Sharp Medicare offers a Free Gym and Classes – Silver and Fit! (City/Retiree Only)
As SDPEBA members, when you retire (or if you’re already retired) you can sign up for Sharp’s Medicare Advantage plan at a group rate, a part C Medicare option for San Diegans. And I’m not sure about you, but everywhere I go I see billboards for non-group versions of Sharp Medicare Advantage, and they are frequently advertising that members get free gym memberships, but is that true and do SDPEBA members get it?
Long story short, it is mostly free and there are limitations.
The program is called Silver and Fit, and it is a part of several other Medicare part C plans. You can check eligibility online here.
The program gives you access to gyms nationwide (including dozens of gyms throughout San Diego) and they’ll even go so far as to send you a workout kit so you can join online classes from home! When you select your workout kit, be sure to look at all of your options, one of them even includes a fitbit!
This is an opt-in system that will require you to go online and make an account to get started. After that you’ll be able to search for a fitness center near you and then print out a “Silver and Fit” card that you can bring to the gym of your choice!
Some gyms have applications fees and there are limits to how many gyms you can sign up for. We always recommend contacting the gym by phone or email before heading down and making sure they accept Silver and Fit and that there won’t be any hidden fees, but it seems like Silver and Fit is very good about explaining what costs you’ll face at each facility.
These also only give you “basic” access to the facility, which means you won’t get any fancy advanced passes, just standard gym equipment and whatever amenities are open to their entry level members.
The gyms that cost money are called “Premium locations” so be on the lookout for that when you’re signing up. It seems like these locations offer plans at a reduced price, but you’re still paying!
If you have any questions about Silver and Fit, you can always check out their website (linked here) or read about it through Sharp (linked here).