To accept Renew Active and One Pass members, a gym joins the Optum Fitness Network, either through Optum’s partner site or through supported gym software. For most independent gyms, it’s the best first network to look at, because Optum publishes its per-visit rates and they are among the strongest of any program.
What these programs are
Renew Active and One Pass are fitness benefits run by Optum, part of the UnitedHealthcare family.
- Renew Active covers members of many UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans.
- One Pass covers members of some Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial plans. In North Carolina, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan offers One Pass to Medicaid members, with more than 300 locations in the state.
How gyms get paid
Optum pays per check-in, with a monthly cap on paid visits for each member. The rate and cap depend on the program. Unlike most networks, Optum publishes these rates, so you can run the numbers before you apply.
How to join
- Directly: apply at partneroptumfitness.com.
- Through Zen Planner: Zen Planner customers can join free through Zen Planner’s Optum page. It takes about 30 minutes, and Welld, a check-in tracking service, handles the visit reporting.
At the front desk
Members bring a code made of one letter followed by nine digits. Verify each code at partneroptumfitness.com when the member signs up. Watch for common mix-ups: zero and the letter O, and one and the letters I or L. Record every visit, because you are paid per check-in.
Who it fits
For a low-price gym, a regular Renew Active or One Pass visitor may pay more than your own monthly dues. For a mid-price gym, it’s usually worth it if you have quiet daytime hours. For a premium gym, run the numbers first, and make sure current members can’t switch into the program instead of paying you.
Questions to ask before you join
- What is the per-check-in rate and monthly cap for each program in my state?
- Which plans in my area include Renew Active or One Pass?
- What counts as a basic membership, and can I keep training and specialty classes as paid extras?
- How are late or missing check-ins corrected?
- How much notice do I need to give to leave?