At Beuttel Insurance, we believe every month is a good time to prioritize your health—but April is officially recognized as National Move More Month, making it the perfect opportunity to talk about how Medicare Advantage plans can help you do just that.
In today’s world, it’s so easy to find ourselves sitting on the couch, mindlessly scrolling through social media or getting lost in an online game that promises “mental exercise.” And yes, keeping your brain active is important—but we can’t forget about our bodies. After all, we only get one! The good news? If you’re enrolled in or eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you might already have access to free or low-cost resources that can help you move more—without the added financial strain.
So, How Does Medicare Support Physical Wellness?
But how do you stay active when gym memberships and wellness classes can be costly—and often not covered by traditional insurance? That’s where your Medicare coverage comes into play. If you’re enrolled in or exploring options for a Medicare Advantage plan, you might be pleasantly surprised by the fitness and wellness perks included.
Before we dive into those exciting extras, let’s do a quick refresher on what Original Medicare actually covers—and where it may fall short when it comes to your overall wellness.
What Do Medicare Parts A & B Cover?
Original Medicare consists of two parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers certain doctors’ services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
While this foundational coverage is essential, it doesn’t include extras like prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing—or fitness benefits like gym memberships or wellness classes. That’s where Medicare Advantage (Part C) comes in.
Why Choose a Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan?
A Medicare Advantage plan is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare. Offered by private insurance companies, these plans include everything Parts A and B cover—plus additional benefits.
Many Medicare Advantage plans bundle in:
- Prescription drug coverage (Part D)
- Routine dental, vision, and hearing services
- Transportation to medical appointments
- Meal delivery after hospital stays
- And of course… wellness benefits like fitness programs and gym memberships!
Let’s Talk Gym Perks!
One of the most popular Medicare Advantage perks is free or low-cost access to gym memberships and fitness programs.
Here’s what that can look like for you:
- SilverSneakers®: Offered through major carriers like BlueShield, Cigna, Aetna, and Humana, this program gives you access to thousands of fitness centers nationwide. You can join group exercise classes, use gym equipment, and even enjoy virtual workouts from home.
- Renew Active® (by UnitedHealthcare): This wellness program offers gym access, brain health programs, and fitness tracking.
- Silver&Fit®: Available with some plans, offering gym memberships, on-demand workout videos, and healthy aging resources.
These perks make it easier than ever to stay active without extra cost. Whether you love walking on a treadmill, dancing in Zumba, or stretching in yoga—there’s something for everyone.
When Can You Enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Turning 65? Here’s What You Need to Know:
You can first apply for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is a 7-month window:
- It starts 3 months before your 65th birthday.
- Includes your birthday month.
- And ends 3 months after you turn 65.
During this time, you can enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and choose to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) that offers the kind of perks we mentioned above.
Already a Medicare Beneficiary?
There are specific times during the year when you can make changes to your Medicare Advantage plan:
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP):
October 15 – December 7
You can switch plans, join a new plan, or return to Original Medicare. - Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period:
January 1 – March 31
You can switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare (with or without drug coverage). - Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs):
Life happens—and sometimes that affects your coverage. If you move, lose other insurance, or experience another qualifying event, you may be eligible to switch your plan during a SEP. (Tip: You may qualify for multiple SEPs, depending on your situation.)
Not sure if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period? Give us a call and we can help you figure it out.
Why It’s Important to Know These Dates!
Your enrollment periods ensure that you get the coverage that best fits your needs. If you miss a window, you may face late enrollment penalties or a delay in getting the coverage you need. With various enrollment periods throughout the year, it’s always a good idea to stay on top of your options and be proactive about making changes.
Let’s Find the Right Plan for You
At Beuttel Insurance, we’re here to help you explore all your Medicare Advantage options. Whether you’re looking for a plan with strong prescription coverage, wellness perks, or access to programs like SilverSneakers, we’ll help you find the right fit.
This April, let’s get moving, stay active, and take care of ourselves—mind and body. We’re just a phone call away if you have questions or want to review your options.
If you’re looking for more information or need assistance enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, feel free to reach out to our team! We’re here to help guide you through your options, so you can stay active, healthy, and covered!
