Medicare supplement insurance - also known as Medigap insurance was designed to not only make up for shortfalls in Medicare Part A and Part B for those on original Medicare, but also to give them access to many of the additional benefits that Medicare Advantage enrollees have. One such popular benefit, SilverSneakers, is now being paid for by several Medicare Supplement plans as well.

SilverSneakers is the country's number one wellness program for seniors. SilverSneakers was created to help seniors stay healthy and active, with fitness, diet and exercise programs designed just for them. SilverSneakers has long been a popular benefit with many Private Medicare Advantage HMO's nationwide, and more recently it has started to be offered as a benefit of some Medigap plans.

"Today's older adults strive to maintain physical and mental health as well as quality of life," said Marc Russo, vice president of Senior Markets at Blue Shield of California, were they have just added this benefit to their Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans.

In a company Press Release announcing the additional benefit, Russo continued, "We're proud to take an industry-leading position in promoting wellness and prevention by enabling all our Medicare Supplement plan subscribers around the state to access SilverSneakers as part of their efforts to pursue an active, independent lifestyle."

SilverSneakers helps seniors to achieve greater independence, take more control of their health and at the same time participate in some truly fun and engaging social activities. With coverage for SilverSneakers from their Medicare Supplement, Medicare enrollees can expect to:

Gain access to fitness classes, workout equipment, spa/sauna, pool, and any other available amenities at participating health clubs such as the YMCA, Curves or Bally's.

Be able to participate in unique SilverSneakers classes designed exclusively for older folks who want to increase strength, balance, flexibility and stamina

Gain access to health education workshops and other wellness events that promote the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.

In addition, as part of the SilverSneakers program, enrollees will have access to their own expert Senior Advisor at the chosen fitness center to help get them started and get the most out of the SilverSneakers program.

More and more Medicare Supplements willing to pay for programs such as SilverSneakers shows that health plans are beginning to realize the positive benefits of such programs. Recent scientific data backs up that thinking. In 2008 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the results of a study that found SilverSneakers provided measurable health benefits. The study found that active participants in SilverSneakers who had been diagnosed with diabetes were admitted to the hospital less, and had an overall significant reduction of total healthcare costs after being in the program for only one year.

Check with your Medicare Supplement provider if they include SilverSneakers membership as a benefit - if they do, usually all you need to do to get started is show your Medicare Supplement Health plan Card to the participating facility in your area. You can find a list of participating healthcare plans at: http://www.silversneakers.com/.