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Planet Fitness is one of the most popular membership gyms worldwide. The company has reported that they have over 2,000 clubs globally. This makes it one of the largest fitness club franchises.
If you’re looking to hit the gym to stay in shape, a question many people have is, “does Medicare cover Planet Fitness?”
In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of Planet Fitness membership and other helpful info.
Does Medicare Cover Planet Fitness?
The short answer is no. In most cases, Medicare will not cover the cost of a gym membership. That said, there may be some situations where you can cover these costs. Below we’ll take a closer look at this to see when you might be able to get Medicare to pay for your Planet Fitness membership.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) does not provide coverage for Planet Fitness membership. That means you will have to pay 100 percent for your Planet Fitness membership.
Original Medicare does not provide coverage for Planet Fitness membership because they mainly cover medically necessary services, equipment, and treatment.
Generally, Original Medicare excludes weight loss supplements and programs from its coverage. This includes gym memberships. This is because these types of things are viewed as lifestyle choices rather than medically necessary treatment for an illness.
If you are a Medicare beneficiary and need exercise therapy for rehabilitation after a surgical procedure, Original Medicare may provide coverage. However, the rehabilitation must be ordered by your healthcare provider and must occur in a skilled nursing facility or outpatient treatment program.
Part C Coverage for Planet Fitness
However, Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may provide coverage for some gym memberships. Medicare Advantage plans cover everything Original Medicare covers but will also provide coverage for things Original Medicare does not cover.
What a Part C plan covers and how much the out-of-pocket costs are will vary from plan to plan.
Here are some examples of fitness programs that Medicare Advantage Plans cover:
SeniorPHIT
Aetna’s SeniorPHIT program provides participants with two wellness plans, two meal plans, and access to an online coach. As the name suggests, this fitness program is designed for senior citizens.
Silver & Fit
This program provides members with access to local gyms and fitness services at YMCAs, where they can participate in cardiovascular and strength training, as well as enjoy amenities such as swimming pools, saunas, and whirlpools, among other things.
Medicare Advantage plans may also include access to the Silver&Fit Home Fitness programs, allowing participants to choose from two fitness kits that are mailed to their homes twice a year during their coverage.
Individuals cannot enroll simultaneously in a fitness center and a home fitness program because they are incompatible.
These are not the only fitness membership programs covered by Medicare Advantage plans. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance agent or provider before signing up for anything.
How Much Does Planet Fitness Cost?
A classic membership costs $10/month at most clubs. There are also other options, such as annual payment plans or more expensive memberships offering more perks.
Note: Medicare coverage changes all the time. And your specific coverage may vary from plan to plan for Medicare Advantage. 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 Vertiflex?
