SilverSneakers in Maine
The SilverSneakers Fitness program is an insurance benefit.
Through this program health insurance plans provide a gym membership to their members, usually at no additional cost. A SilverSneakers membership allows you access to more than 13,000 participating locations nationwide, and includes all the basic amenities plus group exercise classes geared specifically towards the active older adult. Members get access to amenities such as fitness equipment, pools and saunas, SilverSneakers classes designed specifically for active older adults and led by certified instructors, guidance and assistance from a “Program Advisor” and other fun social activities. If you are enrolled with one of these insurance companies all you need to do is call the toll free number on the back of the card and ask a Member Services representative to help you identify which facilities in your area are participating and how to get your SilverSneakers card. You can also order your card online at https://tools.silversneakers.com/Eligibility/GetCard
Which insurance companies offer this program?
You can check here to see if your current plan is listed: https://tools.silversneakers.com/Eligibility/HealthPlans?state=ME. If not, then keep reading…
When Can You Enroll?
Every year in October, the insurance companies release their new offerings and plans. Sometimes a plan will add this great program for their members but it does not always get communicated clearly that it is available. I can contact you in October with an updated list of the insurance plans that offer the Silver Sneakers program. But to do that I would need your permission. I do not send unsolicited email or call people unless they have asked me to call. Click here to request an update. Also, if you would like to change your insurance to a plan that would give you more options I am able to help you with that process as well. I work with all the top health insurance companies that offer plans in Maine and New Hampshire.
I work very hard to educate people about all the different options available so they understand all the benefits and can make the best decision about which plan to choose. I would be happy to sit down with you and go over these details or help you compare other health plans. When it comes to understanding the differences in these plans I work very hard to make sure my clients are well taken care of. Open enrollment for Medicare begins Oct. 15th in 2015 and with that will come the familiar deluge of promotions and conflicting advice about how much you could be saving by changing your plan. I am here to help you sort through it all. Pose your questions by clicking here.
When contacting Maine Medicare Options, you understand you may be directed to a licensed insurance sales agent.
Longer Life Expectancy with Increased Fitness Level.
Studies have shown that older adults with even a moderate fitness level have a longer life expectancy than physically inactive seniors. Moderate levels of physical activity can help reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, improve balance and flexibility, and reduce back pain, among many other benefits. Seniors who remain physically active experience less disability and a higher quality of life than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. In fact, the older you are, the more you need to exercise regularly.
Silver Sneakers is a safe, fun program that provides a wide variety of options for this kind of beneficial exercise, especially designed for seniors. More than 40 Medicare plans offer this benefit to seniors across the nation, with over 11,000 gyms, fitness centers, YMCAs and Curves facilities participating. If you belong to SilverSneakers, you have access to basic fitness center memberships at any participating location, as well as special fitness classes, activities, and health and nutrition education designed for older adults. Whether your goals are to lose weight, increase strength and stamina, improve flexibility and range of motion, or just to remain physically and socially active, a SilverSneakers membership can help you reach those goals.
Silver Sneakers Locations
Silver Sneakers locations are chosen for their safety, accessibility, amenities, and overall welcoming environment. They have a variety of fitness equipment available, varying by location. Members may have access to weight machines, free weights, treadmills and other cardio machines, pools, saunas, and even whirlpools. To become a certified SilverSneakers participating location, each gym has to go through an extensive process to show it is capable of providing the level of access, guidance and support that older adults need to exercise safely and effectively. Each participating location also has a trained Program Advisor who is usually available Monday through Friday to help you make the most of your SilverSneakers membership.
As well as providing equipment for independent exercise, SilverSneakers locations provide classes that can be components of your membership. These fitness classes are specifically designed for older adults, and taught by certified instructors who are specially trained in leading fitness programs for aging adults. All SilverSneakers class instructors undergo an in-person training and evaluation process. They are all CPR-certified, and are trained in the procedures to follow in case of emergency.
Silver Sneakers Classes
Silver Sneakers classes range from 45 minutes to an hour in length, vary in intensity, and offer multiple formats to fit your personal needs and interests. You can choose from Muscular Strength and Range of Movement, Cardio Circuit, Yoga Stretch, and Silver Splash (available at locations with pools). Depending on which classes you choose to participate in, you can increase your muscular strength, endurance, range of movement, flexibility, balance, agility and coordination.
Social interaction can be almost as beneficial to the health and well-being of older adults as is exercise. SilverSneakers programs offer ongoing activities like potlucks, raffles, dances, and speaker events, providing a good variety of options to add to your social calendar.
Life is too short to waste it feeling unwell, lethargic, or afraid to do things because you feel weak or brittle or unsure of your balance. Get out there and get active. You will be amazed at what you can do in and out of the gym after taking advantage of the SilverSneakers program.
SilverSneakers & Medicare
Now here comes the good news: many Medicare insurance plans cover the full cost of the SilverSneakers program! That means you get gym membership for free. Not all Medicare Advantage insurance plans offer the SilverSneakers program. Please check with your medicare insurance company to see if they offer SilverSneakers.
Would you like my help?
If you would like to talk to me or schedule a meeting at your home or a nearby meeting place, you can reach me at 207-370-0143 or use my simple form on the CONTACT ME page of this site to send an email message. The best part about working with me is that it will not cost you anything to meet with me to discuss your options or to review the plans that are available. I am paid by the insurance companies in the form of a commission if you enroll in a plan. You will not pay any more than anyone else and you are under no obligation whatsoever to enroll in any plans if you meet with me.
“My goal is to help you and I have found great joy in being able to offer my services to people who need my help.”
