Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover SilverSneakers?

The short answer is yes – several BCBS plans cover SilverSneakers.

However, it’s important to check if your specific plan includes SilverSneakers; this page will help answer that.

Maintaining an active lifestyle becomes increasingly important as we age, not just for physical health, but also for mental well-being and independence.

For many seniors, the cost of gym memberships or fitness classes can be a barrier to staying active.

That’s where SilverSneakers comes in. It’s a highly respected, nationwide fitness program designed to help older adults stay healthy, social, and physically engaged – all at little or no cost to the participant.

With over 15,000 participating locations, including major gym chains and local wellness centers, SilverSneakers offers accessibility and convenience to millions of eligible seniors across the U.S.

However, not all health plans offer this benefit.

If you’re a Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) member – or thinking about becoming one – you may be wondering:

Does My BCBS Plan Cover SilverSneakers?

The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

BCBS covers millions of Americans and offers Medicare plans across all 50 states, but its structure is complex. Coverage can differ significantly depending on your state, specific plan type, and even the subsidiary operating under the BCBS umbrella.

This guide explores everything you need to know about Blue Cross Blue Shield’s relationship with SilverSneakers: how the program works, whether it’s covered, and how to find out if you’re eligible.

What Is SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is a fitness program for older adults that provides access to over 15,000 gyms and recreation centers across the United States.

With SilverSneakers, you can attend group exercise classes, use gym equipment, or participate in other activities at any participating location.

SilverSneakers offers:

• Access to a network of fitness locations, including gyms and community centers.
• A variety of exercise classes designed for all levels and abilities, such as yoga, boot camp, and Latin dance.
• On-demand video workouts and a fitness app for exercising at home.
• Specialized equipment and amenities for a safe and effective workout, including resistance bands, hand-held weights, and treadmills.
• Social events and organized outings to foster a sense of community among members.
• An online learning center for health education.

SilverSneakers’ ultimate goal is to encourage an active lifestyle while reducing the risk of chronic disease and social isolation.

How to Find Out If Your Plan Covers SilverSneakers

If you’re unsure whether your BCBS plan includes SilverSneakers, you have several ways to verify:

1. Member Portal: Log in to your BCBS account online and navigate to your benefits or coverage section. Look for terms like “fitness benefit,” “SilverSneakers,” or “wellness program.”
2. Customer Service: Call the customer service number on the back of your BCBS insurance card and ask directly about SilverSneakers or other wellness offerings.
3. SilverSneakers Eligibility Tool: Visit www.silversneakers.com and use their eligibility checker. You’ll need your BCBS member ID number and date of birth.
4. Plan Documents: Review your Summary of Benefits, Evidence of Coverage (EOC), or Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) to find detailed information about what’s included.

If you’re working with a Medicare broker or advisor, they can also look up plans in your area that offer SilverSneakers.

Blue Cross Blue Shield: An Overview

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is not a single health insurance company but a federation of 34 independent and locally operated companies that together form the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.

Collectively, these companies provide health insurance coverage to more than 115 million Americans, making BCBS one of the most widely recognized and trusted names in the U.S. healthcare system.

Each BCBS organization operates autonomously and serves a specific geographic area.

For example:

• Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield operates in states like California, Ohio, Georgia, and Indiana.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Florida Blue, and Blue Shield of California each manage plans unique to their respective states.
• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield serves members in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and West Virginia.

This regional structure means that your benefits, plan options, and even the wellness programs available (including SilverSneaker) can vary significantly depending on where you live and which BCBS affiliate you are enrolled with.

Does BCBS Offer SilverSneakers as a Benefit?

BCBS’s coverage of SilverSneakers depends on several variables, including your geographic location and the type of Medicare plan you have.

Let’s look at both Medicare Advantage and Medigap.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Some BCBS Medicare Advantage plans include SilverSneakers as a benefit, particularly in states with high insurer demand or competition.

Examples of BCBS affiliates that have offered SilverSneakers include:

• BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
• Independence Blue Cross (Pennsylvania)

However, not all Medicare Advantage plans from BCBS include the program. Some may offer other fitness programs, like Silver&Fit or fitness reimbursement programs.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Medigap plans generally do not include fitness benefits like SilverSneakers.

That said, a few BCBS affiliates have made exceptions or offer limited access through separate wellness programs or discounts.

It’s important to remember that fitness benefit availability can change year-to-year, so it’s wise to double-check your plan during Medicare Open Enrollment.

Alternatives to SilverSneakers

If your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan does not offer SilverSneakers, everything is not lost.

Many BCBS plans include alternative fitness and wellness options that may serve a similar purpose:

• Silver&Fit: This program works similarly to SilverSneakers and is sometimes offered as an alternative by BCBS. It includes gym memberships, home-use fitness kits, and online classes.
• Fitness Reimbursement Programs: Some BCBS plans reimburse members for part of the cost of a gym membership, fitness tracker, or wellness app subscription.
• Customized Wellness Programs: Certain BCBS affiliates provide discounts on yoga classes, weight-loss programs, or memberships to local recreational centers.

Ask your insurance provider for a full breakdown of any wellness perks included in your plan so you can take full advantage of what’s available.

Final Thoughts

The availability of SilverSneakers through Blue Cross Blue Shield can vary, but the program remains a highly sought-after benefit for many seniors.

If it’s something you value, be sure to:

• Review your current Medicare Advantage or Medigap plan carefully
• Ask your provider or agent about fitness benefits during open enrollment
• Compare plans annually to ensure you’re getting the benefits most important to your lifestyle

And remember, even if SilverSneakers isn’t part of your current plan, other fitness programs may be available that meet your needs as well.

Staying active is one of the best investments you can make in your health, so explore your options, ask the right questions, and make your Medicare plan work for you.

Source: BCBS + SilverSneakers

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