Does Medicare pay for gym memberships?
Original Medicare does not provide coverage for gym memberships or fitness classes. However, some other parts, such as Medicare Advantage, may offer a benefit for certain fitness programs.
Physical fitness and movement are important for a person to stay healthy, and many gyms have programs specifically for helping older adults 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 programs.
This article discusses how Medicare can cover the cost of a gym membership and programs for mental and physical fitness.
Does Medicare pay for gym membership?
This article originally appeared on Medical News Today
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover gym memberships because they do not consider these services to be medically necessary.
Under Original Medicare, a person is responsible for 100% of the cost of fitness programs and memberships.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) may include coverage for some fitness programs and gym memberships.
Private insurance companies administer Medicare Advantage plans, and they must follow Medicare rules, offering all services from Medicare Parts A and B.
However, they may also include additional benefits, such as:
eye care
hearing care
dental care
prescription drug plans
Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer the same coverage, so a person may want to check with their plan provider to confirm available benefits.
Medicare Advantage plans differ by company and location, and a person may only enroll in plans available where they live. The Medicare website offers a search tool for plan availability in a person’s zip code.
Each plan shown will have many of its benefits listed under “plan details,” but fitness benefits may be in the “more benefits” section.
A plan may not list fitness coverage, but a person can call the plan provider to confirm.
Medigap
Some Medigap plans, also known as Medicare Supplement Insurance, offer gym memberships and fitness benefits.
Like Medicare Advantage, private insurance companies administer Medigap policies, and a similar online search option is available.
A person who already has a Medigap plan can call their plan provider to find out if they have coverage for gym memberships or fitness programs.
Rules and restrictions for gym membership coverage
Each Medicare Advantage program may have different rules and restrictions based on the policy purchased. Plan options may differ even within the same area.
A person with a Medicare Advantage plan may contact their plan provider for specific information on rules and restrictions, but they may include:
having to use specific gyms
registering for particular fitness classes
visiting gyms and fitness centers during specified times
Medicare plans and fitness programs
Using a gym or following a fitness program can help improve a person’s overall health. This can also help lower healthcare costs.
Some Medicare Advantage plans have their own fitness programs.
Wellness programs
These are rewards programs offered by some Medicare Advantage plans. These give certain rewards for completing activities throughout the year.
SeniorPHIT
Pronounced “SeniorFIT,” this is a program offered by Aetna, that gives a person two wellness plans, two meal plans, and an online coach.
Renew Active
Renew Active is a benefit offered by UnitedHealthcare and AARP. The program includes a gym membership, an online program to help with mental acuity, and access to events sponsored by UnitedHealthcare.
SilverSneakers
SilverSneakers is a fitness program offered by many fitness facilities throughout the United States.
Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans cover membership that includes:
access to around 16,000 participating gyms
classes for all fitness levels
advice from trained instructors
SilverSneakers on-demand videos
a mobile app to track and schedule activities
A 2019 study found that using the SilverSneakers plan improved the quality of life for older adults. Another study found that older adults initially start attending SilverSneakers largely because it is an insurance benefit, but continue going due to the fitness promotion, social connections, and enjoyment of the program and instructors.
Learn more about the SilverSneakers program.
Silver&Fit
Silver&Fit is another fitness program covered by some Medicare Advantage plans.
The program offers access to local gyms and fitness services at YMCAs, where people can access heart and strength training and enjoy amenities such as swimming pools, saunas, and whirlpools.
Medicare Advantage plans may also include access to the Silver&Fit Home Fitness programs, in which an individual can choose to have two fitness kits mailed to their home each benefit year.
A person cannot enroll in a fitness center and a home fitness program at the same time.
Other private insurers may offer different fitness programs, so a person may find it beneficial to research all options.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.
Summary
Original Medicare does not pay for gym memberships or fitness programs, but Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans may offer these benefits.
Private companies administer Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap. However, benefits differ in each plan.
A person can check if their policy covers gym memberships by calling their plan provider.
Some Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans offer membership with SilverSneakers or Silver&Fit. These are fitness programs specifically designed with older adults in mind.
A person can compare the fitness benefits available to them by searching for a Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan on the Medicare website.
View the original article on Medical News Today
