If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, there’s a good chance you already have a fitness benefit like SilverSneakers built into your coverage — and never knew it. This benefit can be worth $40 to $70 a month, or roughly $480 to $840 a year, compared to what a standalone gym membership would cost, according to GoodRx. Here’s what the benefit actually includes in 2026, how to check if you have it, and what to do if your plan doesn’t offer it.
What Is SilverSneakers and How Does It Work?
SilverSneakers is a fitness program for adults 65 and older, run by Tivity Health, that’s included at no additional cost with many (not all) Medicare Advantage and some Medicare Supplement plans. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover it — it’s only available as a supplemental benefit through certain private plans. Where it’s included, members get free access to a large nationwide network of gyms and fitness locations, instructor-led classes designed for older adults, and on-demand workout videos you can do from home.
What Do You Actually Get With the Benefit?
- Free access to thousands of participating gyms and fitness centers nationwide — including many YMCAs, Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, and Anytime Fitness locations, per MedicareFAQ.
- SilverSneakers Community classes — instructor-led group fitness at parks, community centers, and senior centers, often including balance, strength, and low-impact cardio classes.
- On-demand and virtual classes you can stream from home through SilverSneakers GO, covering flexibility, balance, chair-based workouts, and strength training.
- A location finder and digital membership card so you can check eligible gyms near you and check in without a physical card.
Is SilverSneakers Still Available in 2026?
Yes, but it’s important to know it isn’t automatically part of every Medicare plan. Some carriers have shifted to similar but separate programs — for example, UnitedHealthcare’s AARP Medicare Advantage plans use Renew Active instead of SilverSneakers, and some plans use Silver&Fit or other fitness networks, according to WTOP. Plan fitness benefits can also change year to year, so a plan that included SilverSneakers last year may switch programs — or drop the benefit — for 2026. The only way to know for sure is to check your specific plan.
How Do I Check If My Plan Includes This Benefit?
The fastest way is to use the SilverSneakers Eligibility Checker, which will confirm instantly whether your specific Medicare plan includes the benefit. If it does, you can also use the Location Finder to see participating gyms near you in NYC, and print or screenshot your digital membership card to bring to the front desk. If your plan uses Renew Active, Silver&Fit, or another network instead, your plan’s member portal or the number on the back of your member ID card will point you to the right eligibility tool.
What If My Current Plan Doesn’t Include a Fitness Benefit?
As of 2026, roughly 93% of individual Medicare Advantage plans include some kind of fitness benefit, according to Medicare.org — but that still means some plans don’t, and benefits vary by county and carrier. If you’re paying for a gym membership out of pocket while on Medicare, it’s worth finding out whether switching plans during an enrollment period could get you this benefit at no added cost. This is exactly the kind of comparison a licensed advisor can walk through with you, plan by plan, based on your ZIP code.
What You Should Do Now
- Check your eligibility today using the SilverSneakers online tool — it takes less than a minute.
- If you’re eligible, find a nearby location and try a class or gym visit this month.
- If you’re not eligible, don’t assume you’re out of luck — ask a licensed advisor whether a different Medicare Advantage plan in your area includes SilverSneakers, Renew Active, Silver&Fit, or a similar benefit.
- Mark your calendar for Fall Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7) — this is when most people can switch Medicare Advantage plans to add or improve a fitness benefit for the following year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SilverSneakers cost anything if it’s included in my plan?
No. If your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan includes SilverSneakers, membership is free — there’s no separate monthly fee for the core gym access and classes, according to Anthem.
Can I use SilverSneakers at any gym?
Only at participating locations. Use the official Location Finder to confirm a specific gym near you accepts SilverSneakers before you go.
What’s the difference between SilverSneakers, Renew Active, and Silver&Fit?
They’re competing fitness networks offered by different insurance carriers as a Medicare Advantage supplemental benefit. Renew Active is exclusive to certain UnitedHealthcare plans; Silver&Fit and SilverSneakers are offered through other carriers. Only one is typically included per plan, so check which one (if any) your specific plan uses.
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