Fitness & Weight Loss

Fitness Benefit

There's a reward that comes naturally to those who run and climb and lift and stretch week after week to stay in shape. It's called better health. But at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, we believe that members who overcome their own hesitations, excuses, and evasions to maintain their health deserve even more. So if you're one of those who just needs one more reason to commit yourself to getting or staying fit, here it is - the Fitness Benefit.

What Is the Fitness Benefit?
The Fitness Benefit provides up to $150 that your family can use toward membership or exercise classes at a health club. This means you'll have more opportunities than ever to choose the fitness facility and workout routine that truly fits you best.

As a subscriber in HMO Blue, Blue Choice, Blue Care Elect, HMO Blue Direct, HMO Basic Blue Direct, PPO Blue Direct, Medicare HMO Blue, Medicare PPO and PFFS plans, or one of our employer-specific managed care plans, your Fitness Benefit could save your family up to $150 per year in health club membership dues or exercise class fees.

In fact, you can claim your $150 Fitness Benefit once you've belonged to a health club and been a BCBSMA member for at least four (4) months (in a calendar year) if your company has added this benefit to your plan. Please contact your Plan Sponsor to confirm you have the benefit.

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Exactly What Kind of Health Club Membership Qualifies?
Start exercising your options by picking a qualified, full-service health club that works for you. The facility you choose must have a vast array of cardiovascular and strength-training exercise equipment, such as traditional health clubs, Ys, and JCCs. Fees paid for attending aerobics/fitness classes at a qualified health club without an annual membership will also be covered, but make sure you get full documentation from the club (see "Here's What You Need to Do" below).

Health clubs that do not qualify include:

  • martial arts centers
  • gymnastics facilities
  • country clubs
  • tennis, aerobic, or pool-only facilities
  • social clubs
  • sports teams & leagues

Dues or fees for participation in aerobic/fitness activities not in a qualified health club, as well as fees for personal training, lessons, coaching, and exercise equipment or clothing purchases, will not be covered.

The maximum fitness benefit is $150 per calendar year, per subscriber (per individual or family contract).

BE SURE TO CHECK WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE GETTING STARTED IN AN EXERCISE PROGRAM.

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How to Apply for Your Fitness Benefit
After you confirm that your employer offers this benefit and you have belonged to a health club and been a Blue Cross Blue Shield member for at least four (4) months in a calendar year, simply send the following items to Blue Cross Blue Shield:

1. One Fitness Benefit Form | Fitness Benefit Form (Spanish), answering all questions. (Please note that the $150.00 is per subscriber, but each member must complete a separate form).

Make sure to include:

2. Dated, original or photocopies of receipts from your health club, or copies of bank or credit card statements if you pay by electronic fund transfer, showing:

  • the member's name
  • individual charges for each health club membership or class.

3. A copy of your health club agreement or contract, showing the name and address of the health club, which includes beginning and ending dates of the membership or class.

Sign and date the completed Fitness Benefit Form, then mail all of the above to:

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Local Claims Department
P.O. Box 986030
Boston, MA 02298

NOTE: Keep copies of your receipts, contracts and claim submission forms. Services denied for payment will be noted on your claim summary. We do not return any receipts or copies of contracts to you even if they are denied for payment.

Remember, you can only submit for your Fitness Benefit:

  • After your employer has added the benefit. (Check with your employer if necessary to verify the date when coverage was added.)
  • After you have been a member of a qualified health club and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for at least four (4) months in a calendar year.
  • Once per calendar year, filed no later than March 31 of the following year, with all pertinent receipts.

Questions?
For further information, call the Member Service number on your ID card.

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