Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota announced that starting January 1, 2026, it will discontinue coverage of gym memberships for the YMCA of the North and Life Time as part of the SilverSneakers program. This decision affects approximately 7,800 seniors who utilize these facilities in the Twin Cities metro area, leaving many seeking alternatives for their fitness and social needs.
The SilverSneakers program has long provided Medicare recipients with access to gym memberships, significantly contributing to the health and wellness of seniors. However, Blue Cross Blue Shield cited rising costs associated with Medicare coverage in Minnesota as the reason for this change. A spokesperson for the insurance provider stated that adjusting the network structure was necessary to continue offering the program to members.
At the Southdale YMCA in Edina, Minnesota, the atmosphere was marked by both activity and concern. Many seniors, accustomed to their routines, expressed frustration and confusion over the sudden announcement. “I’m just so angry at the way they did this,” said Diane Hurley, an 84-year-old member who described the YMCA as a lifeline for her social and physical well-being. “We don’t want to lose our health insurance. We don’t want to lose our ability to work out and to stay healthy.”
According to Hurley, the decision comes as a shock, especially for those on fixed incomes. Losing access to the YMCA could mean paying $77 per month to maintain a membership or seeking a new insurance provider altogether. Fellow gym member Greg Socha echoed her sentiments, noting the difficult timing with the open enrollment period for health insurance plans concluding on December 7. “Theoretically, I’m not coming here anymore,” he reflected, looking around the gym with uncertainty.
Many members received the information only recently, prompting further frustration. Blue Cross Blue Shield acknowledged that the network’s composition can change and emphasized the importance of maintaining a sustainable program. “Specific participating locations are not guaranteed and can differ by plan,” the spokesperson explained.
A woman, who chose to remain anonymous, shared her concern over her rising premiums, stating she had just agreed to a plan that would increase her costs by 16% next year, only to lose access to the YMCA. “There are going to be a lot of seniors who are on fixed incomes and aren’t going to be able to afford the extra $1,000 a year,” she lamented. “It’s a very short-sighted decision on Blue Cross Blue Shield’s part.”
YMCA Leaders Respond to Coverage Changes
Glen Gunderson, CEO of YMCA of the North, stated that his organization was also blindsided by the announcement. He described Blue Cross Blue Shield as a valued partner but urged seniors to explore other insurers that still participate in the SilverSneakers program, such as Allina Health, Aetna, HealthPartners, Humana, Medica, and UnitedHealthcare.
Gunderson expressed disappointment, emphasizing the importance of maintaining access to fitness facilities for seniors. “We were surprised to learn about this change just recently, and it is unfortunate that seniors are being caught up in it,” he said. He highlighted that encouraging physical activity among older adults is crucial for their overall health and well-being.
As the news continues to circulate, many seniors are left navigating their options. The end of the SilverSneakers coverage at these key gyms poses significant challenges for those who have relied on the program to stay active and connected. With their health and social routines now in jeopardy, affected individuals face difficult choices in the coming months.
