BETHESDA, Md. & NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Coventry Health Care, Inc. (CVH) and Healthways (HWAY) today announced an agreement to offer the award-winning SilverSneakers Fitness Program to Coventrys eligible Medicare Advantage beneficiaries in 13 states. This three-year agreement, effective January 1, 2013, makes SilverSneakers available to beneficiaries in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.

For those plans with Silver Sneakers benefits, Coventrys Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will have full access, at no cost to them, to SilverSneakers programs and locations across the country. SilverSneakers is the nations leading exercise program designed to keep older adults active and healthy.

Coventry has offered fitness programs to its Medicare Advantage beneficiaries since 2009 to help them achieve a healthier lifestyle. Coventry and Healthways began their partnership in 2012 by offering SilverSneakers to eligible Coventry beneficiaries in Florida. In the first seven months of the programs availability, Coventry beneficiaries made more than 37,000 visits to SilverSneakers locations.

Coventry believes strongly in helping people get well and stay well for a better quality of life, said Nancy Cocozza, Senior Vice President, Medicare, at Coventry Health Care. The SilverSneakers model focuses heavily on reaching out to older adults to encourage them to become more active, healthy and fit. We have seen a high level of engagement and excitement from beneficiaries in Florida through this program, and we are pleased to offer SilverSneakers to thousands more nationwide.

Fitness and Flexibility Without Cost to Beneficiaries

Beneficiaries who participate in SilverSneakers have free access to more than 15,000 locations in the Healthways fitness center network nationwide, making it easier to take classes and participate in programs close to home or on the road. Staff members are on site at locations to

help beneficiaries meet their personal wellness goals. Many locations offer amenities, such as exercise equipment, pools, saunas, fitness classes and other activities.

Beneficiaries who cannot get to a fitness location can participate in SilverSneakers Steps, a personalized fitness program that offers kits for general fitness, strength, walking or yoga. Kits are mailed to beneficiaries, and include DVDs and other exercise tools that can be used at home or on the go.

The SilverSneakers online community offers a secure environment that allows beneficiaries to create exercise and nutrition plans, track fitness progress, find health articles and recipes and gain additional support and encouragement.

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Coventry Expands Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program to Its Medicare Advantage Beneficiaries in 13 States