Yes. Keystone First covers gym memberships for most of its Pennsylvania Medicaid members at no cost through a benefit called Focus on Fitness. Eligible members get free access to participating gyms and YMCAs across Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, with no monthly fee, no joiner fee, and no minimum number of visits.1Keystone First. Focus on Fitness Program
What You Get for Free
At Greater Philadelphia YMCA locations, the membership covers full use of the fitness center, group exercise classes on land and in water, pools, whirlpools, saunas, indoor and outdoor tracks, open gym time, and the YMCA360 platform for live and on-demand workouts.2Philadelphia YMCA. Insurance Flyers – Keystone First There is no age limit, so children and teens on the plan can join too.1Keystone First. Focus on Fitness Program
Some things still cost extra. Swim lessons, youth sports, personal training, and small group training are not part of the free membership, though Keystone First members get a 25% discount on many of those programs. Members 18 and older also get free guest passes for up to two guests per visit; guests need a photo ID and are capped at three visits per calendar year.2Philadelphia YMCA. Insurance Flyers – Keystone First
How to Sign Up
Enrollment happens in person. Go to a participating gym or YMCA, bring a photo ID and your Keystone First insurance card, and fill out the application on site. After you apply, Keystone First will call you to complete a health assessment, which the plan describes as a way to “help us better understand your health care needs.” The program’s materials do not say the assessment can disqualify anyone.1Keystone First. Focus on Fitness Program
No doctor’s referral is required, though Keystone First recommends talking to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Your membership stays active as long as you remain covered by Keystone First.2Philadelphia YMCA. Insurance Flyers – Keystone First
Where You Can Use It
More than 30 facilities participate across southeastern Pennsylvania. Most are YMCA branches, with several independent and community fitness centers in the mix:
- Philadelphia County: Christian Street YMCA, Columbia North YMCA, Northeast Family YMCA, Roxborough YMCA, West Philadelphia YMCA, Germantown Life Enrichment Center, Juniata Fitness, Kleinlife, Nirvana Family Fitness (Torresdale Avenue), Stephen Klein Wellness Center, and Watts Fitness Studio.
- Bucks County: Doylestown YMCA, Fairless Hills YMCA, Newtown YMCA, Quakertown YMCA, Warminster YMCA, and Nirvana Family Fitness (Bristol).
- Montgomery County: Ambler Area YMCA, Indian Valley Family YMCA, Lansdale Area Family YMCA, Pottstown YMCA, Spring Valley YMCA, Upper Perkiomen YMCA, and Willow Grove YMCA.
- Delaware County: Haverford YMCA, Lansdowne YMCA, Ridley Area YMCA, Rocky Run YMCA, and Fit On All Levels (Upland).
- Chester County: Phoenixville YMCA.
The list on Keystone First’s website was last updated in January 2020, so confirm current availability with the facility or call Member Services at 1-800-521-6860.1Keystone First. Focus on Fitness Program The YMCA membership through this program works only at Greater Philadelphia YMCA locations; it does not include nationwide reciprocity.2Philadelphia YMCA. Insurance Flyers – Keystone First
Which Keystone First Plans Qualify
Focus on Fitness is a Keystone First Medicaid benefit, listed among the plan’s wellness and prevention programs for “Keystone First family members.”3Keystone First. Keystone First Member Benefits
One important exclusion: members enrolled in Keystone First Community HealthChoices, the plan for people who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid or who receive long-term services and supports, are not eligible for the YMCA membership benefit.2Philadelphia YMCA. Insurance Flyers – Keystone First The Community HealthChoices participant handbook does not mention gym access, fitness programs, or exercise benefits of any kind.4Keystone First CHC. Participant Handbook
Members on Keystone First VIP Choice, the plan’s Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan, get a different fitness benefit: SilverSneakers, which provides free access to participating SilverSneakers facilities nationwide along with online classes and wellness resources.5Keystone First VIP Choice. Program Overview
Whether CHIP members have access to Focus on Fitness is not clearly stated in the program’s materials. If you have CHIP coverage through Keystone First, call Member Services at 1-800-521-6860 to confirm.1Keystone First. Focus on Fitness Program