BCBS Cuts SilverSneakers Gym Access for Minnesota Medicare Advantage Seniors

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) has announced it will discontinue the SilverSneakers gym membership program for Medicare Advantage members at YMCA of the North and Life Time gym locations in Minnesota starting January 1, 2026. This change affects only select gym locations in the Minneapolis area and does not impact YMCA locations in Greater Minnesota. The decision comes amid projected increases in Medicare enrollment and rising costs for BCBS, including a substantial price increase from Tividy, the middleman company contracting gym pricing with BCBS. The SilverSneakers program allows qualifying seniors to access gym facilities with no out-of-pocket cost, an important wellness benefit for many older adults. BCBS has cited the need to control costs due to anticipated historic growth in Medicare enrollment, following the UCare exit, and inflationary pressures in maintaining a premier gym network. This cost-cutting measure aims to maintain coverage stability for members amid these financial constraints. The announcement prompted a response from senior members, many expressing frustration over the timing of the change during the open enrollment period, which limits opportunities to switch insurance providers or find alternative fitness options. Seniors emphasize the unique community and tailored care offered at impacted YMCA and Life Time locations is not easily replicated at other gyms in BCBS's network. Representatives from BCBS and YMCA held discussions, but the insurer indicates reversal of the decision for 2026 is unlikely. YMCA is taking steps to offer discounted membership rates to affected seniors, anticipating some decline in participation from the roughly 7,800 seniors enrolled in SilverSneakers through BCBS. Neither BCBS nor the YMCA disclosed financial details regarding the program costs or savings resulting from the change. The situation highlights broader challenges insurers face in balancing expanding Medicare membership and rising operational costs while maintaining supplemental wellness benefits. The role of intermediary vendors like Tividy in driving program costs adds complexity to contract negotiations and network stability. Senior advocates urge revisiting funding priorities to sustain valuable fitness programs that contribute to health and community engagement among Medicare beneficiaries.