescribes them for a specific medical condition. These are different from general fitness and require a doctor's order.

Can I use SilverSneakers if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes SilverSneakers, you can use it regardless of whether you also have Medicaid. Medicaid does not affect your SilverSneakers benefit. However, check with your specific plan to confirm, as rules can vary by state and plan.