Ever dream of getting fi t without shelling out extra cash? Meet SilverSneakers®, the Medicare perk and Renew Active®, United Healthcare’s plans that turn gyms into your playground at no extra cost! For beneficiaries, it’s like having a VIP pass to fitness centers in Jacksonville and beyond, including the Florida’s First Coast YMCA’s. And yes, that means you can finally ditch those excuses and start moving!
Connie Smith is the Senior Director of Healthy Aging for Florida’s First Coast YMCA, and she says that partnering with third party insurance companies allows them to get rid of the price point that otherwise might make it difficult for older adults to become members.
“We don’t limit the services because insurance is paying for it. Silver Sneakers® and Renew Active® makes it so simple for people to get out of the house. Every piece of our membership is open to everyone,” Smith notes. SilverSneakers® and Renew Active® is your golden ticket to gym access,free with many Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans. Imagine sauntering into gyms and fitness centers like a celebrity, all while enjoying everything from treadmills to group fitness classes—without spending a dime. It’s the ultimate upgrade to your fitness routine, and it won’t cost you a cent!
How Does it Work with Medicare?
First, confirm if your Medicare plan includes SilverSneakers® or Renew Active®. A quick call to your Medicare provider should do the trick. If you’re in luck, you’ll get a membership card or a special code that opens the door to participating gyms, including the Florida’s First Coast YMCA and various local gyms in Jacksonville. Yes, that’s right—your local YMCA has all the amenities you need to stay active, from swimming pools to fitness classes.
Fitness Center memberships aren’t just about flexing those muscles; it’s also about living your best life. Regular exercise helps with heart health, weight management, and boosts your mood. Plus, local gyms and the Florida’s First Coast YMCA off er social classes where you can mingle, make new friends, and show off your moves in everything from chair aerobics to Zumba®.
Smith said, “At the YMCA it is about quality relationships and other activities. Even if you are not interested in exercising the body, it’s about exercising the mind. It’s a holistic membership with book clubs, bible studies, potlucks and other events where you can find the relationships in a social environment.”
Ready to get started?
Check with your Medicare plan provider to see if SilverSneakers® is part of your benefi ts. Once confi rmed, head to the SilverSneakers® or Renew Active® website or app to fi nd participating gyms and class schedules around town. Visit local gyms for a tour and get familiar with your new fitness options.
Buy some new workout clothes, grab your membership card, and
get ready for a fi tness adventure. Staying fit is all about having a blast
while working out—in style!
