Starting in January, the gyms are set to scale back their open hours for senior members, a move that is causing concern and frustration among elderly gym-goers. According to FOX 26 Houston, seniors such as Paul Hughes, who frequented the gym six days a week, were informed via email about the new restricted hours. Mondays through Fridays, Medicare members are boxed into slots between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., while Saturdays are off-limits until after 2 p.m., although they retain full access on Sundays.
Avid gym-goer and a beneficiary of the Silver Sneakers Program, Paul Hughes, and his wife can no longer maintain their routine workout schedule. "Saturday's, for example, I can't go until 2 p.m.," he told FOX 26 Houston. Alba Hughes, laments the change, stating, "Normally, we can go together in one car. But now he cannot go with me, because he can't get in until 9:30." To regain unfettered access, Medicare members must cough up an additional $100 a month.
The Star Tribune detailed the financial crunch that is placing pressure on Life Time's business model. The fitness chain explained that the adjustments came after negotiations with Medicare program administrators on rates, which are "significantly discounted" compared to their standard rates as high as $299 a month.
The company's move reflects a broader trend where fitness facilities grapple with Medicare fitness programs like SilverSneakers. Insurance companies routinely dole out these gym benefits to seniors who see them as vital for their health and routine. "The amount of revenue that comes in from SilverSneakers is so small, it's hard to justify having the program," said John Atwood, founder of Atwood Consulting, to the Star Tribune. Gymgoers like Bob Margolis, a long-time member, view the new policy as a push towards extracting more dollars, either from insurance companies or members' own pockets.
Complaints have been raised with over 50 signing a petition against Life Time's new policy, according to Medicare members like Alba who argues, "I feel it's some kind of discrimination for the elderly," Life Time management has yet to publicly respond to the concerns of its senior members.
