Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Now Offers SilverSneakers® Fitness to Members in Its Currently Marketed Medicare Supplement Plans

Business Wire

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Effective Jan. 1, 2017, existing and new members of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s currently sold Medicare Supplement Plans in Colorado will be able to exercise at participating SilverSneakers^®Fitnesslocations at no additional cost.

Through a variety of fitness offerings that accommodate all fitness levels and preferences, as well as invaluable social interactions, SilverSneakers helps older adults maximize their health, maintain their lifestyle and improve overall well-being. Members in Anthem’s currently marketed Medicare Supplement Plans A, F and N in Colorado will have full access to these programs at no extra cost.

Exercise is important for the well-being of everybody, but particularly seniors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), exercise can prevent many health problems associated with aging. The CDC recommends 150 minutes of exercise a week for people ages 65 and older who are generally fit.¹ However, participants should always consult a health care professional before beginning an exercise program.

“SilverSneakers Fitness is a great program for members to either get started, or to continue with, a physical activity regimen. The value-added program provides a variety of fitness options and social activities for developing new peer groups and friends,” said Josh Martin, president of Anthem Medicare’s west region. “We are pleased to be able to offer it to Medicare Supplement members in our currently marketed plans in Colorado and we encourage them to take advantage of it.”

Members can take advantage of a host of comprehensive program features including facility amenities and a variety of specialized group exercise classes all taught by instructors trained specifically in senior fitness. The program offers access to more than 13,000 fitness and wellness facilities nationwide, as well as the SilverSneakers FLEX™ network, which includes classes and activities at community-based locations.

“For more than 20 years, SilverSneakers Fitness has helped to increase physical activity in older Americans, resulting in higher well-being and lower health care costs,” said Sheri Pruitt, PhD, vice president and behavioral scientist for SilverSneakers Fitness. “For years, we have been a proud partner with Anthem and its Medicare Advantage members in delivering a comprehensive program that offers a variety of health and fitness opportunities, at all levels of fitness. We are happy to expand our offering to eligible Anthem’s Medicare Supplement members in Colorado.”

Medicare Supplement plans are sold by private companies to help pay health care costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. These plans may include additional services like SilverSneakers. Interested parties can learn more about Anthem’s Medicare Supplement offerings by visiting www.anthem.com/shop. For details about SilverSneakers, visit www.silversneakers.com.

SilverSneakers^® is not insurance and may be discontinued at any time. The SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program is provided by an independent company.

About SilverSneakers Fitness

SilverSneakers Fitness is the nation’s leading exercise program for older Americans. The program was founded in 1992 and is available to more than 13 million Medicare beneficiaries through many Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans. For more information, or to check eligibility, go to silversneakers.com.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Rocky Mountain Hospital and Medical Service, Inc., an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Colorado is available at www.anthem.com.

¹ http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/guidelines/olderadults.html