Is Renew Active included with Medicare Supplement Plans

[DawnetaA417203]

No where can I find where this is specifically addressed so hopefully I can at least get some thoughts here.

I subscribe to a Medicare Supplement plan not a Medicare Advantage plan.I am entering my annual renewal phase and would consider changing to United Healthcare (but sticking with a supplement plan) specifically because United Healthcare touts additional benefits on their plan website that interest me. However, they do not specifically clarify under which plans these additional benefits are available.  Even my insurance agent has been unable to get a direct clarification.

So, here goes: Does United Healthcare include Renew Active benefits with Medicare Supplement plans or only with Medicare Advantage Plans.  

[PeterM35351]

The url below for AARP Supplement plans indicates that Renew Active (and more) was included in 2021. I haven't discovered if it extends to today, 2023. I'll call the customer service number on my member card to find out the current status, and yes, the print at the bottom of the page does indicate these offers aren't insurance, and can be discontinued at any time.

https://www.aarpmedicaresupplement.com/content/dam/aarpmedicaresupplement/redesign/pdfs/value-added-... 

[EmmaO54085]

Renew Active™. The gold standard in Medicare fitness programs for body and mind. With Renew Active you will receive a gym membership, an online brain health program and access to local health and wellness events. Renew Active is available at no additional cost, exclusively from UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Plans.

[MayhewBates]

Okay let get stated

[lolee56]

I found this on aarp medicare plans website. I was interested in knowing too. 

Renew Active™ by UnitedHealthcare

^Availability of fitness program may vary by area. Fitness program network only includes participating facilities and locations.

You can only receive the Renew Active special membership rate if you are an insured member covered under an AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan, insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. Renew Active includes standard fitness membership. Participation in the Renew Active program is voluntary. Consult your doctor prior to beginning an exercise program or making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine. Equipment and classes may vary by location.

[somarco]

Renew Active™. The gold standard in Medicare fitness programs for body and mind. With Renew Active you will receive a gym membership, an online brain health program and access to local health and wellness events.

Renew Active is available at no additional cost, exclusively from UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Plans.

https://uhcrenewactive.com/home

As @GailL1 this is a benefit that is not baked into your Medigap plan, but is similar to SilverSneakers.

Renew Active and Silver Sneakers can be discontinued by the carrier at any time.

I have never considered add-on benefits to be something to be valued when evaluating any kind of insurance plan.

[g936417g]

I would have to disagree with your statement, "I have never considered add-on benefits to be something to be valued when evaluating any kind of insurance plan". 

If an add on benefit such as "Renew Active" is something you would use then it surely becomes part of the equation in evaluating various Supplemental Plans across different providers.  I just checked with my local YMCA and confirmed that having access to Renew Active via my AARP UH Supplemental Plan will give me full membership access at no cost to me.  That is a $44 monthly saving based on their Senior Rate for singles.  I'd say that is quite a savings and would definitely be a factor to many in their selection decision.

So in my opinion why look a gift horse in the mouth.  I do understand that such benefits can removed at any time.  But until then, it is quite a benefit that many will probably take advantage of.  Now I just need to get in better shape before I go out in public at the YMCA!  

[DavidB397137]

The problem is the plan with renew active is about $35 more thru UHC than the plan without it.  Still a savings BUT if you ever want to change the plan from the active plan to the standard plan you have to go thru underwriting and they can deny it forcing you to stay with the higher plan.  I researched all this recently.

[GailL1]

@DavidB397137 

Switching a Medigap plan, in most cases, you won’t be able to switch your Medigap policy outside your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period except in specific situations when you have a guaranteed issue right. Contact your State Insurance Department to find out if your state offers more opportunities for you to change your Medigap policy.

Several states have added more guaranteed issue rights and many others have added specific time periods when one can switch their policy to an equal or lesser plan or even one from another insurer.

Know your state rules because changes they have made in your state might make the switching much easier.(without underwriting)

[JenniferS518088]

Couldn't agree with you more! Especially if you're already paying this membership fee (or about to sign up), you save the price of the membership right off the bat.  It's a valid point that the benefit can be taken away at any time (happened to me with Blue Cross Tivity Health - took the YMCA off their list), but while it's still there, it's a net $$ gain. 

[GailL1]

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@DawnetaA417203 wrote:

So, here goes: Does United Healthcare include Renew Active benefits with Medicare Supplement plans or only with Medicare Advantage Plans.  

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Can't answer your question specifically but I have a comment & a question which you can answer for yourself and perhaps answer your own question.

IF they do offer such a special service with their MEDIGAP plans - or even some of them - it will NOT be a benefit that is included in the actual policy design- the policy benefits are defined by Medicare for each of the Medigap plans.  It would be something special; extra and could cancle it at any time - READ THE SMALL PRINT and THE DISCLOSURES.

Maybe it is something that they think sets them apart of all the other insurers that offer the exact same Medigap plans for lower premiums.  It would be an incentive difference only.

So if they can cancel it at any time - would that be OK with you and the Medigap plan that you have picked for the long term?

[bwitten]

I have a Plan F Medigap plan through AARP/UnitedHealthcare. I signed into my account and found Renew Active. I used the site to search for the gym I was using pre-COVID. I printed out a sheet with a code and my name that says: " You can bring this to any participating gym to get free access." I haven't tried that yet.

[gghome28]

Thank you for the best answer so far to what I thought was an easy question.  Is "Renew Active" part of UHC 2021 plans outside of Part C (Medicare Advantage). 

In my case Is it included with Part N?  It is not clearly stated on their website as it is for Part C (Medicare Advantage).  Sure it has to do with the push to get as many people as possible on an Advantage program to save money.   

Appreciate the point made by others that "Renew Active" can be "Canceled" at anytime.

[Janmann]

I know it was over a year ago you were asking, but I am including text from the Plan N description.  I live in Brooklyn, and it may be different where you  live.

Under: Insured Member Discounts and Services

Fitness

A gym membership at a location near you, at no additional cost.

[g936417g]

I purchased a AARP Medicare United Health Supplemental Plan G effective 7/1/2021.  Today I went down to my local YMCA as they were identified as a provider who participated in Renew Active.  I had no problem getting a membership at no cost to me.  I simply filled out their application, gave them my UH Membership Card and became a new member.  This is really a valued added benefit with no additional cost other than the monthly premium rate for the UH plan selected.  The monthly single senior rate at my YMCA was $44.  I know the Plan G I selected was specific for AARP members.  I'm guessing that their non-AARP Plan Gs offer the same Renew Active benefit.  

Regarding the statement that Renew Active can be cancelled at anytime, who really cares!  That is almost true of any organization or service provider.  Your Auto Insurance, Car Insurance, Club Memberships and on and on.  Simply cross that bridge if and when it ever happens.  Until then just enjoy the added benefit.  I didn't select the Plan G offered by UH because of Renew Active!