What Does The Medicare SilverSneakers Program Offer?
The Medicare SilverSneakers program helps keep older adults healthy and cut by offering gym memberships and exercise classes. Find out if you qualify.
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Key Takeaways:
The SilverSneakers programs offer a variety of benefits, including weight training, gym memberships, group exercise classes and aerobics.
SilverSneakers is offered through select Medicare Advantage plans as well as a limited number of Medigap Supplement plans.
To be eligible for the SilverSneakers Medicare program, you must (1) be Medicare-eligible, (2) be 65 years or older or (3) have enrolled in a Medigap or Medicare Advantage program that offers a SilverSneakers membership.
What is the Medicare SilverSneakers Program?
SilverSneakers is a program covered by many Medicare Advantage plans for those who are 65 and older. If you're looking to maintain health or reach a new level of fitness, this program is right for you. SilverSneakers is an excellent way for seniors to cut medical costs by staying active and healthy.
An extra exciting benefit to the program membership is that it includes SilverSneakers instructor-led group fitness classes. Some of these classes that include:
Cardio and strength classes, which often offer a chair for support
Water aerobics classes
Chair and standing yoga classes
Tai Chi
Boot camp classes
How Does the Silver Sneakers Program Work?
SilverSneakers is offered through select Medicare Advantage plans as well as a limited number of Medigap Supplement plans. You will need to review your specific plan's offerings to see if the program is included in your benefits. If it is included, you can immediately enroll in the SilverSneakers program at no additional cost.
When you sign up for a plan that offers SilverSneakers, you will receive a card with a SilverSneakers membership number. This number will grant immediate access to classes and programs available through the Medicare SilverSneakers program.
With over 16,000 locations throughout the nation, the SilverSneakers program works in partnership with participating locations, including the following:
Gyms
Community centers
Healthcare providers
Fitness centers
What are the Eligibility Requirements for SilverSneakers?
A few requirements to be eligible for the SilverSneakers Medicare Program include:
You are Medicare-eligible
You are 65 years or older
You have enrolled in a Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage program that offers a SilverSneakers membership
You can check your eligibility by visiting the SilverSneakers website.
What are the Health Benefits of the SilverSneakers Program?
The SilverSneakers program provides a fun, safe environment for older adults to work out and meet new people. The program is specifically structured to help you keep your heart, brain, bones, muscles and joints healthy as you age. It is also designed to improve your overall quality of life and help with pain management, especially if you suffer from a chronic condition such as arthritis, diabetes, or osteoporosis.
What Classes Does the Medicare SilverSneakers Membership Cover?
The SilverSneakers program has many classes available at every level of physical activity.
SilverSneakers Classic
A low-intensity class
Run between 45–60 minutes
For building muscle strength and range of motion
During the class, a chair may be used to do seated exercises or for support during standing exercises.
SilverSneakers Circuit
Medium-intensity class
Run between 45–60 minutes
A low-impact choreography class combined with upper-body strength building using handheld weights, SilverSneakers ball and elastic stretch tubing
A chair can be used during this class for support while standing
SilverSneakers Cardio Fit
High-intensity class
Run between 45–60 minutes
Aerobics class meant for those with a more active lifestyle
Low-impact for building core strength, upper-body strength and cardio endurance
SilverSneakers Yoga
Low-intensity class
Runs between 45–60 minutes
Uses yoga poses to improve flexibility, range of motion and balance
Includes breathing techniques to reduce stress and improve relaxation
Chairs may be used during this class for seated yoga poses and for standing support
SilverSneakers EnerChi
Low-intensity class
Runs between 45–60 minutes
Slow-paced
Aimed at improving well-being through tai chi movements that are modified to be easy to learn
Great for focus, balance and strength
SilverSneakers Splash
Low-medium intensity class
Runs between 45–60 minutes
Exercises are done in shallow water using a splashboard
Great for resistance training and aerobic exercise
Easy on joints
WaterinMotion
SilverSneakers-approved class
Low-medium intensity class
Classes are around 55 minutes long
A high-calorie burning class with low joint impact
SilverSneakers Stability
Low-medium intensity classes
Runs between 45–60 minutes
Power and strength exercises that focus on knee, ankle and hip joints
Great for fall prevention
A chair can be used for support and balance
Boom Mind
SilverSneakers-approved class
Medium intensity
30-minute class
Combination of pilates and yoga
This class improves confidence, strength and relaxation through the use of tranquil music and movements
Focuses on balance, lower-body strength and core-muscle building
Boom Move
SilverSneakers-approved class
High intensity
30-minute class
A workout dance class to burn calories and build cardio endurance
Boom Muscle
SilverSneakers-approved class
High intensity
30-minute class
Utilizes exercise blocks to focus on numerous groups of muscle
Great for building strength and toning muscle
SilverSneakers Go
App for at-home workouts
Provides exercise videos at varying intensity levels
SilverSneakers Flex
Community classes without the gym environment
Classes can be taken at community centers, churches and recreation centers, as well as outside
Typically smaller than a typical gym class
Offers a more personal experience with instructors
Some participating locations offer members even more class options than those listed. Just keep in mind that amenities vary by location and establishment.
Serah Gallo is a healthcare and finance writer with almost 10 years of professional writing experience.
