UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans in nine states will soon offer new fitness benefits that allow access to classes, equipment and events at participating health clubs.
At no extra cost, Optum Fitness Advantage will become available in January 2018 to those enrolled in eligible UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans, according to a UnitedHealth Group media release. In states such as New York and Texas, plan participants will be able to access standard member services at certain health club chains—including New York Sports Clubs, Snap Fitness, LA Fitness, 24 Hour Fitness and Anytime Fitness—with a waiver of all enrollment fees.
“Optum Fitness Advantage offers people enrolled in UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans an opportunity to stay active and engaged in their communities in a way that supports their overall health and well-being,” Phillip Franz, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement in New York, said in the release.
UnitedHealthcare first launched the Optum Fitness Advantage program in Washington and New Jersey in January 2017. Early success prompted the 2018 expansion, according to the release.
“I go to my local YMCA almost daily at no additional cost, which means a lot when living on a fixed income,” Nancy Chiu, a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage member in New Jersey, said in the release. “I am grateful that UnitedHealthcare is offering a fitness program that helps me improve my health and well-being.”
In the release, Anytime Fitness CEO Chuck Runyon said the company is looking forward to providing more fitness choices to seniors, inside and outside the gym..
UnitedHealthcare serves 4.3 million beneficiaries with Medicare Advantage, 4.4 million beneficiaries through its Medicare supplement plans and 4.9 million people through its portfolio of Part D prescription drug plans. One in five Medicare beneficiaries nationwide are UnitedHealthcare members.
For a full list of participating states and clubs, click here