Between the healthy living classes and the fitness classes, Irene Gambuto is at Your Blue Store^SM in Lincoln five to six times a week. “Yoga and Pilates are my favorite and are great for balance issues. I also really enjoy Core and More and meditation,” Irene said. “There’s something for everyone, including chair yoga for people who have trouble getting on the floor.”

She sees many of the same members at the classes and has become friends with them outside the store: “We may go to breakfast, to lunch, or to the Y.”

It’s a place to be healthy

When Irene retired from Citizens Bank, she researched her options for a Medicare plan. “One of my relatives who was in nursing recommended Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island over other available plans, so that’s what I picked,” she said. “I didn’t know how important choosing a Blue Cross plan would be for my life.”

Irene describes the free store classes as the “best thing ever”—helping her stay healthy, connected, and independent. “At the fall prevention class, I learned I had some risks in my home, including throw rugs and backless slippers. So I made some changes.” Her favorite classes are the cooking demonstrations at the store. “We get samples and recipe cards, and I always try out the recipes myself at home. Those fill up fast though, so sign up early!”

It’s a community

Ever since Irene started going to the Lincoln store, she felt right at home with her fellow members and the store employees. “When you get older, your days and your hours become more precious than ever. You don’t want to spend them alone,” Irene said. “In the classes, people talk about their concerns and personal lives, and you can see how their experience is similar to yours. It expands your life.”

Whenever she has a question about her plan, she turns to the store employees for help—and always finds what she needs. “They are a wonderful community who really love what they do,” Irene said. “To me, Blue Cross represents optimism, support, and community—and that’s what I always find in the store employees.”

How to use your plan like Irene

Irene makes the most of the free classes and no-cost benefits available with her plan. Here’s how you can too.

Sign up for a free fitness class 
Dozens of fitness classes are offered each week, across all five Your Blue Store locations—in Cranston, East Providence, Lincoln, Narragansett, and Warwick.¹ Sign up for a class.

Take a free healthy living class 
Every quarter, you can take classes that help you learn how to improve your physical and mental well-being. Sign up for a class.

Visit the store with questions 
Have a question about your plan? Want to see what benefits you could be using? Stop by one of the stores—and feel free to bring a family member or friend. Find a convenient location.

Use your $0 fitness benefit 
Your fitness benefit includes no-cost access to unlimited online exercise videos and one monthly membership to a fitness center within the Silver&Fit® program's network. There are $0 membership options for all BCBSRI Medicare Advantage plans.²