That's Fit

Did you know that your insurance company may reimburse you for staying healthy? Sadly, most people aren't aware of this, and that means you could be missing out on some well deserved cash.

Yes, companies like Oxford Health Insurance will give you $100 per six month period ($20 per month) back if you stay active and belong to a gym that encourages cardiovascular health. If you belong to a club like Bally's ($19 per month), you basically receive a free membership. If you have a personal trainer ... think of it as getting 3 to 4 free sessions per year.

If you are 55 or older there may be no need for a reimbursement because many providers (not just Oxford) offer the SilverSneakers program at no additional cost to individuals who belong to participating Medicare health plans or Medicare Supplement carriers.This program, however, requires that the gym is a participating facility and that it has customized SilverSneakers classes designed exclusively for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance -- this is a fantastic program, it's just not offered at all gyms.

For the Oxford reimbursement program, almost all gyms and personal training studios qualify and as a service most facilities are able to provide a report of your attendance (which is required), making the process even easier.

The best thing to do is check with your health care provider to see what options are available to you. Most providers now realize that preventive care is the best route to keeping you as healthy as possible (saving them money) ... so you might be pleasantly surprised to find out that you will be rewarded for taking care of yourself. On the flip side, you might be upset to find out that you actually qualified for this last year! Either way ... Now you know!