Medicare members: Discover how SilverSneakers becomes your 2026 fitness benefit provider, offering thousands of gym locations, live virtual classes, on-demand workouts, and community programs—all at no extra cost.
Starting January 1, 2026, Medicare plan members will experience an exciting transition in their fitness benefits as SilverSneakers takes over as the primary fitness benefit vendor. This change represents a significant enhancement in the wellness offerings available to Medicare-eligible members, bringing decades of specialized experience and an extensive network of resources to support healthy, active aging.
As we approach 2026, Medicare members need to be aware of an important change in their fitness benefits. FitOn, which has served as the fitness vendor for 2025, has made the business decision to exit the Medicare benefit market at the end of this year. While this may initially seem concerning to members who have grown accustomed to FitOn's platform, the transition to SilverSneakers brings numerous advantages and expanded opportunities for fitness engagement.
This change is not a reduction in benefits. Instead, it's an upgrade to a more comprehensive, specialized fitness program that has been serving Medicare-eligible adults for years with proven success.
Current FitOn users should note that access to FitOn will expire on December 31, 2025. If you've earned fitness rewards through FitOn in 2025, make sure all activities are logged by year-end. The good news is that any rewards earned in 2025 will remain available to spend through December 31, 2026, giving you a full year to utilize them.
If you're using FitOn's Digital Payment Card to access out-of-network facilities, you'll need to provide alternative payment if you wish to continue at that gym, or notify the facility that you're canceling your membership as of December 31, 2025.
SilverSneakers stands as the industry leader in providing fitness benefits designed explicitly for Medicare-eligible members. Unlike general fitness programs, SilverSneakers has built its entire platform around the unique needs, preferences, and health considerations of older adults. This specialization makes all the difference in creating an effective, safe, and enjoyable fitness experience.
The program's reputation isn't built on marketing alone—it's earned through years of helping millions of older adults improve their health, build confidence, and connect with their communities through fitness. SilverSneakers understands that fitness at this stage of life isn't just about exercise; it's about maintaining independence, building social connections, and enhancing overall quality of life.
One of SilverSneakers' most impressive features is its vast network of participating fitness facilities. Members gain access to thousands of gyms, fitness centers, and recreational facilities across all 50 states and Puerto Rico. This extensive network ensures that whether you're at home or traveling, you can maintain your fitness routine without interruption.
The participating locations aren't limited to basic gyms—the network includes various facility types with diverse amenities to suit different preferences and fitness levels. Many locations offer access to swimming pools, exercise equipment, group fitness studios, and even pickleball courts, which have become increasingly popular among active older adults.
Perhaps most importantly, SilverSneakers members aren't restricted to just one location. You can enroll at multiple facilities simultaneously, giving you the flexibility to visit different gyms based on your schedule, location, or the specific amenities you want to use on any given day. This multi-location access is particularly valuable for those who split time between different residences or want variety in their workout environment.
At participating gyms and fitness centers, members receive a basic membership that provides access to standard facilities and equipment. The program includes SilverSneakers-branded classes specifically designed for older adults and taught by instructors with specialized training. These classes accommodate all fitness levels and abilities, ensuring that everyone from fitness novices to seasoned exercisers can participate safely and effectively.
It's important to note that while basic membership is included, premium services like personal training and classes not led by SilverSneakers representatives may incur additional fees at some locations.
You can easily search for participating fitness facilities at SilverSneakers.com or by calling member services. If your current gym isn't in the SilverSneakers network, you have options. You can choose from SilverSneakers' extensive network of participating facilities, or you can nominate your preferred facility for inclusion in the network by visiting the website or contacting member services.
Understanding that fitness needs to be accessible in multiple formats, SilverSneakers offers comprehensive options that extend far beyond traditional gym memberships.
