Seven Hills is extending its Black Friday membership sale through the entire month of November to help residents affected by insurance changes that eliminate a popular senior fitness benefit.
Parks and Recreation Director Jen Burger addressed concerns during the Oct. 28 committee meeting about Anthem insurance discontinuing coverage for the Silver Sneakers fitness program.
Silver Sneakers provides free gym memberships, fitness classes and wellness programs to seniors whose Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plans include the benefit. The program gives members access to participating gyms, pools, fitness equipment and specialized classes designed for older adults.
Burger explained several other insurance providers, including Humana and Medical Mutual, still cover Silver Sneakers memberships. She noted that United Healthcare made a similar move about five to six years ago before launching its own program called Renew Active.
“Healthcare companies kind of do this once in a while,” Burger said. “We do have a plan because we’ve done this in the past.”
Mayor Anthony Biasiada extended the city’s Black Friday membership sale for the entire month of November to assist residents and members who might be affected by the insurance change. The extended sale includes resident membership rates, non-resident membership rates and non-resident senior special rates.
The city’s recreation center, located adjacent to city hall, offers fitness equipment, classes and programs for all ages.
Rookie Athletics Program Expansion
The finance committee also approved adding $18,000 to the rookie athletics program contract with Philip Tamberlin. The item will appear on the next council agenda as an emergency measure.
Burger explained the program added several new offerings this year and enrollment increased significantly. The additional funding is needed because the city is generating more revenue from the expanded programs, which must be used to pay the contractor for the services.
“We’re making additional revenues, so we have to pay him so he can pay for his programs,” Burger said.
Council person Kelly, presiding over the Parks and Recreation Committee in place of Councilman Morrow, asked whether other providers still support Silver Sneakers. Burger confirmed multiple insurance companies continue to offer the benefit.
The Parks and Recreation Committee last met Oct. 14, with minutes on file. The next meeting is scheduled for Nov. 11.
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