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.

Gary Church · Answer

Gym membership is not covered by Medicare. As for Medicare Advantage plans, they offer add-ons to make their plans more attractive to other Medicare Advantage plans, enabling them to compete. Nothing is free. If you're on Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, most of them include GYM memberships as part of their coverage. Meet with a licensed Medicare agent who can guide you.

Answered by Gary Church on November 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ca, AZ, NV & TX

Answered by Gary Church Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

So the question is, my friend gets Silver Sneakers with her plan and I don't. How are we both paying for Medicare and getting such different things? Well, here's the thing with Silver Sneakers. It's usually embedded or part of every Medicare Advantage plan, but not all of them—most of them. So it's covered when you're on an Advantage plan. If you're on a Medicare supplement or a Medigap plan, sometimes they cover Silver Sneakers or Silver and Fit, which is another company. Sometimes they don't. There are specific carriers that offer it, others don't. One in particular that I can think of is an upcharge. I think they charge like ten bucks a month more for that, but it really depends on your coverage and what's important to you.

Mark Bilgere · Answer

SIlverSneakers is an extra benefit provided by the Advantage plan your friend has. Medicare does not provide gym memberships to anyone. Some Advantage plans include a gym membership while some others don't. Even plans from the same carrier can vary on whether or not they offer a gym membership. I recommend working with a local broker that will explain all the benefits of whichever plans you are considering. That way you won't have any surprises later in the year.

Answered by Mark Bilgere on September 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AR, IN & LA, MN, NE & OK

Answered by Mark Bilgere Medicare Insurance Agent

Norman Smith · Answer

Are you with the same company and are you both with the same Supplemental plan?
I know here in Florida, the Silver Sneaker plan is an available with the “G” Plan. I would be happy to assist you in getting into the program.

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

George Ibanez · Answer

It all depends on what type of plans that you have and what type of plan your friend has, since not all plans offer silver sneakers.
I will be glad to look into it if I know a little more about the plan that you have, and I can even suggest which plans will pay for silver sneakers for you.

Please contact me.

Bill Wheeler · Answer

You and your friend have different Medicare coverage because SilverSneakers is not part of Original Medicare, but is an extra benefit offered by some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans or Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover fitness programs.

Answered by Bill Wheeler on October 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in KY & IN

Answered by Bill Wheeler Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

Every company that offers a Medicare Advantage plan is funded through CMS and the MAPD plans must be actuarily the same as original Medicare. However, some companies may decide to put the money funded by CMS toward benefits they feel are more heavily utilized than others.

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF on October 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, GA, IN, KY & TN

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF Medicare Insurance Agent

John Becker · Answer

You and your friend are likely paying for different types of Medicare plans: she is on a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan or a Medigap plan that includes SilverSneakers, while you may have Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Original Medicare does not cover gym memberships, but some Part C and Medigap plans include SilverSneakers as a benefit. 

Medigap (Medicare Supplement): There are SOME private plans that can supplement Original Medicare. Some Medigap plans also offer SilverSneakers or a similar fitness benefit.

Lynn C Shurtleff · Answer

Medicare is separate from any secondary plan someone signs up for. She has either a Medicare Advantage plan or one of the few Medicare Supplement plans that include this benefit. If you also wanted this benefit you would have to sign up on a plan that offers it, Original Medicare does not.

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff on November 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CO & 6 other states

Answered by Lynn C Shurtleff Medicare Insurance Agent

Shelly Hefley · Answer

Every plan is different and just like people should be individually prepared for your specific needs. Talk with an agent and see what is available that will benefit you in ALL aspects of your medical needs. It’s about more than just the extras!

Answered by Shelly Hefley on October 12, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN

Answered by Shelly Hefley Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Litzsinger · Answer

This is a very common question. Original Medicare does not offer fitness/gym benefits. If a beneficiary elects to add a Medicare Supplement Plan (MediGap Policy) or Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, they may get "EXTRA BENEFITS" such as a gym membership/access through program like: SilverSneakers (Aetna, Humana, Anthem, etc..), SilverFit (Healthspring), RenewActive (UHC), etc.... Often the extra benefits like SilverSNeakers is at no additional cost to the beneficiaries. 

