Silver and Fit® vs Silver Sneakers® Medicare Fitness Programs
July 10, 2019
Reviewed and Updated by Anastasia Iliou,
Wishing you could afford a gym membership or a yoga class? You might be able to get the coverage you need with a Medicare fitness program.
As you age, regular exercise and healthy habits become more and more important. In fact, a regular exercise program can help prevent everything from falls around the home to diabetes!
Thousands of gyms across the country offer a Silver & Fit® or SilverSneakers® Medicare fitness program, and several Medicare Advantage plans actually include those programs as benefits (at no extra cost)! Maintaining a healthy lifestyle just got that much easier!
Are SilverSneakers ® and Silver and Fit ® the Same?
SilverSneakers® and Silver and Fit® are both Medicare fitness programs, but they are not the same. They are two separate companies offering similar benefits.
Both companies offer group fitness classes and exercise opportunities, and both companies partner with Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans to provide their benefit.
SilverSneakers ® vs Silver and Fit ®
The main differences between the two programs are the locations, the types of classes, and the availability of home fitness. Silver and Fit® eligibility and SilverSneakers® eligibility are generally the same.
Each program partners with a number of different gyms and wellness centers across the country. It is possible that you may have access to more gyms with one program than the other, so it’s a good idea to check for locations in your area before making a decision (scroll down to see our location lists for each program).
Silver and Fit® offers “home fitness kits” for people who do not have a gym in their area or are not able to get to a gym for any reason. On the other hand, SilverSneakers® offers a broader range of group fitness classes.
If you have access to both programs, picking the best one for you may require that you decide if you prefer group fitness classes or home fitness kits. Read on for a more in-depth view of each program.
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SilverSneakers ® Medicare Fitness
In a nutshell, SilverSneakers® is a fun exercise program for seniors. It is a fitness benefit found in many leading Medicare insurance plans that help provide guidance and convenient group exercises to improve general fitness, strength, flexibility, and walking ability. These classes can also help seniors and Medicare eligibles find new friends who also want to pursue an active lifestyle.
How do you get a Medicare Fitness Program like SilverSneakers ®?
This fitness service is not covered by Original Medicare (Part A and B). If you are interested in enrolling in a Medicare fitness program, you will need to be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan that supports it.
Fitness programs are not included in every Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan, so it’s important to discuss your coverage options with a licensed agent. They can help you purchase a plan that fits your needs and budget and includes a fitness program.
- Click here to read about Medicare Advantage plans
- Click here to read about Medicare Supplement plans
SilverSneakers ® and Silver and Fit ® Insurance Providers
While we can’t list out the current SilverSneakers® and Silver and Fit® insurance providers (they are always changing), we can tell you that many of the “major” carriers that you’ve heard of offer these programs as a part of their Medicare Advantage plans.
If you’re interested, we can set you up to chat with a licensed agent who knows everything about what plans are available in your area today. Just call 800-531-3748 or click here.
SilverSneakers ® Eligibility
To meet SilverSneakers® eligibility requirements, you must be at least 65 years old and enrolled in a Medicare plan that includes the SilverSneakers® benefit.
Many leading Medicare Advantage plans, as well as a few Medigap plans, include automatic Silver Sneakers® eligibility. The best part is that this is available to you – if you qualify – at no cost! How do you figure that part out? Well, fill out this form or call us at 800-531-3748!
Medicare Workout Programs
There are numerous workouts you can choose from. These include classic, circuit, cardio-fit, yoga, splash, stability, etc. A workout is typically 45 to 60 minutes, twice a week. These classes are total body conditioning workouts and often involve hand-held weights, elastic tubing for resistance exercises, and small exercise balls. In some classes, participants may use chairs for additional support and balance.
The classic workout focuses on low-impact training that is suitable for all fitness levels. This workout is designed to increase your muscle strength and range of movement. There is typically a chair that incorporates seated exercises and offers a great start to living a healthy lifestyle.
They also offer indoor and outdoor exercise opportunities. Some locations have yoga on the beach, exercises in a neighborhood park, or other fun outdoor exercise opportunities!
SilverSneakers ® Go
In early 2019, SilverSneakers® released an app just in time for New Year’s resolutions. The app allows you to access your member ID and digital card. It can track and schedule the various classes and activities available to members. Plus, it even shows locations and classes near you, which is great if you are traveling in a new area.
