Medicare and Gym Memberships: How to Find Coverage That Includes This Benefit?
Medicare plans offer many advantages that many people do not realize, including the option to have your Medicare plan cover the cost of your gym membership. However, a common question is, “how can I find a Medicare plan that pays for my gym membership?”
For those who don’t thoroughly understand the complex maze of Medicare programs, it can be confusing to choose between plans classified as Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS), and other programs type. Fortunately, a knowledgeable insurance agent or broker can be a lifesaver for many people, especially if one of your goals happens to be finding a plan with a gym benefit.
Suppose you are interested in finding a Medicare plan that offers advantage coverage which will include the cost of your gym membership. In that case, you will have to do some digging to do because not all gym fitness programs are created equal.
Why Should You Find a Medicare Plan That Pays for Your Gym Membership?
Finding a Medicare plan that covers the cost of a gym membership is important because seniors who stay active and go to a fitness center frequently avoid health risks like diabetes, osteoporosis, heart disease, mental illnesses, and more, and live a more fulfilling life.
Among the most well-known Medicare coverage that provides a gym membership in the United States is Silver Sneakers. While many other insurers strive to emulate it, the Silver Sneakers program remains the most popular. Silver Sneakers is a health and fitness program designed for individuals aged 65+, and Silver Sneakers allows Medicare recipients to customize their workout programs to suit their personal objectives and goals.
Seniors opting for a Medicare Advantage Plan with Silver Sneakers benefits can use approved gyms, fitness equipment, walking tracks, pools, and classes to get fit and stay healthy! Strength training and yoga are also covered, and those wishing to exercise at home can take advantage of online resources, including workout videos. The Silver Sneakers community also offers online and in-person advice on everything from dietary recommendations to tips on saving money on their coverage.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Relax. If you don’t have a relationship with a health insurance agent or broker, you can use this link to see what choices are available to you: https://clearmatchmedicare.com/
Also, you can further your education on the subject by using your favorite search engine to scour the Internet for information since there is an abundance of helpful websites, like Medicare.gov.
If you are worried about finding a fitness center that agrees with your insurance plan, there are over 15,000 facilities across the United States that honor Medicare plans that pay for your gym membership, including the YMCA, In-Shape, ASH Silver & Fit, Renew Active, Crossfit, and American Family Fitness.
What to Do Once You’ve Identified the Medicare Advantage Plan for You?
Once you have determined the Medicare plan and fitness facility you will attend, get ready to enjoy a more active life!
There are many ways you can “get in the mood” to start attending a fitness center frequently, including purchasing new workout gear. This Woman’s World article provides sensible advice for women over 50 who are looking to complete a look to go with their new lifestyle habit.
Similarly, Gentleman’s Quarterly (GQ) has the inside scoop on what women want to see men wearing at the gym at any age: https://www.gq.com/story/how-to-dress-for-the-gym-according-to-women-survey.
Finding a Medicare plan that will cover the cost of your fitness center membership is a great option for many people, and it can make a significant difference in the health of your body and wallet!
Read Next: How to Become Fit After 50
