How To Get Free Gym Membership With Medicare/ Medicaid – Are you an avid gym goer? Then you would want to save a few dollars on gym dues, membership and fees wherever you can, particularly if you’re enrolled in any health insurance program. The good news is that it is possible to get free membership with health insurance programs. Medicaid recipients also wonder whether they can save money on their gym attendance.
Even though Medicaid, Medicare and private insurance companies will not pay for the complete gym membership but they can help you provide partial coverage for gym amenities. In this comprehensive guide we will help you learn all the ins and outs of the most frequent question among recipients: “How To Get Free Gym Membership With Medicare/ Medicaid” to save your hard earned money on gym membership and attendance.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Eligibility for free or discounted gym memberships through Medicare or Medicaid often requires meeting specific income thresholds and demonstrating participation in community support programs.
- Required documents for accessing these benefits include health-related records, proof of low income, residency, identity, and proof of eligibility for social community support programs.
- Original Medicare does not cover gym memberships, but Medicare Advantage Plans often include fitness program benefits such as Renew Active, SilverSneakers, and Silver&Fit.
- Medicaid does not typically cover gym memberships directly, but many state programs offer wellness benefits that might include fitness-related incentives.
- Private health insurance plans, including those from providers like Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Cigna, offer various gym membership benefits, which can include discounts and reimbursements.
What Are The Eligibility Criteria To Get Free Gym Membership With Medicare/ Medicaid?
This specific eligibility criteria to get free gym membership may vary depending on the insurance programs or organizations that you are considering however following at the common factors required:
- Must meet a specific income threshold (at least 133% of the FPL) depending on their household size and state to qualify for free gym membership.
- Must demonstrate their participation in social support programs or services in the community
- Must reside within a specific geographic area to be eligible.
- A few programs require people to provide proof of unemployment or underemployment for free gym membership.
- Individuals with certain eligibility criteria or those with disabilities can qualify for free gym memberships.
- Must fulfill the age criteria depending on the program or insurance plans.
Read about: How to qualify for a free fitbit through Medicaid in our next guide.
What Documents Are Required To Get Free Gym Membership Through Health Insurance Programs?
To get free membership for low-income people you need to provide the following documents:
- Health associated documents like notes or medical records that indicate any disability or health conditions that can qualify for free membership.
- Proof of low income in the form of recent pay stubs, tax returns or documents showing eligibility for government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid or housing assistance.
- Proof of residency such as documents showing your current address in the form of lease agreement or utility bills.
- Identification Documents such as state ID, driver’s license passport, Social Security numbers and so on.
- Documents related to your unemployment benefits statement or termination letter in case you are unemployed and finding it difficult to pay for your gym membership costs.
- Proof of eligibility for social community support programs.
Head to our next guide to know how to get free diapers from Medicaid.
Does Original Medicare Pay For Gym Membership?
Original Medicare Part A and Part B will not cover gym related costs or gym membership. While part A Medicare covers inpatient hospital service, Part B covers preventive services and outpatient medical care such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, cardiac rehabilitation speech therapy, durable medical equipment and chiropractic care.
If you have Original Medicare only then you need to pay the entire cost of fitness center or gym membership out-of-your-pocket without a medical diagnosis that needs physical therapy or rehabilitation. But Medicare Advantage Plans can provide complete or partial coverage for gym membership. There are many other private health insurance options that you can opt for to cover the gym membership cost in case you are not enrolled in the Medicare Advantage plan.
Our next guide will help you know how to get a free Fitbit from your health insurance provider.
How To Get Gym Membership Through Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)?
Medicare Advantage Plan or Part C plan are provided by private insurance companies. The plans cover original Medicare in terms of outpatient, inpatient and preventive care services as well as additional services beyond original care including team member share.
The benefits of each plan will depend on your location, the insurance provider, how much you are paying for the coverage and the services that you are including in your plan. The cost for fitness programs and gym membership are often covered by Medigap plans that are geared towards covering your share of Original Medicare services and extra services like fitness programs. The plans may include options for gym membership or fitness programs.
Which Medicare Advantage Plans Provide Free Gym Membership?
