Seniors Face Gym Fee Shock as Insurance Cuts Coverage

Seniors in Minnesota are facing a significant disruption to their fitness routines as Blue Cross and Blue Shield announced that their insurance will no longer cover memberships at YMCA of the North and Life Time gyms starting January 1, 2026. This change, affecting around 7,800 seniors in the Twin Cities metro, stems from rising cost pressures within the Medicare market, according to the insurance provider.

Many affected seniors, who have relied on these gyms for years through the SilverSneakers program, are expressing frustration and shock. For individuals like Diane Hurley, 84, the YMCA is a crucial lifeline for maintaining health and social connections. The looming deadline of December 7 for the open enrollment period adds urgency for those needing to find new insurance or pay an additional $77 monthly fee to keep their memberships.

YMCA leadership is encouraging affected seniors to explore alternative insurance providers that may still participate in the SilverSneakers program. While Blue Cross and Blue Shield stated that over 600 other SilverSneakers locations remain available, many seniors believe these options do not offer the same specialized senior programs and support found at the YMCA.