By Mark Ambrogi
Monon Community Center director Kurtis Baumgartner had been wanting to add Healthways SiliverSneakers Program and Prime Fitness programs to his facility for a long time.
On Jan. 1, he got his wish.
The Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness program is an insurance benefit program through Medicare health plan (age 65 and over). The Monon Community Center is reimbursed through Healthways per each visit by the seniors.
The Prime Fitness program is Healthways’ commercial well-being program. It is available to members of participating health plans.
“We believe the MCC is one of if not the premier fitness service provider in the region,” Baumgartner said. “By adding the SilverSneakers and the Prime programs, we are encouraging those individuals that qualify to take control of their health by encouraging physical activity. It’s a new program for our facility but it’s something that has been around for two decades. We’ve been interested in getting the Healthway programs going at our facility for awhile.”
Baumgartner said Healthways has to select the facilities for participation.
“When we began discussing this with them a few months ago, it was something we were really intrigued by,” Baumgartner said. “So far enrollment has been really good. It gives our current senior members and those that weren’t a member before access to our facility at no cost to them, depending on if they qualify. It’s been really popular. There are a lot of new people in the door that haven’t been to the MCC before. They seem to enjoy our amenities and what we have to offer here.”
Baumgartner said the partnership enables the facility to continue to offer new, innovative options for staying healthy.
To confirm eligibility in the SilverSneakers Fitness program, individuals are encouraged to visit www.silver sneakers.com/tools/eligibilty. Once eligibility is confirmed, the individual should bring the 16-digit Healthways ID number to the MCC to get the Escape Pass.
To check eligibility for Prime Fitness, visit https://healthfirstprime.healthways.com. If eligible, bring Healthways ID number to the MCC.