A lot of Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Supplement Insurance plans cover senior citizens and provide enrollees free gym membership through the following programs:
- Renew Active: United Healthcare has designed a fitness program named Renew Active that comprises gym membership, access to local health and wellness programs and an online brain health initiative.
- SilversSneakers: SilversSneakers fitness program is designed for senior citizens (65 years or above in age). The eligibility criteria may vary depending on the plan so you must check the eligibility criteria through your insurance provider on the official website of SilverSneakers.
- Silver&Fit: Silver&Fit provides in-person or online fitness services at 2900+ locations throughout the country. If you’re interested in getting fitness services then you must seek coverage for the aforementioned benefits while selecting a Medicare Advantage plan.
Does Medicaid Pay For Gym Membership?
Medicaid is a joint federal and state health insurance program that is available to low-income families and is an invaluable resource for those looking for affordable health insurance plans. If you’re qualifying for Medicaid then it is important to understand the benefits that you’re eligible for through this healthcare program.
Medicaid covers all the expenses in a variety of categories like family planning, emergency care, dentistry, optometry and so on. As per federal guidelines gym membership is not a benefit that is covered by Medicaid and in most states is not included.
Even though Medicaid does not cover gym membership costs, a lot of states have Medicaid programs that provide wellness benefits such as incentives for wellness programs, health activities etc. It is important to check with your state specific Medicaid program to see if there are benefits associated with gym, fitness or wellness.
The Optum One Pass For Medicaid Program makes nutrition and fitness accessible for those who want to improve the health outcomes. They also provide extensive fitness locations, grocery online classes and household delivery.
How Does Health Insurance Help To Cover Gym Memberships?
Health insurance not only provides an allowance of cash to offset gym membership costs but also promotes a healthy lifestyle in many other methods such as the following:
- Fitness Equipment: Healthcare insurance plans incentivize their clients to join the plan with fitness equipment. Fitness equipment helps to cover a few fitness equipment under their plan.
- Discounted Insurance Rates: Depending on your insurer you may get a discounted insurance rate if you’re living a healthy and active lifestyle and are less likely to fall ill.
- Member Exclusive Discounts: A few healthcare companies have partnered with gym chains such as Anytime Fitness or LA Fitness that offer sports for few clients. If your insurance has contact with their gym then you can get discounted membership deals and many other exclusive perks for enrolling into their insurance plans.
- Incentive Programs: A lot of programs work by providing special offers if you are ready to work or improve your health as a preventive measure. You can get reimbursement for weight loss plans for instance if you join or some sort of discounts.
- Senior Discounts: Health insurance companies often provide senior incentives to promote active and healthy lifestyles. For instance many insurance plans cover SilverSneakers so that older people can stay motivated to lead an active lifestyle.
What Private Health Insurance Pays For Gym Memberships?
There are many health insurance companies that provide gym membership benefits including healthy lifestyle perks to its customers however every company provides unique offerings to cater to their clients. Following is the list of few private health insurance companies that provide gym benefits.
Aetna
If you’re looking for ways to get gym benefits then Aetna is one of the best insurance programs that you can consider for yourself. The insurance company offers a gym membership reimbursement program, Medicare Advantage plan and various group products including the SilverSneakers program provided you are enrolled through their Medicare Advantage Plan.
Blue Cross Blue Shield
If obtaining gym benefits is a must for you then you can consider Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is one of the major health insurance providers in America that offers its own fitness and wellness program known as Fitness Your Way by Tivity Health. This initiative includes an enrollment fee of $29 as well as a monthly fee of $29.
Interested to know how to get a Free Fitbit Through Blue Cross Blue Shield? Head to our next guide now.
Cigna
The Health Rewards Program by Cigna offers discounts up to 40% on gym membership reimbursement. Cigna plans also offer other fitness opportunities based on your lifestyle.
Oscar
Oscar Health Insurance group provides dream reimbursement up to $400 annually for clients including $200 allowance for clients’ spouses. This is one of the highly valued and amazing reimbursement plans offered by any private insurance company. If you’re having individual plans then you can get gym reimbursement through Oscar.
