Renew Active vs. SilverSneakers: Comparing Medicare Fitness Benefits
Renew Active and SilverSneakers are both fitness benefits bundled into certain private Medicare plans at no extra cost — neither is part of Original Medicare. The main difference is who offers them: Renew Active is UnitedHealthcare's exclusive program (with a gym network of more than 25,000 locations plus the AARP Staying Sharp brain-health feature), while SilverSneakers is run by Tivity Health and offered through many other carriers such as Humana, Aetna, and Anthem (with more than 15,000 participating locations). You generally cannot have both, because the benefit is tied to whichever Medicare plan and carrier you choose. Because these benefits can change from year to year, re-verify yours during each enrollment period.
Renew Active vs. SilverSneakers at a glance
Both programs are supplemental fitness benefits added to private Medicare plans. They are not run by the government, and Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for gym memberships or fitness programs. You only get one of these benefits if it is included in the Medicare Advantage or, in some cases, Medicare Supplement plan you enroll in.
The single biggest distinction is the carrier. Renew Active is offered only by UnitedHealthcare. SilverSneakers is operated by Tivity Health and is offered through many different carriers, including Humana, Aetna, and Anthem.
- Who offers it: Renew Active = UnitedHealthcare plans only. SilverSneakers = many carriers (Tivity Health runs the program).
- Gym network size: Renew Active cites more than 25,000 participating fitness locations; SilverSneakers cites more than 15,000.
- Brain health: Renew Active includes AARP Staying Sharp (Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins). SilverSneakers does not include this feature.
- Online/at-home options: Both offer on-demand videos and live-streaming classes (see the digital section below).
- Cost: $0 extra to members of qualifying plans — the cost is built into the plan.
- Can you have both? Generally no — the benefit follows the carrier and plan you pick.
Does Original Medicare cover gym memberships?
No. Original Medicare (Part A hospital insurance and Part B medical insurance) does not cover gym memberships, fitness classes, or wellness programs like SilverSneakers or Renew Active. These are extra benefits added by private insurers.
Fitness benefits show up in two places: most commonly in Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, and sometimes in Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans. For example, eligible AARP Medicare Supplement plans (insured by UnitedHealthcare) can include Renew Active. Whether any given Medigap or Advantage plan includes a fitness benefit varies by carrier, plan, and location, so always confirm before assuming it is there.
Keep in mind that if you are on a Medicare Advantage plan, you still pay your standard Part B premium — $202.90 per month in 2026 — on top of any plan premium. The fitness benefit itself does not add a separate charge.
Gym networks, big-name gyms, and online classes
Both programs give you access to a national network of participating fitness locations, which can include traditional gyms, wellness centers, and YMCAs. UnitedHealthcare states Renew Active includes over 25,000 participating fitness locations, while SilverSneakers is commonly cited as having more than 15,000 (some carrier pages simply say 'thousands of participating locations').
A larger network does not automatically make one program 'better' for you. What matters most is whether the specific gym you want to use participates in your program — networks differ by brand and by location, and which big-name chains (such as YMCA, Planet Fitness, or Life Time) accept a program can vary by area. Check each program's location finder for your ZIP code before deciding.
- SilverSneakers digital options: SilverSneakers LIVE (live online classes), SilverSneakers On-Demand (a prerecorded video library), and the SilverSneakers GO mobile app.
- Renew Active digital options: on-demand workout videos, live-streaming fitness classes, and access to local health and wellness classes in addition to the gym membership.
- Renew Active brain health: AARP Staying Sharp offers a Cognitive Assessment, Lifestyle Check-Ins, and exclusive videos and interactive challenges.
How to check eligibility and use your benefit
Because the benefit is tied to your plan, the first step is confirming which program (if any) your plan includes. You can ask your carrier directly, check your plan's benefit documents, or use the program's own eligibility tool.
Using each program at a gym works a little differently. Renew Active members get a Renew Active confirmation code from the member website or the UnitedHealthcare app and present it at a participating gym. SilverSneakers members use a 16-digit SilverSneakers ID number to enroll at a location or sign in online.
- SilverSneakers eligibility: designed for adults age 65 and older; verify your status with the official eligibility check tool at tools.silversneakers.com.
- Renew Active access: get your confirmation code from the UnitedHealthcare member site or app, then show it at a participating location.
- If you switch carriers — for example, leaving a UnitedHealthcare plan for another insurer — you will lose Renew Active, since it is UnitedHealthcare-exclusive. The new plan may offer SilverSneakers or a different program instead, or none at all.
What if my plan drops SilverSneakers in 2026/2027?
Fitness benefits are not guaranteed forever. Whether a plan includes SilverSneakers or Renew Active can change each year, and some carriers have altered or dropped SilverSneakers in their 2026/2027 benefit packages. That is why it is important to re-verify the benefit during each enrollment period rather than assuming last year's coverage carries over.
If your plan is dropping a fitness benefit you value, you have options. During the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period you can compare other plans in your area to find one that includes the program you want. If you specifically want Renew Active, that means looking at UnitedHealthcare plans; if you want SilverSneakers, look at carriers that still offer it for the coming year. Choosing a fitness benefit effectively means choosing the underlying Medicare plan and carrier, so weigh the whole plan — premiums, drug coverage, provider network, and cost-sharing — not the gym perk alone.
This guide is educational and not affiliated with the federal Medicare program or any insurer. Benefit details vary by plan and location, so confirm specifics with the carrier or a licensed advisor before enrolling.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have both SilverSneakers and Renew Active at the same time?
Generally no. The benefit is tied to your carrier: UnitedHealthcare plans offer Renew Active, while non-UHC plans typically offer SilverSneakers or another program. Because each is bundled into a specific Medicare plan, choosing one effectively means choosing that underlying plan — you cannot mix and match them independently.
Does either program cost extra?
No. Both Renew Active and SilverSneakers are provided at $0 additional cost to members of qualifying plans; the cost is built into the plan. Neither charges a separate fee beyond your Medicare plan premium. Note that on a Medicare Advantage plan you still pay the standard Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) plus any plan premium.
Which program has more gym locations?
UnitedHealthcare cites more than 25,000 participating fitness locations for Renew Active, while SilverSneakers cites more than 15,000. However, a bigger network is not automatically better for you — what matters is whether the specific gym you want participates in your area. Check each program's location finder for your ZIP code.
What is AARP Staying Sharp in Renew Active?
AARP Staying Sharp is a brain-health component included with Renew Active. It offers a Cognitive Assessment, Lifestyle Check-Ins, and exclusive videos and interactive challenges for members. SilverSneakers does not include this brain-health feature.
How do I check if my plan includes one of these benefits?
Ask your carrier, review your plan's benefit documents, or use the program's eligibility tool — for example, the official SilverSneakers check at tools.silversneakers.com. Because benefits can change yearly and some plans dropped SilverSneakers for 2026/2027, re-verify during each enrollment period.
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Medicare Login Guide is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or any government agency. This article is for general information only — confirm current figures and your specific options at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.