Maximizing Health Insurance Benefits: Fitness and Wellness Programs for New Parents

A practical guide for sleep-deprived grownups trying to stretch their health insurance beyond doctor visits and diapers

What health and wellness perks does your insurance plan actually include?

When new parents think about health insurance, they often focus on the basics: pediatrician visits, postpartum checkups, and immunizations. But many health plans today include a wide array of extra wellness benefits—often underutilized—that go far beyond clinical care. These range from subsidized gym memberships to mental health apps, nutrition coaching, and rewards for hitting your step count.

In fact, a Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that 75% of large employers now offer wellness programs as part of their health insurance offerings. The catch? Most families don’t even know they exist.

Do health insurance plans really cover gym memberships and fitness programs?

Yes—especially if you’re covered by a marketplace or employer-sponsored plan. For example, programs like Active&Fit and SilverSneakers (for older adults) offer discounted or free memberships at gyms nationwide. Some plans extend similar offers to younger adults, including new parents.

UnitedHealthcare’s Motion Program offers financial rewards—up to $1,500 per year—for meeting fitness goals tracked by a wearable device. And Blue Cross Blue Shield policyholders may qualify for discounts on services like WeightWatchers or access to meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.

📊 According to the RAND Corporation, workplace wellness programs can lead to modest improvements in health behavior and a return of $1.50 for every $1 spent.

How can new parents access postpartum support services through insurance?

One of the most overlooked aspects of family coverage is postpartum wellness. Some ACA-compliant plans and Medicaid options include access to maternal fitness programs, nutrition counseling, or pelvic floor physical therapy—services that can cost hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket if not covered.

Start by reviewing your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) and checking with your insurer’s online portal for “value-added services” or “wellness rewards.” If it’s unclear, call your insurance provider directly and ask about:

• Prenatal and postpartum fitness classes

• Lactation consultants

• Stress management tools

• Telehealth therapy coverage

• Family nutrition services

Programs like Maven Clinic (offered by some employers) provide digital postpartum and pediatric support—including mental health coaching and physical therapy referrals—at no extra cost to employees.

Are wellness benefits included in ACA plans?

Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace plans must cover certain preventive services at no cost—including depression screening for mothers and obesity screening for all adults and children. Some state exchanges also partner with fitness programs or offer incentives for healthy behavior.

For example, California’s Covered California marketplace partners with employers and insurance providers to extend wellness perks. Similarly, MassHealth covers pregnancy and parenting education classes, group therapy for postpartum depression, and even car seats through certain plans.

📉 According to the CDC, 1 in 8 women experience symptoms of postpartum depression. Yet fewer than 50% receive treatment.

What discounts and wellness incentives can help with household expenses?

Beyond fitness classes, some insurers offer discounts on wellness-related items like prenatal vitamins, smart thermometers, jogging strollers, or even baby monitors. These often fall under programs labeled as “member perks” or “health discount programs.”

Some examples:

• Aetna’s Attain app provides gift cards for healthy behaviors.

• Cigna Healthy Rewards offers discounts on childbirth education, fitness gear, and acupuncture.

• Oscar Health offers Amazon gift cards to members who hit activity goals tracked through wearable devices.

It’s worth checking the insurer’s portal or calling a customer care rep to ask about available discount codes and loyalty programs.

Example Comparison of Wellness Benefits by Insurer

Insurance Provider	Fitness Perks	Mental Health Tools	Postpartum Support
UnitedHealthcare	Motion Program	Talkspace, Sanvello	Pelvic floor therapy
Aetna	Attain app	MindCheck, Calm	Nutrition coaching
Blue Cross	Gym discounts	Headspace, therapy	Lactation consultants
Medicaid (varies)	Local YMCA access	Group counseling	Parenting classes

So, how do you make the most of it?

1. Log into your member portal – Look under sections titled “wellness,” “discounts,” or “value-added services.”

2. Call your plan rep – Don’t be shy. Ask what services are available for new parents, fitness perks, or postpartum mental health.

3. Track your usage – If your plan includes a rewards-based app (like Aetna’s Attain), make sure it’s connected to your fitness tracker.

4. Use those perks – Sign up for that baby-and-me yoga class. Download the meditation app. Get the lactation consultant.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical or mental health condition. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional or licensed mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here.