AmeriHealth
AmeriHealth provides a gym membership program called Healthy Lifestyles that offers an annual reimbursement up to $150. Moreover clients also get an allowance of $150 every year for smoking cessation programs and weight management.
Kaiser Permanente
Similar to any other health insurance provider Kaiser Permanente provides customers with discounted or free gym membership through their partnership with organizations like active and fit.
Read our next guide to know how to get a free Fitbit from UnitedHealthcare.
Where Can I Purchase Health Insurance?
You can buy individual health insurance through a direct party company, directly from the insurer or through the marketplace. Those who want to enroll through Health Marketplace must register within the open enrollment period or through social enrollment period if they qualify. In order to learn more about the enrollment guidelines and dates you need to visit HealthCare.gov website.
No matter whether you are choosing to take a fitness program with gym benefits or not, it is critical to live a healthy lifestyle in order to reduce the chance of illness in future. Even though if you’re not getting any benefits from your health insurance provider your improved health will save your dollars on healthcare costs in the long run.
Other Ways To Get Free/ Low-Cost Gym Membership
Low-income Americans who are looking for options to get free gym membership in order to maintain their health and fitness without breaking their bank can look at the additional resources:
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Recreation Center Scholarships
A lot of community recreation centers provide free membership programs to low-income residents. For instance Montgomery County in Maryland provides free RecFit Passes that offers accessibility to 22 fitness and recreation centers in the county. You need to visit your local recreation center in-person in order to get heavily discounted or free gym membership.
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Local Community Centers and Parks
It is worth considering local parks and community centers to get affordable fitness options. They often provide low-cost or free membership for their residence. A lot of local parks and recreation centers have installed gym equipment that is free for the public to use.
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Corporate Membership
A lot of employees provide corporate membership that provides discounted or free access to gyms as a part of money saving employee compensation programs that enable employees to get discounted or free membership at specific health clubs or gyms schools. In case your company does not provide corporate wellness programs, you can contact your HR manager to seek one.
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YMCA
YMCA is a nonprofit Christian organization that offers robust recreation centers throughout America including pools, gyms and recreational facilities. Most of the YMCA locations provide financial assistance for low-income families. You can get a discounted membership program if you belong to a low-income household.
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Planet Fitness Summer Gym Membership
Planet Fitness provides an incredible opportunity for high school teams who are 14 to 19 years of age to stay fit and active during summer months with their high school summer pass. Free summer membership grants are available at Planet Fitness in 2400+ locations throughout Canada and USA.
From 1st to 31st August 2024 candidates can work out at participating Planet Fitness locations in America and Canada for free. High school summer pass offers accessibility to gym equipment and free fitness classes through Planet Fitness PE @PF program at select locations.
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Free Gym Pass
In case you’re not eligible to get free gym membership you can qualify for a Free Gym Pass depending on the program or gym center. A few options include the following:
- 24 Hour Fitness (3 Day Pass)
- Anytime Fitness (7 Day Pass)
- Blink Fitness (1 Day Pass)
- Core Power Yoga (7 Day Pass)
- Crunch Fitness (1 Day Pass)
- Genesis Health Club (3 Day Pass)
- Gold’s Gym (1 Day Pass)
- LA Fitness (3 Day Pass)
- Xsport Fitness (7 Day Pass)
- YouFit Health Club (3 Day Pass).
Conclusion
To sum up, the Original Medicare and Medicaid program does not cover the cost of gym membership or fitness programs. However Medicare Advantage plans provide participation in national fitness programs like SilverSneakers or provide members allowance for gym or fitness program reimbursement. Medigap plans also provide fitness benefits to individuals. In this guide we have provided all detailed information about the most common query among people: “How To Get Free Gym Membership With Medicare/ Medicaid”. We have also referred private health insurance companies and additional avenues that offer free gym membership programs as a way to prevent illness and help people promote a healthy lifestyle.
Head to our blog at Get Government Grants to avail free resources and government programs for low-income families. Our guide has numerous supportive programs and names of organizations that help people in times of need.
