My friend gets SilverSneakers with her plan and I don't-how are we both paying for Medicare and getting such different stuff?

Question

Diana Garner · Accepted Answer

SilverSneakers and other fitness programs are benefits usually provided with the Medicare Advantage plans.  Even though both of you are on Medicare, there is a difference in the plans you enrolled in. 

The fitness programs are not included with Medicare Supplement plans or in Original Medicare Part A & B.  To receive that benefit, you would need to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan with the fitness benefit included.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

She would have a Medicare Advantage Plan and I’d say you have a supplement plan. Supplement plans don’t come with Silver Sneakers nor dental vision and hearing. Drug cards are also seperate with supplement plans.

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown on April 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AL, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Lt Col Tim Brown Medicare Insurance Agent

Marsha Reiniers · Answer

A Silver Sneakers gym membership may be included in some Medicare Supplement plans, and it can also be part of some Medicare Advantage plans. But that benefit is not uniformly offered by ALL plans. If this is important to you, be sure to ask if Silver Sneakers or other gym membership is offered as a benefit under the plan you are evaluating.

Answered by Marsha Reiniers on April 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, NC, PA, SC & VA

Answered by Marsha Reiniers Medicare Insurance Agent

Angela Ellington · Answer

Silver Sneakers is a benefit that comes with some Medicare Advantage Plans and some Medicare Supplement plan.  If your friend is enrolled in a different plan than you are, that would explain it!

Steve Houchens · Answer

The difference is in the plan itself, some plans offer it and some  don’t. In some cases plans that offer SilverSneakers may have a slightly higher premium.

Kathy Adams · Answer

Original Medicare doesn't offer additional benefits like "silver sneakers" dental, vision, etc. This comes with Medicare Advantage Plans.

Fred Manas · Answer

The reason for the difference in benefits like SilverSneakers is that while Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't include fitness programs, Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) often do. Your friend likely has a Medicare Advantage plan that includes SilverSneakers, while you may have Original Medicare or a different plan that doesn't offer this benefit. 
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Original Medicare:
This is the basic Medicare coverage, and it doesn't include fitness programs like SilverSneakers. 
Medicare Advantage:
These are plans offered by private insurance companies that must cover all of Original Medicare's benefits, but can also include extra benefits like fitness programs, gym memberships, and more. 
Medicare Supplement (Medigap):
These plans help pay for some of the costs of Original Medicare, but they don't generally include fitness programs like SilverSneakers. 
SilverSneakers:
This is a fitness program offered by many Medicare Advantage plans, giving members access to gyms and other fitness facilities. 
To understand why you don't have SilverSneakers while your friend does, consider these factors:
Plan Type:
You likely have Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement, neither of which include fitness programs.
Plan Specifics:
Even within Medicare Advantage plans, the specific benefits offered can vary. Some plans may include SilverSneakers, while others may not. 
If you'd like to access SilverSneakers, you have a few options:
1. Consider a Medicare Advantage plan:
.
Check which plans in your area offer SilverSneakers as a benefit and enroll during the Annual Election Period (October 15 - December 7). 
2. Contact your insurance provider:
.
Ask them about the benefits of your current plan and whether they offer any fitness programs. 
3. Evaluate your fitness needs:
.
If a gym membership is important to you, you may need to pay for it out-of-pocket or explore other fitness options.

Mel Stevens · Answer

Most Medicare plans come with a gym membership through Silver Sneakers or through Silver and Fit and the majority of gym memberships are at $0 cost. Not all gyms are included so you will want to check with your plan provider on availability. Often times you can attend multiple gyms. For example, attend one gym for a spin or yoga class and stop by another gym to pump some iron. Double check your plan because a lot of insureds do have the benefit but are simply unaware it exits.

Answered by Mel Stevens on April 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Mel Stevens Medicare Insurance Agent

Ellen Diehl · Answer

What plan does your friend have and what plan do you have? For example Anthem Medicare Supplement Plan G has Silver Sneakers. Aetna Plan G does not. Be careful that you do not switch to a dis-Advantage plan just for free stuff.

Answered by Ellen Diehl on April 5, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA

Answered by Ellen Diehl Medicare Insurance Agent

Darko Bozic · Answer

Those memberships usually come with Medicare Advantage plans. Maybe you are on original Medicare (Part A and B) only or you might have a Medicare Supplement plan.

Hollie Hittner · Answer

All plans are not the same. Several of them do have gum membership. It’s possible you have have it , but it’s now called something else.

Jennifer Dixon · Answer

Each carrier is in titled to offer different extras in their plans. Your friend is probably on a different plan than you are. You can always call your carrier to see if you may have a fitness benefit.

Answered by Jennifer Dixon on April 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in GA & TN

Answered by Jennifer Dixon Medicare Insurance Agent

My friend gets SilverSneakers with her plan and I don't-how are we both paying for Medicare and getting such different stuff?

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My friend gets SilverSneakers with her plan and I don't-how are we both paying for Medicare and getting such different stuff?

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