If you are Medicare eligible or just a Senior just looking for discounted gym, Medicare Supplemental Plans (Medigap) may have a free workout solution for you. While every Medigap plan has standardized core benefits, a few insurance companies offer the Silver Sneakers gym program to help you improve their health. You might want to consider this program before choosing between Medigap plans because not every plan offers Silver Sneakers.
What is the Silver Sneakers Program?
The Silver Sneakers program consists on a free or discounted gym membership for participating plan members. It is not available for direct purchase as your plan must offer it as an add-on benefit. Silver Sneakers works at private gyms such as Golds Gym or the YMCA. Gym participation in Silver Sneakers vary by county.
Search Plans that offer Silver Sneakers
Alternative options to Silver Sneakers.
Why Take Advantage of Silver Sneakers?
The Silver Sneakers program has both physical and emotional effects. You can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, lessen the side effects of diabetes, and have more energy just by walking 30 minutes a day. Working out can improve mental health by lowering depression and loneliness while meeting new people.
According to Pychs Central, researchers at the University of Chicago have found: “the impact of loneliness on premature death is nearly as strong as the impact of disadvantaged socioeconomic status, which they found increases the chances of dying early by 19%”
Can’t Get to the Gym? No Problem
Silver Steps is a program for seniors and other members who live 15 miles or further from a gym. It is a personalized workout program that includes a kit with how-to DVDs, resistance belts, and an exercise video. So you won’t be left out if you live in a rural area. Silver Sneakers also offers an online component to help with nutrition, streaming exercises, and a forum to talk to other members.
Which Plans Offer Silver Sneakers?
Remember most plans do not offer Silver Sneakers. Check out our Silver Sneakers Search tool to see if there are any in your area. You can see which Medigap plans participate in Silver Sneakers and can get quotes and apply directly.
You can also check out other gym options not part of the Silver Sneakers program.
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