Though there are many Medicare Advantage plans with the extra benefits, some may not offer the extra benefit. It's important to assess if the plans you are considering include the extra benefit (SilverSneakers) and if you local gyms are included in the program. 

In addition to gym/fitness benefits, some plans include extra wellness programs and resources even at home. These are great benefits to promote better health and wellness.

Luke Rhoads · Answer

There are lots of different medicare advantage plans available. All with different variations of benefits. Each person has a unique situation. Plans are also broken up by county. As a trusted broker for my clients I make sure to have access to all of the best plans that are available in my area. So I can help my clients get into the best possible plan for their situation, and make it easy for them.

Answered by Luke Rhoads on September 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Luke Rhoads Medicare Insurance Agent

Michael Andrews · Answer

Hi there! The question is, my friend gets Silver Sneakers with her plan, and I don't know how we're both paying for Medicare and getting such different stuff. So, Silver Sneakers programs are not what you get with your red, white, and blue card. The Silver Sneakers program is a gym membership that you can access at different gyms that accept Silver Sneakers, and you find this mostly on Medicare Advantage plans.

Now, it's not a reason to switch insurance, but it is also a pretty cool perk. It allows you to go to any gym that accepts Silver Sneakers at no cost, so it's great if you're gonna be traveling or if you're gonna see a friend in a different town. It's a great tool to help keep healthy, but again, it's not part of Original Medicare, nor is it a reason to switch off of Original Medicare necessarily if you have it. Hope this helps!

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

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, MI & NC, PA, SC & VA

Answered by Marsha Reiniers Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Lukasik · Answer

The different benefits you and your friend are receiving is determined by the plan you currently have. You or your friend may have different plans and receiving different benefit.

Daniel Maisel · Answer

Hi, my name is Daniel Maisel. I'm with Daniel Maisel Insurance Solutions, and I'm a Medicare agency. That's a great question. A lot of people really like the different health fitness plans that are involved. One of the most popular is Silver Sneakers, and there are a lot of good reasons people do like it. I happen to have Silver Sneakers, but there are other plans too, many of which include the other benefits with it.

But just to clarify, in your question, Medicare does not provide that. That is not something that comes with Medicare. Medicare doesn't give you dental, hearing, or vision coverage unless you had, like, I don't know, cancer or you went blind or something. Maybe. But for the most part, they don't cover those things. Likewise, they don't cover meals after you get out of the hospital. There's a number of different things that do not come with straight Medicare, the one you get from Social Security.

So what about Silver Sneakers? What about these things? You do have many of those plans available, depending on the company. They may be different plans under different names, but they kind of work the same way. Again, I like Silver Sneakers, but there are other ones that are good too.

So that answers your question about why they don't have it. It doesn't come with Medicare. It would be a company that decided to go ahead and provide these extra benefits as a perk, you might say, to help you keep healthy. The whole goal of Medicare is to keep you healthy so you can live longer and not have health issues.

Jeffrey Jon · Answer

Manu MAPD plans will offer silver sneakers, and some Medicare supplement plans offer discounts for the plan. It all depends on the coverage you want. Not all plans under Medicare offer the same perks.

Allen McGirl · Answer

It all depends on the plan you choose.  Not all plans have this and some have plans similar.  Be sure to check your plan benefits and ask the correct questions.

Richard Pagano · Answer

“Paying for Medicare” does not mean you have the same type of Medicare coverage. Most people pay the standard Part B premium, but what you get beyond basic Medicare depends on whether you are in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) with a Part D and/or Medigap policy, or in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan.

SilverSneakers is not a standard Medicare benefit. Original Medicare generally does not include gym memberships. SilverSneakers (or a similar fitness benefit) is typically an extra perk that some Medicare Advantage plans (and a few retiree/Medigap policies) choose to include.

Plans can be very different even if premiums look similar. Medicare Advantage plans can bundle extras like fitness programs, dental/vision/hearing, transportation, etc., but they may also have networks, copays, and prior authorization rules that differ from Original Medicare + Medigap.

