Maintaining an active lifestyle is an important component of health as you age. As an Original Medicare beneficiary, you may be wondering if your plan covers fitness services like health clubs or gym memberships. While Original Medicare, which consists of Medicare Part A and Part B, provides coverage for a wide range of medical services and treatments, it doesn’t typically cover health club or gym memberships. However, there are certain circumstances in which Original Medicare covers fitness-related benefits as part of a wellness program aimed at improving overall health and well-being.
Understanding the specific qualifications for Original Medicare coverage of these services and programs is crucial if you’re interested in engaging in physical activity and exercise as part of your healthcare routine. By the end of this article, you’ll learn about fitness services offered by Original Medicare, the eligibility criteria, and the potential benefits of incorporating physical fitness into an Original Medicare-covered wellness program.
What fitness benefits does Original Medicare cover?
While Original Medicare, which includes Medicare Part A and Part B, doesn’t cover health club or gym memberships, it does offer coverage for various programs that target fitness and health as part of a Medicare-approved wellness plan. For example, Original Medicare covers:
Physical therapy appointments that are deemed medically necessary
Weight loss counseling if you have a BMI of 30 or higher
Group sessions to aid with diabetes prevention if you’re deemed at-risk
Nutrition therapy if you have kidney disease or diabetes
If you have questions about whether a specific fitness benefit is covered by Original Medicare, review your plan details or reach out to your licensed insurance agent for guidance.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover health clubs and gym memberships?
Medicare Advantage plans legally must offer at least the same amount of coverage as Original Medicare, but may also offer additional routine benefits. While Original Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of a gym membership or health club, keep in mind that coverage varies by plan, so be sure to check with your Medicare Advantage carrier if you have questions about specific benefits related to your healthcare needs.
SelectQuote Can Help You Find the Medicare Advantage Plans Available to You
Physical activity and fitness are key aspects of maintaining your health as you age, and it’s important to explore resources that could help make your health goals easier to achieve. Let us help you compare the benefits available in your area. At SelectQuote, we help make it easy for you to compare Medicare Advantage plans and rates within minutes, and our licensed insurance agents can help you navigate the intricacies of Medicare Advantage plans so you feel confident in your coverage.
