HFA Pushes for Medicare Coverage of Fitness Programs

HFA has taken a strong stance in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to expand coverage of supervised exercise programs under Medicare. In partnership with the Physical Activity Alliance, HFA submitted formal comments on the 2026 Physician Fee Schedule, emphasizing the need to recognize fitness facilities as essential partners in chronic disease prevention.

Fitness centers deliver scalable, evidence-based programs that improve health outcomes. From reducing falls and delaying disability to supporting mental health and independence, these programs offer proven benefits for older adults and underserved communities.

According to HFA research, structured exercise provides a more than threefold return on investment for society, generating substantial savings while improving well-being. Inactivity costs the US nearly $200 billion annually, but investing in affordable, accessible exercise options could significantly reduce healthcare costs.

HFA argues that recognizing fitness facilities as part of the healthcare infrastructure will make prevention both practical and fiscally responsible.

To maximize adoption, HFA recommends CMS remove barriers related to cost and access while ensuring beneficiaries have a wide range of comfortable and welcoming options. Structured fitness, the association stresses, represents the most effective and scalable pathway to prevention and chronic disease management.

By putting its position on the record, HFA reaffirms its mission: to expand access to physical activity, strengthen the nation’s health, and deliver measurable savings to Medicare and Medicaid.

– mgoscinski@healthandfitness.org