Benefits vary by plan, company, and county. Even two people in Medicare Advantage can have different extras because benefits can change by zip code/county and by plan design.

Ali Crouch · Answer

Most Medicare Advantage plans offer some gym benefits, but not all are affiliated with Silver Sneakers. There are a few Medicare Supplement plans that include a gym benefit. If anyone would like to review plan benefits, I would be happy to help and explain the differences. Contact me, Please do not hesitate to reach out.

Answered by Ali Crouch on July 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in NE, AZ, CO & 11 other states

Answered by Ali Crouch 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!

Rebecca Davis · Answer

The extra benefits like Silver Sneakers are not a Medicare benefit but instead a plan benefit and each plan varies. Without knowing exactly what you are on it’s hard to say if you do or don’t have it on your plan. Open enrollment does start on the 15th and if that feature is important you can look at a new plan for next year with the benefit on it. Hope that helps!

Answered by Rebecca Davis on October 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 45 other states

Answered by Rebecca Davis Medicare Insurance Agent

C. Faye Ricketts · Answer

Carriers have plans each varying for specific needs. One company’s plan may have Silver Sneakers while still offering another plan that may not have it. It’s important to meet with a local agent to discuss your specific needs to make sure you’re getting what you need from a plan.

Answered by C. Faye Ricketts on February 16, 2026

Agent Licensed in VA, AL, CO & 16 other states

Answered by C. Faye Ricketts Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Different plans use differing gym memberships. They all are basically the same, whether you have an Advantage or a Supplement plan. It is usually a free benefit but since I live in AZ, I can not really speak for some other states. For example, there is another mirror-image of Sneakers called "Silver & Fit". There are situations where you go online to see which of S & F's gyms are located closer to home. The distance should not be a dilemma as there usually are many to choose from near your zip code.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Priscilla Ramos · Answer

Even though you both pay for Medicare, your benefits depend on the plan. Medicare Advantage plans often include extras like Silver Sneakers, while Original Medicare usually does not.

Vernon Jones · Answer

As an experienced agent I can say the reason your friend gets Silver Sneakers is because of the type of plan she has which is likely a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the gym benefits Silver Sneakers. I would recommend that through a needs analysis a plan can easily be found for you that offers Silver Sneakers this Fall Open Enrollment Period which is annually October 15-December 7th.

Answered by Vernon Jones on September 24, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC & SC

Answered by Vernon Jones Medicare Insurance Agent

Cleo Martin · Answer

Your friend probably has a Medicare Advantage. Those policies are allowed to have the extra benefits like Silver Sneakers, dental and vision . You probably have a medicare supplement. Historically most do not have a Silver Sneakers benefit. There are a few that are now offering that with their policies.

Answered by Cleo Martin on August 20, 2025

Agent Licensed in SC, FL, GA, MI & NC

Answered by Cleo Martin Medicare Insurance Agent

Richard Kozlowski · Answer

Depending on where you live, there are different plans with different benefits. This could be a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage.

Happy to review and advise on plans containing Siler Sneakers to help with your search


Rich Kozlowski
Contact me.

Cheryl Lockhart · Answer

Each carrier such as Humana, Aetna, United Health and more can offer extra benefits with their plans and these benefits may be different in the area you live in. It is always get to get a yearly check with a licensed agent to check on what extra benefits that are available to you in your area that also include your physicians and your medications prescribed to you.

Answered by Cheryl Lockhart on November 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, CO, KY, NC & WV

Answered by Cheryl Lockhart Medicare Insurance Agent

Diane Poythress · Answer

You are likely enrolled in different types of Medicare plans, which offer varying benefits. While Original Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn't include SilverSneakers, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) and some Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans do. Your friend's plan likely includes SilverSneakers as an added benefit, while your plan might not.

Answered by Diane Poythress on August 15, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ, CA, FL & 7 other states

Answered by Diane Poythress Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Garcia · Answer

Once you qualify for medicare you have many options for coverage including Medigap (medicare supplement plans) and Medicare Advantage plans. Both these options can include benefits like silver sneakers. Each carrier decides what benefits to include in each of their plans. That is why it’s important to review your options with a professional, preferably in person to gain a strong understanding of your options and the advantages and disadvantages of each. A good honest agent can be a valuable resource.

