Jake, director of recreation and wellness for Fishers, told the committee the city negotiated agreements with three large insurance-based membership providers (Tivity/SilverSneakers, American Specialty Health and OnePath) that together cover the major carrier networks for senior and employer-based programs.
Jake said the model provides free community-center membership to eligible participants (generally age 55 and older under these plans) while the city receives reimbursement based on member visits. "You get a free membership to the community center and access to all the health and wellness opportunities," he said, describing the revenue-and-service model as mutually beneficial.
Staff said there will be a ramp-up period to set up portals and train staff, and they expressed confidence in a Jan. 1 go-live date. The committee approved each provider agreement by individual voice votes. Committee counsel briefly addressed a potential conflict question related to a member using the program and advised it was likely permissible.
City staff said the program aims to increase access for seniors and generate additional revenue through reimbursements tied to member visits; no enrollment estimates were provided at the meeting.