IBC Broker Briefs

Introducing the SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program for Medicare Members

SilverSneakers provides participants with free basic fitness center memberships at participating locations. That membership includes access to amenities such as treadmills, weights, heated pools, and fitness classes.

Participating fitness centers provide classes designed specifically for Medicare-eligible members, along with onsite Senior Advisors^SM to assist them. Members can also participate in health education seminars and fun social events. Members enroll directly with the fitness center and may visit any participating location in the country. You can direct your customers to a website, www.silversneakers.com, where they can view information about participating fitness centers.

The current fitness reimbursement program offered to Medicare members through Healthy Lifestyles^SM will end on December 31, 2007. That program will not be renewed for Medicare members who are eligible for SilverSneakers. Medicare members eligible for SilverSneakers who are also currently enrolled in the Healthy Lifestyles fitness program will be handled in one of two ways:

• Members who complete 120 workouts by December 31, 2007, regardless of when their enrollment was scheduled to end, will be eligible for a 100% reimbursement, up to $150.

• Members whose enrollment in the Healthy Lifestyles fitness program is scheduled to end in 2008 will be reimbursed $1.25 for each visit completed by December 31, 2007. The maximum reimbursement is $150.

Medicare members who are currently enrolled in the Healthy Lifestyles fitness program and will be affected by the change were notified by letter.

Fitness program eligibility

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Independence Blue Cross offers products directly, through its subsidiaries Keystone Health Plan East and QCC Insurance Company, and with Highmark Blue Shield. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.