Did you know that your Medicare (or other health care plan if you are under 65) probably includes a fitness benefit that pays for gym membership, fitness classes, swimming, exercise, and other healthy activities? All you need to do is call the number on your Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, or other healthcare plan card and ask if they offer a fitness benefit for you and/or other members of your family. If you only have Original Medicare, there are no fitness benefits—at least not yet.
That fitness benefit could provide no-cost, low-cost, or discounted fitness programs, and will be accepted by local gyms and fitness providers—such as the City of Reno Recreation programs at Paradise Park, Evelyn Mount, and Neil Road Centers. Mark Sanders, Recreation Supervisor said, “Currently Reno has contracts with three medical insurance companies to provide fitness benefits at Reno recreation centers and is trying to get more on board.” The three companies are American Specialty Health (Silver & Fit, Active & Fit—offered by Prominence health plans), Optum (Renew Active, One Pass, Aaptiv—offered by United Health Care, AARP/United Health Care, Humana), and Tvity (SilverSneakers, Prime Fitness, Whole Health Living, or Burnalong–offered by Aetna and Anthem-Blue Cross/Blue Shield) Some plans provide take-home fitness equipment, wearable devices, on-demand videos of all kinds of health programs such as yoga, Pilates, home workouts, virtual wellness and wellbeing coaches, newsletters and more!
If your health plan is under contract with the City of Reno, there is no need to pay drop-in fees of $2-$3 or more for daily classes or activities. There is no need to buy a 60+ Social Activities Pass ($40 for 6 months; $75 annually) to participate in beanbag baseball, bingo, card games, shuffleboard, Sit & Fit, ukulele, and more. If you enjoy water exercise or gym sports, these plans also include water walking, lap swimming, open gym (basketball, pickleball, badminton, table tennis), open swim, and fitness workout rooms. There is no need to buy additional punch passes or other recreation passes (up to a $435 value) if it is covered by your health plan fitness benefit! You do not have to be a resident of Reno to qualify because Reno bills your health plan for your activities.
So, here is how you get these free benefits:
Contact your health plan provider at the number or web address on your health plan membership card and find out if you have a fitness benefit.
Obtain the 9-digit code for your fitness plan, usually starting with the letter “A”.
Visit either Evelyn Mount or Neil Road Recreation Center and give your information to the on-duty supervisor or fill out a request form with your contact information and your plan’s fitness code for a call back from the supervisor, so that you can be entered into the benefit system.
You will be issued a separate Fitness Plan ID card which will be scanned every time you use a Reno recreation facility.
If you are a Reno resident, and relatively low-income, you should still apply for their Recreation Scholarship Program annually as there are some activities, such as trips, Senior Games, and other special activities that will get you a 20%, 40%, or 60% discount.
For more information on the Scholarship Program, call 775 334 2260; for more information on Reno’s medical plan fitness programs, please call 775 334 2262. Always feel free to contact me at 775 240 2745 or donnanorm1@yahoo.com with questions. PS–Remember to vote or take part in the caucus in February. Seniors’ voices matter!
