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Most people don’t particularly enjoy going to the gym. But we know that staying fit is critical to our overall health. Especially as we age.
However, to gain access to a gym, we need to pay membership fees, either monthly or yearly. So a common question many people on Medicare have is, “Does Medicare cover gym memberships?”
In this article, we answer the question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of gym memberships, as well as other helpful info.
Does Medicare Cover Gym Memberships?
The short answer is, no, in most cases, Medicare will not cover the cost of gym memberships. That said, there may be some situations where you can get these costs covered. Below we will take a closer look at this to see when you might be able to get Medicare to pay for your gym memberships.
Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) does not usually pay for a gym membership. There is one situation, however, where Original Medicare may pay. And that is when you have a medical condition that requires you to undergo physical therapy or rehabilitation.
That said, some Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may cover the cost of your gym membership fees. Many Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for SilverSneakers and other fitness programs. SilverSneakers is a fitness program for seniors from age 65 and older. Other fitness programs that Medicare Part C covers include:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Renew Active
- Silver&Fit
How Much Does Gym Membership Cost?
Average gym membership fees cost about $25 to $30 per month, and if you multiply that by 12 months, it may cost $300 to $360. If you include the joining fee, gym memberships may cost $450 a year. However, these rates are the average. Some gym memberships may cost around $1,000 or more per year.
Why Is Going To The Gym Important?
Though you can perform regular exercises at home, going to the gym is also a great choice. There are many reasons why going to the gym may be better than doing workouts at home.
- Gyms have more equipment that can improve your body and health
- You can ask for assistance from a personal trainer
- Regular exercise decreases the chances of getting any disease
- It removes body fat and decreases the risks of suffering from medical conditions caused by obesity or overweight
- You can build up and strengthen your muscles and bones
- It can lift up your mood and brain function which means that it is not only good for physical health but also mental health
- Improves your overall shape
But of course, going to the gym and working out must also be accompanied by a proper diet. You can’t just improve your overall health and appearance by just going to the gym alone. A proper diet must also be observed to maintain good health!
Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. Always be sure to double check with your health care provider and/or Medicare insurance provider about what your plan covers and what it does not.
Additional Info on Medicare Coverage
This article is part of our series on “What does Medicare cover?”
Also, you can check out other articles in this series including: Does Medicare cover tummy tucks?