Answered by Christopher Garcia on October 20, 2025

Broker Licensed in NM, AZ, CO & TX

Answered by Christopher Garcia Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Orr · Answer

Company Plans differ with different 3 rd party fitness benefits like Silver and fit, Silver Sneakers, and renewactive. etc

Nicholas Ryckert · Answer

Fitness benefits are not covered by Medicare Parts A & B.  
Fitness benefits are additional benefits provided in most Medicare Advantage plans.  Each company that offers this kind of coverage may use Silver Sneakers  or another fitness program.  They also might provide reimbursement for enrolling in a health club.  It depends on your plan.

Nickey Baxter · Answer

Hello. Many of the Medicare Advantage plans include some form of fitness, whether it be Silver Sneakers, Silver & Fit or Wellness Your Way. If you are in a Medicare Supplement plan, many of them also have a discount program attached to them. If you log into your member portal, for your current plan, you may find you have a benefit and just didn't realise it.

Answered by Nickey Baxter on October 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in UT, AZ, CO & 18 other states

Answered by Nickey Baxter Medicare Insurance Agent

Kathy Adams · Answer

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

Alicia Rosenquist · Answer

Could be for a few reasons. Original Medicare (Part A and B) does not offer this benefit. 
Your friend chose a Medicare Advantage plan or a specific Medigap plan that includes SilverSneakers.
It could also be provider and or location. They vary by insurer and county, so one company's plan in your area might not have it, but another's does.

Marsha Webster · Answer

That’s a good question, and one I get a lot. While everyone pays the same Part B premium, that’s what you get from Medicare. The additional benefits (SilverSneakers, dental, vision, hearing, or OTC allowance) are provided by a private insurance company as a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan.

That’s how your friend’s plan has SilverSneakers and yours does not, because it’s a benefit the company provides as part of their plan. Benefits can vary widely from plan to plan and even by county.

We can review plans in your area that offer SilverSneakers and other benefits you’re looking for, and compare them to your current plan.

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.

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

You and your friend likely have different types of Medicare plans; Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover SilverSneakers, while Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can offer it as a supplemental benefit. Because your friend is in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes this benefit, she gets the gym membership, whereas you, by having Original Medicare, do not.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on August 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Meghan Blankenship · Answer

Great question - and you're not alone in wondering this! Even though you and your friend both pay for Medicare, the extra benefits you get vary wildly depending on the type of plan you choose. If you are on Original Medicare, you're getting the core coverage - but not the perks. Your friend is likely enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes SilverSneakers as a bonus.

Answered by Meghan Blankenship on November 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, MD & OH

Answered by Meghan Blankenship Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Boone · Answer

SilverSneakers is not included in Original Medicare, it is offered as an optional extra benefit through Medicare Advantage plans. Your friend likely has a plan that includes this fitness benefit, while yours does not, as benefits vary by company, location, and plan type

Answered by Mark Boone on February 25, 2026

Agent Licensed in MN, FL, MI & NC, OH, SC & VA

Answered by Mark Boone Medicare Insurance Agent

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

Silver Sneakers is  a benefit from a Medicare Advantage plan. You may have a different plan.  You can compare plans on Medicare.gov.v

Carol Conner · Answer

Those plans are ZIP Code driven and you may not be living in the area that is covered by the silver sneakers. Not all of these fitness centres have to honour that incentive so that’s why it’s good to review your plan yearly with the local agent and look at your options with plans to see what kind of advantages in a sentence they may have for you.

Answered by Carol Conner on November 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Carol Conner Medicare Insurance Agent

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

There are many reasons why your friends' Medicare Advantage Plan does not mirror your plan. Do you have basic Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan? Do you have a Medicare Supplemental Plan? There are many questions that need to be reviewed, and we must take the time to review your needs versus what your coverage entails. You need to reach out to a knowledgeable, informed agent.

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on June 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent

Eizel Mere · Answer

Advantage plans all offer different benefits, it is important to go over them and pick one that has the benefits that are right for you. Some of these benefits are dental, vision, hearing, otc, giveback, etc. As a broker Ibam able to go iver different plans and different benefits these provide so that you can choose the best plan for you.

