Thank you, Frenchie! You yourself are clearly an extraordinarily compassionate person, and I'm glad to have gotten to know you if only online.

Silver Sneakers is available not only through some private insurance but Advantage Plans. Also through some MediGap plans. I'm glad to have chosen Plan F (no long offered), but one perk missing is my company doesn't offer . Silver Sneakers. I looked into changing to a different plan, but unfortunately, it's between impossible and undesirable to change as it requires medical underwriting. (That first choice is permanent and of course, with added age, the medical underwriting is bound to uncover something requiring either a much increased premium or outright refusal.

Silver Sneakers covers not only Planet Fitness but a few other gyms nationwide. However, since Planet Fitness only costs $10/month (plus a modest annual renewal fee) it's certainly not worth changing plans, which in my case would almost triple my premium . (Their disqualifying medical finding is my AFIB.)

A note to all, most of all those about to sign up for Medicare. Think your choice through very carefully as it's irreversible. That initial choice is the only time you can choose any plan you wish without that medical underwriting!

And another point, however your finances may be straitened, do NOT miss taking out a Medigap option however basic. I almost never have any out of pocket expenses, as my Medigap policy covers that 20% deductible and others. Wow! After the 80% Medicare coverage, that 20% deductible (for everything where there is a deductible) can cost you a fortune -for the rest of your life. Every type of Medigap is somewhat different and not all cover all deductibles but they cover most. Make a careful choice!!

(My 8 hr spinal surgery didn't cost me a penny out of pocket (apart from transportation, hotels and the expenses of my helpers. )