Healthcare Reform and Fitness Professionals

Earlier this year, U.S. President Barack Obama signed the much-talked-about healthcare reform bill into law. What does this mean for fitness professionals? According to a press release from the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), a focus on prevention may spur employees and employers alike to purchase gym memberships and work with personal trainers. Here is a breakdown of how the new law could affect fitness facilities nationwide, according to IHRSA:

• Employees who participate in workplace wellness programs will be eligible for fitness facility discounts of up to 30%. Participants must satisfy specific requirements for body mass index, cholesterol and blood pressure.
• The law will codify a regulation that allows insurance companies to offer unlimited reimbursement amounts for fitness facility memberships.
• Medicare Advantage funding increases will freeze in 2011, and that funding will recede thereafter. This may affect availability of programs like Silver Sneakers®.

Do you have an opinion about the healthcare reform bill’s impact on the fitness industry? Send your comments to content@ideafit.com.