This is the time of year that medicare announces changes for the new year, as it is “open enrollment” time. If you are 65 or over, this is time for YOU to evaluate your insurance benefits and decide which insurance plan is best for YOU. Here in South Florida, we are so pleased to learn that Blue Cross/Blue Shield will once again be offering their 65 and over participants, free membership in the award winning SilverSneakers program. When I started teaching SS back in the mid 90s it was Blue Cross who first stepped up and offered the benefit, but it is my understanding they never really did the research on just how good it was for their members and eliminated the benefit just a couple of years later. Humana, who also was on board in the early years, did do the research and learned that offering this fitness benefit was a win/win situation, saving everyone money as it promoted better health, thru fun, fitness and socialization.
Here in my neck of the woods (well, not really woods at all) we will be letting people join in the program before their benefits even kick in. If you, or anyone you know, is a BlueCross/Blue Shield member, and would like to know more about this wonderful program, give Ron a call at Tamarac Fitness Center at 954-726-1070. He will be happy to give yo all the details so you can get started soon. There are many other providers already offering this benefit (Humana, Coventry, Care Plus and several smaller companies as well) and many have this benefit and don’t even know! It provides you a full gym membership and in many cases, such as at TFC, group exercise classes. All across the US (and beyond) different insurance providers offer this benefit, so make sure to check out what’s doing in YOUR neck of the woods. For more info, go to Silversneakers.com…or ask me!
Please share this information with your friends and loved ones. Even people who never liked to exercise before, love participating in this program! Personally, I love teaching the classes and am thankful and proud to be a part of such a great wellness initiative.