What SilverSneakers is and how it works at Planet Fitness

SilverSneakers is a fitness program included with many Medicare Advantage plans and some Medigap policies. If your plan covers it, you get free access to participating gyms and fitness classes — no copay, no monthly fee. Planet Fitness is one of the largest chains that accepts SilverSneakers, with locations in most states.

When you arrive at Planet Fitness with your SilverSneakers membership, you show your SilverSneakers card (or digital ID on your phone) at the front desk instead of a Planet Fitness membership card. The gym staff scans it, and you're in. You can use the gym equipment, attend group fitness classes, and access the same facilities as any other member — the difference is that your insurance plan, not you, is paying the membership cost.

SilverSneakers is run by Tivity Health, a company that contracts with insurance plans to offer the benefit. You don't sign up with Planet Fitness directly; your may be able to access comes through your Medicare plan. If your plan includes SilverSneakers, you'll receive a membership card in the mail or can request one by phone.

Key Takeaways

  • SilverSneakers membership is included with many Medicare Advantage plans and some Medigap policies, and you show your SilverSneakers card at the front desk instead of paying Planet Fitness directly.
  • Not all Medicare plans cover SilverSneakers, so you need to check your plan documents or call your insurance company to confirm you have the benefit.
  • Planet Fitness locations that accept SilverSneakers are listed on the SilverSneakers website, and you can search by zip code to find the nearest gym.
  • You can use the gym equipment, attend group fitness classes, and access most facilities at no additional cost, though some premium services like personal training may have separate fees.
  • If you lose your SilverSneakers card, you can request a replacement by calling Tivity Health or logging into your online account.

How to confirm your plan includes SilverSneakers

Not every Medicare Advantage plan or Medigap policy includes SilverSneakers. The benefit varies by plan and by insurance company. The fastest way to find out is to call your insurance company's customer service number — it's on the back of your insurance card — and ask directly: "Does my plan include SilverSneakers?"

You can also check your plan documents. Look for the benefits summary or the list of covered services that came with your plan enrollment materials. SilverSneakers will be listed under wellness benefits or preventive services, not under medical benefits.

If you don't have your plan documents handy, you can visit the SilverSneakers website and enter your zip code and insurance company name. The site will tell you whether your specific plan includes the benefit. You'll need your plan name (for example, "Humana Gold Plus" or "United Healthcare Advantage"), which is on your insurance card.

Finding a Planet Fitness location near you

Not every Planet Fitness accepts SilverSneakers. The gyms that do are listed on the SilverSneakers website in a searchable directory. Go to the SilverSneakers site, click "Find Locations," and search by zip code or city. The results will show you which Planet Fitness locations in your area accept SilverSneakers.

Call the gym directly before your first visit to confirm they still accept SilverSneakers and to ask about their hours, parking, and whether they offer any orientation for new members. Some locations offer a free tour or a brief introduction to the equipment, which can be helpful if you haven't used a gym in a while.

If there is no participating Planet Fitness near you, SilverSneakers also covers thousands of other gyms, YMCAs, and fitness studios. The same directory will show you all participating locations in your area, not just Planet Fitness.

What you can and cannot do with SilverSneakers at Planet Fitness

With your SilverSneakers membership at Planet Fitness, you have access to the gym floor with all standard equipment — cardio machines, weight machines, free weights, and stretching areas. You can attend group fitness classes included in the standard membership, such as yoga, water aerobics, cycling, and strength training. Class schedules vary by location, so check the Planet Fitness app or website for your specific gym.

You also have access to the locker rooms, showers, and other basic facilities. Some locations have a swimming pool or sauna, which are included with SilverSneakers if the gym has them.

What you cannot do with SilverSneakers alone: you cannot use premium services like personal training, massage therapy, or tanning without paying extra. Some Planet Fitness locations offer these add-ons for an additional monthly fee. If you want personal training, you would pay Planet Fitness directly for that service — it's not covered by SilverSneakers.

Getting your SilverSneakers card and using it for the first time

If your plan includes SilverSneakers, you should receive a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks of your plan's effective date. The card has your name, a member ID number, and the SilverSneakers logo. If you don't receive a card, call Tivity Health at 1-888-423-4632 and request one.

You can also use a digital membership ID instead of a physical card. read the SilverSneakers GO app on your smartphone, log in with your member ID and date of birth, and show the digital card at the front desk. Many gyms now accept either format.

On your first visit to Planet Fitness, arrive a few minutes early. Show your SilverSneakers card or digital ID at the front desk. The staff will scan it and may ask for your date of birth to verify your identity. You'll be given a tour or orientation if you ask for one. After that, you can come and go as you normally would at any gym.

What to do if you have problems with your membership

If the gym staff says your SilverSneakers card is not scanning or not recognized, ask them to call Tivity Health to verify your membership. This usually takes a few minutes. If there's a delay, ask the gym to let you use the equipment while they verify — most will do this rather than turn you away.

If you lose your card, call Tivity Health at 1-888-423-4632 or log into your account on the SilverSneakers website to request a replacement. A new card will arrive in the mail within one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use your digital ID on the SilverSneakers GO app.

If your membership stops working after a certain date, it may mean your insurance plan has changed or your coverage has ended. Call your insurance company to confirm your plan is still active and still includes SilverSneakers. If you switched plans or it's a new calendar year, your coverage may have been interrupted briefly — your insurance company can reactivate it.

SilverSneakers classes and programs beyond the gym floor

SilverSneakers offers more than just gym access. Many locations, including some Planet Fitness gyms, offer specialized classes designed for older adults — balance and fall prevention, arthritis-friendly water aerobics, and gentle strength training. These classes are included with your SilverSneakers membership at no extra cost.

SilverSneakers also runs a virtual fitness program called SilverSneakers LIVE, which offers online classes you can join from home. These include yoga, tai chi, strength training, and dance. You can access LIVE classes through the SilverSneakers website or app using the same login as your gym membership.

Ask the front desk at your Planet Fitness location which SilverSneakers classes they offer and when they meet. Not all locations offer the same classes, so availability depends on your gym.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay anything to use SilverSneakers at Planet Fitness?

No. If your Medicare plan includes SilverSneakers, there is no copay, no monthly fee, and no enrollment fee. You show your card and use the gym. The only exception is if you want premium services like personal training, which Planet Fitness charges separately.

Can I use my SilverSneakers membership at other gyms besides Planet Fitness?

Yes. SilverSneakers works at thousands of gyms, YMCAs, and fitness studios across the country. Use the SilverSneakers location finder to see all participating gyms in your area. You can use your membership at any of them.

What happens to my SilverSneakers membership if I change Medicare plans?

It depends on whether your new plan includes SilverSneakers. If it does, your new plan will issue you a new card. If it doesn't, your SilverSneakers membership will end on the date your old plan ends. Call your new insurance company to find out whether they offer SilverSneakers.

Can I bring a guest to Planet Fitness with my SilverSneakers membership?

No. Your SilverSneakers membership is for you only. Guests would need their own membership or day pass. However, some Planet Fitness locations offer a guest pass program — ask the front desk about their guest policy.

Is there an age requirement to use SilverSneakers?

SilverSneakers is designed for people 65 and older, but may be able to access is based on your Medicare plan, not your age. If you're under 65 and have a Medicare plan that includes SilverSneakers, you can use it. Check with your insurance company about your specific situation.