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What Is The SilverSneakers Program?

By  Senior Market Advisors  on August 23, 2017

What Is The SilverSneakers Program?

Medicare plans often include additional benefits that reel in clients and promote healthy behaviors. SilverSneakers, a Medicare-eligible/senior exercise program, is one of those benefits. The program includes guidance and group exercise classes designed to improve overall fitness. Classes focus on strength, flexibility and walking.

SilverSneakers is not just a fitness benefit, it’s also a social exercise that many seniors and Medicare eligibles use to make friends. It operates in over 13,000 locations across the U.S, within YMCAs, gyms, and wellness centers. Some classes are even offered outside, such as “yoga on the beach” and other public and neighborhood park activities.

How does it work?

Those who enroll in the SilverSneakers program receive a list of facilities (with addresses and phone numbers) that participate. All they have to do is bring their SilverSneakers card with a 16-digit member number with them to the facility.

About 20% of seniors are eligible for SilverSneakers, and over 65 Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans list it as a benefit. Are your clients eligible? This benefit can heavily influence a client’s decision to purchase from you. Be sure to pitch it to them specifically as an option with certain plans, and explain to them that it is an opportunity to get out with other seniors and have a good time while getting a good work out in.

SilverSneakers is just one of many additional benefits that major carriers offer as a part of their MA and Med Supp plans. Make sure that you are informing your clients of all that they can do with their Medicare and allow them to take advantage of the benefits.