Senior Yoga Classes
Many of the gyms that accept SilverSneakers® and Silver & Fit® include classes, like aerobics, yoga, etc.
SilverSneakers® yoga classes provide a unique opportunity for seniors and Medicare eligibles to practice yoga in a judgment-free, inclusive group. These classes may incorporate chair yoga poses for seniors and Medicare eligibles.
SilverSneakers ® Eligible Gyms and Locations
There are over 16,000 SilverSneakers® locations across the United States. These locations include gyms, wellness centers, and YMCAs. Additionally, each location can provide equipment demonstrations.
Are you in Tennessee? Read this: YMCAs in Tennessee will no longer be accepting SilverSneakers®.
Once enrolled, you have access to any of these participating facilities. Enrollees receive a list of local participating facilities, including addresses and phone numbers.
We’ve compiled lists of SilverSneakers® locations based on where most of our audience is located. If your location is not listed, click here.
- Chattanooga, TN
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Knoxville, TN
- Lexington, KY
- Louisville, KY
- Memphis, TN
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- San Antonio, TX
- Tucson, AZ
What is Silver Slippers?
Did you mean SilverSneakers®? If you’re searching for Silver Slippers, you may be getting confusing it for SilverSneakers®. If you are genuinely looking for silver slippers, we found a great pair that can be purchased here. Otherwise, if you have any other questions regarding SilverSneakers®, fill out this form and we will get in touch with you!
Have more questions specific to SilverSneakers®? The SilverSneakers® phone number is 866-584-7389.
Silver & Fit ® Programs
This program includes multiple benefits that are available to seniors and Medicare eligibles like you. These benefits include a fitness facility program, home fitness program, a resource library, fitness challenges, rewards program, and more! Depending on your coverage, there may be no additional fees to join. This is great if you are on a budget and looking to live a healthy lifestyle.
The body conditioning classes that are designed to increase your strength, endurance, stamina, flexibility, balance, and more. A class is typically an hour in length and is offered several times a week. The program incorporates weights, elastics, and balls into the workouts.
One of the many perks of Silver and Fit is the balance between fitness facility programs and home fitness programs. Home fitness programs offer various kits including walking, yoga, chair Pilates, stress management, Tai Chi, and aquatic exercise. This is a great option for seniors and Medicare eligibles who need focused exercise in their home.
Other program benefits include gender-specific gyms and exercise centers beyond the average fitness facility. These facilities can include yoga and lap pools.
Silver and Fit Eligibility and Age Requirements
To be eligible for Silver & Fit®, you must be age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover this fitness program. Certain Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans offer this program. To find out if your current Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan includes Silver and Fit eligibility, click here or call us to speak with a licensed agent at 800-531-3748.
What is the Annual Fee for Silver & Fit ® ?
Fees for Silver & Fit® can vary based on your Medicare plan. You may be asked to pay an annual Silver & Fit® membership fee, or your Silver & Fit® benefit might be rolled into your Medicare plan premium.
Silver and Fit Locations (Fitness Centers and Gyms)
If you choose to enroll in this program, you will have access to over 11,000 Silver and Fit gyms and locations nationwide. These locations can include gyms, wellness centers, and YMCAs. Once you have your Silver & Fit® membership info, you can select a gym. Just be sure to call the gym and verify that they are participating in the Silver & Fit® program.
We’ve put together a few quick lists based on where the majority of our audience lives. If your location isn’t listed, go to silverandfit.com to find locations near you.
- Chattanooga, TN
- Chicago, IL
- Houston, TX
- Knoxville, TN
- Memphis, TN
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- Lexington, KY
- Louisville, KY
- San Antonio, TX
- Tucson, AZ
Have more questions specific to Silver & Fit®? The Silver and Fit phone number is 1-877-427-4788.
Get Medicare Fitness Benefits NOW!
It’s never too late to start exercising. Active lifestyles are important for maintaining your health and quality of life. Exercise can benefit older adults mentally and physically. Moderate exercise can help alleviate stress and potentially reduce feelings of depression. Plus, regular exercise may be able to improve mental function.
Participation in a Medicare fitness program can help improve your strength, balance, and endurance. Participating in a healthy lifestyle encourages independence. If you have any questions or are interested in exploring Medicare coverage, complete this form or call us at 800-531-3748.
This blog was originally published on 10/1/18 by Kelsey Davis was most recently updated on 11/13/19 by Anastsia Iliou.