Answered by Eizel Mere on January 26, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Eizel Mere Medicare Insurance Agent

Rodolfo Rojas · Answer

Most plans offer Silver Sneaker or a different system of gym membership. 
When you say you pay for Medicare, you're referring to what the government takes for your pay B, which everyone who has Medicare pay for. The other part is to make sure you check with an agent to make your you're getting all the benefits offered in your area, zip code. 
You are welcome to contact me and, with your permission, will do a dive on your system.

Antonio Rodriguez · Answer

Even though you’re both “on Medicare,” you might not actually have the same type of coverage.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) is the same for everyone, but things like SilverSneakers usually come through a Medicare Advantage plan — and those plans are offered by private insurance companies. Each company designs its own extra benefits, like gym memberships, dental, vision, flex cards, etc.

So two people can both be paying their Part B premium and still have very different benefits depending on:
• Whether they have Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage
• Which insurance company they chose
• What plan is available in their county
• Whether they qualify for extra help or Medicaid

If you’d like, we can take a look at your current plan and see what options are available in your area that include fitness benefits. Sometimes it’s just a matter of choosing a different plan during the right enrollment period.

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

Jami Mead · Answer

There are several plans available with medicare, Medicare advantage, and Medicare supplement plans. During open enrollment periods is a great time for you to go over those benefits. If you would like to give me a call I would be happy to set up an appointment to review them with you at any time.

Answered by Jami Mead on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, FL, GA & 11 other states

Answered by Jami Mead Medicare Insurance Agent

John Messler · Answer

Medicare plans offer different extra benefits. The Medcast plans don’t offer dental or vision, but the coverage is outstanding. The manage care plans are trying to entice consumers to sign up because of the extra benefits. The most important thing is to look at the coverages and that your doctor is in network and your prescriptions are on formulary. The next thing is once that’s been established looking at the extra benefits might include a silver sneakers or a gym reimbursement and another plan might have a good dental coverage. These are all secondary things after you confirm the healthcare coverage meet you or needs.

Answered by John Messler on September 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH, ME, NC, OH, PA & TX

Answered by John Messler Medicare Insurance Agent

Chad Hardy · Answer

That’s a really common question, and it makes total sense why it feels confusing. Even though both you and your friend are paying for Medicare, the “extra stuff” you each get — like SilverSneakers, dental, vision, or OTC benefits — doesn’t actually come from Medicare itself. Everyone gets the same Medicare Parts A and B. The differences come from the private insurance plan you each chose on top of Medicare. Your friend’s plan likely includes SilverSneakers as part of their Medicare Advantage benefits, while your plan may not include that specific perk. It’s kind of like you both have the same foundation, but you picked different packages with different features. 

If SilverSneakers or other fitness benefits are important to you, I'd recommend you talk to a medicare agent to take a look at your current plan and see whether there’s an option that offers those perks, or if another plan might be a better fit when you’re eligible to switch. Totally normal question — this happens all the time.

Christine Brewer · Answer

Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage, can offer different additional benefits, such as SilverSneakers, depending on the insurer and the specific plan chosen. This variation means that even though everyone pays into Medicare, the extra benefits received can differ significantly from plan to plan.

Answered by Christine Brewer on December 10, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Christine Brewer Medicare Insurance Agent

Tristan Gibbs · Answer

Your friend may be on a different Medicare plan than you. SilverSneakers is not a universal benefit that is required to be in every plan, but rather it is a benefit offered by certain carriers.

Robert Evans · Answer

If you only have original Medicare it is not included. Most Medicare Advantage plans include either Silver Sneakers or UHC has Renew Active.

Thermon Holliday · Answer

Medicare an entitlement provided by the US gov. for those who are citizens and have contributed to the Medicare trust via federal insurance tax. There are specific benefits that are included, SilverSneakers is not one. The gym/fitness program known as SilverSneakers is an ancillary benefit that is optional. There are no guidelines or requirements to offer the benefit. It is typically offered, by carriers, to standout from their competitors.

