Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota announced this week that it will discontinue coverage for the SilverSneakers fitness program at the YMCA of the North and Life Time gyms effective January 1, 2026. This decision impacts approximately 7,800 seniors who rely on these facilities in the Twin Cities metro area for their health and wellness routines. Many of these seniors, accustomed to having their gym memberships covered under Medicare, are now left seeking alternatives.
At the Southdale YMCA in Edina, Minnesota, members expressed disappointment and frustration over the announcement. Diane Hurley, an 84-year-old member, voiced her concerns, stating, “We don’t want to lose our health insurance. We don’t want to lose our ability to work out and to stay healthy.” For Hurley, the YMCA is more than just a gym; it is a community hub where she has forged lasting friendships and maintained her health.
Financial Pressures Prompt Change
In a statement to WCCO, a spokesperson for Blue Cross Blue Shield explained the rationale behind the decision, citing rising costs associated with Medicare coverage in Minnesota. “In order to ensure Blue Cross could continue offering SilverSneakers to our Medicare members in Minnesota, we needed to adjust the network structure of locations included in the program,” the statement read.
Despite the loss of these popular locations, Blue Cross Blue Shield emphasized that Medicare members will still have access to over 600 SilverSneakers locations across the state. However, many seniors like Greg Socha fear that these alternatives may not match the services provided by the YMCA, particularly the classes and support systems tailored for older adults. “Theoretically, I’m not coming here anymore,” Socha remarked while surveying the gym floor, uncertain about his next steps.
The open enrollment period for Medicare began in mid-October and will conclude on December 7. This tight timeline leaves many seniors scrambling to adjust their healthcare plans. Some members, like one woman who chose to remain anonymous, expressed frustration at learning about the loss of coverage so late in the enrollment period. “There are going to be a lot of seniors, unfortunately, who are on fixed incomes and aren’t going to be able to afford the extra $1,000 a year,” she said, referring to the potential cost of maintaining a YMCA membership at $77 per month.
YMCA Leadership Responds
Glen Gunderson, CEO of YMCA of the North, addressed the situation, revealing that his organization was also caught off guard by the announcement. “We came to find this out as I said on Wednesday late in the game and it’s unfortunate,” Gunderson stated. He urged seniors to explore other insurance providers that continue to participate in the SilverSneakers program, such as Allina Health, Aetna, HealthPartners, Humana, Medica, and UnitedHealthcare.
While Gunderson acknowledged the challenging economic climate faced by Blue Cross Blue Shield, he expressed disappointment that seniors bore the brunt of these changes. “We’ve just been surprised,” he added, emphasizing the importance of keeping seniors engaged and active for their overall health.
As the deadline for open enrollment approaches, many seniors are left contemplating their options. The decision by Blue Cross Blue Shield marks a significant shift in the landscape of Medicare coverage for fitness programs, leaving thousands of members uncertain about their future health and wellness activities.