SilverSneakers LIVE brings the studio experience directly to your home with live-streamed classes and workshops. Led by specially trained instructors who understand the needs of older adults, these classes run seven days a week, providing structure and social interaction even when attending a physical facility isn't convenient. The live format creates community and accountability while offering real-time guidance from qualified instructors.
For ultimate flexibility, SilverSneakers provides access to more than 200 on-demand workout videos available 24/7. This extensive library includes content spanning various fitness modalities—from cardio and strength training to yoga, balance work, and flexibility exercises. The videos are specifically designed for older adults, with appropriate modifications and progressions built into each workout.
Members can choose workouts based on their energy level, available time, or specific fitness goals on any given day. Whether you prefer a quick 10-minute morning stretch or a comprehensive 45-minute workout, the on-demand library has options to meet your needs.
The program's mobile app serves as your portable fitness center, putting all SilverSneakers resources at your fingertips. Through the app, you can access personalized program recommendations, create and adjust workout plans, track your activity, schedule classes, find participating locations, and store your member ID. The app makes it easy to maintain consistency in your fitness journey, regardless of where life takes you.
SilverSneakers recognizes that fitness is more meaningful when shared with others. Beyond traditional gym settings, the program offers community-based activities and classes that take fitness outside standard facilities. These community offerings include various formats—cardio, dance, yoga, and more—providing opportunities to connect with neighbors and friends while staying active.
This community focus addresses one of the most significant health challenges facing older adults: social isolation. By creating opportunities for regular social interaction around fitness activities, SilverSneakers helps members build friendships and support networks that enhance both physical and mental well-being.
The transition to SilverSneakers has been designed to be as smooth and straightforward as possible. Here's how to get started:
Starting January 1, 2026, you can obtain your SilverSneakers Member ID in several ways:
Visit SilverSneakers.com/StartHere and create a free online account
Call member services at 1-888-502-0831 (TTY: 711) if you prefer not to create an online account
Download the SilverSneakers GO mobile app
Note that you won't be able to activate your account before January 1, 2026, so mark your calendar.
Once you have your Member ID, you can:
Search for participating fitness facilities in your area
Browse the schedule of live online classes
Explore the on-demand video library
Familiarize yourself with the mobile app features
Present your SilverSneakers Member ID at any participating fitness facility to enroll, or begin with online classes from the comfort of your home. Remember, you can enroll at multiple locations and use all program features simultaneously.
If you've had a SilverSneakers membership in the past through a different health plan, good news: your former Member ID will become active again as of January 1, 2026. Log back into your account or contact member services to reactivate.
Perhaps the best news about SilverSneakers is that this comprehensive fitness program is included at no additional cost with your Medicare health plan. This represents significant value when you consider that a typical gym membership alone might cost $50-100 per month, not including the cost of classes, personal training, or online resources that SilverSneakers includes as part of the benefit.
Unlike the 2025 FitOn benefit, SilverSneakers does not include a fitness rewards program for 2026. However, the expanded access to facilities, classes, and digital resources provides substantial value and motivation to maintain an active lifestyle.
The transition to SilverSneakers for 2026 marks an exciting new chapter in fitness benefits for Medicare plan members. With its specialized focus on older adults, extensive facility network, comprehensive digital offerings, and community-building opportunities, SilverSneakers provides a robust platform for maintaining and improving health at any fitness level.
As January 1 approaches, Medicare members should prepare for the transition by familiarizing themselves with SilverSneakers offerings, exploring the facility network in their area, and planning how they'll activate their new benefits on day one. Whether you're continuing an existing fitness routine or embarking on a new wellness journey, SilverSneakers stands ready to support your goals with resources, expertise, and a welcoming community.
The future of fitness for Medicare members is bright with SilverSneakers—a program that truly understands that staying active is about more than just exercise. It's about living life fully, maintaining independence, connecting with others, and embracing wellness at every age.
Contact Information:
For Members: Phone: 1-888-502-0831 (TTY: 711) Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET Website: SilverSneakers.com