Answered by Thermon Holliday on March 9, 2026

Agent Licensed in CA, GA, NV, OR & TX

Answered by Thermon Holliday 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.

Ted Sims · Answer

Extras like SilverSneakers aren't part of standard Medicare. They come from certain plans that add them on as perks. Some bake it right into what they offer, usually as a value-added benefit from a Medicare Advantage plan, while others might fold it into the premium cost of a Med Supp or trade it off against other benefits.

But here's how I always look at it, focus first on the real meat—what your doctor and hospital coverage actually delivers. Get the best core healthcare benefits you can.  IE doctor and hospital services. 

Those value-added perks? They're nice, but they never sway my thinking when picking coverage healthcare comes first, add-ons second.

Michelle Brown · Answer

Not all Medicare carriers offer silver sneakers so you must make sure you the carrier and that particular plan offers that benefit to you. I hope this answers your questions here to assist.

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

Dawn Lathe · Answer

Private insurance companies have the flexibility to choose which extra benefits, if any, they include in their specific plans, and these benefits can vary by plan, carrier, and location.

Cindy Hoppe · Answer

Talk to your agent helping you. It depends on the carrier you get whether or not you get silver sneakers. Medicare does not provide all benefits such as this. This is why you may or may not see in your plan as an extra benefit.

Answered by Cindy Hoppe on December 6, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, CA, IA & 8 other states

Answered by Cindy Hoppe Medicare Insurance Agent

Yadira Son · Answer

Even though you’re both on Medicare, the extra benefits come from the specific plan, not Medicare itself. Two people can both “have Medicare” but get very different extras — it all depends on the plan they chose.

Answered by Yadira Son on February 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Yadira Son Medicare Insurance Agent

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.

Al Bernotas · Answer

Different strokes for different folks. The same applies to Medicare Advantage plans. Each plan can offer different extra benefits. If there is a particular extra benefit that you like, you may have to examine many plans to see is a best fit for you. You can also ask and agent or broker for an assist with this effort. You may feel morally obligated to do business with an agent/broker who helps you, but you are certainly not obligated, and there fee is provided by the insurance carrier, if they help you sign up.

Answered by Al Bernotas on November 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA

Answered by Al Bernotas Medicare Insurance Agent

Sherri Haskell · Answer

SilverSneakers is a special health and fitness program for seniors offered through some Medicare Advantage plans, and a few Medicare Gap plans. 
Your friend is likely enrolled in a different type of plan than you are. As an example, Silver Sneakers is not offered through Original Medicare (Part A and B), but it is offered in many of the Advantage plans. 
If you like, this is easy to check the plans and eligibility so that you can also take advantage of these benefits.

Craig Livers · Answer

Medicare does not offer gym memberships. Some Medicare advantage plans and supplements include gym membership as an additional benefit.

Dawn Gonsoulin · Answer

It depends on what type of Medicare insurance you have. Because your insurance is based off your zip code, the benefits may be different from zip code to zip code no matter whether it is a Medicare Advantage or Supplement Plan. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer gym memberships and some may not. If you have a Medicare Supplement and Individual drug plans, some of your Supplement companies may offer discount programs for gym memberships.

Answered by Dawn Gonsoulin on January 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in LA & FL

Answered by Dawn Gonsoulin Medicare Insurance Agent

Cyle Gillman · Answer

Extra benefits are going to depend on the type of plan you have and your carrier. Medicare supplement and advantage have numerous different options. While “extras” are great benefits to explore, your agent should be working with you first to verify your medications and providers are covered and in-network with your plan. 

Once you’ve verified plans that cover your specific situation, you’ll then want to see what extra benefits those plans will provide.

Donna Sanders · Answer

Insurance carriers offer many different plans with different benefits associated with each plan. To insure you get the best plan for you, all of your providers and medications should be covered, which may not include SilverSneakers.

Answered by Donna Sanders on November 18, 2025

Broker Licensed in TX & OK

Answered by Donna Sanders Medicare Insurance Agent

Brad Ryser · Answer

Different carriers have different perks and additional benefits.  I am happy to show you a plan this is available in...

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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