Horizon to partner with New Jersey YMCAs to increase access, lower cost of gym memberships

Horizon BCBSNJ customers will get 15% discount on monthly fee plus other benefits

In a continuing effort to increase access to affordable exercise options, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is announcing a program in which members can get a 15% discount at nearly 50 YMCA locations in New Jersey.

In addition to the discount on the cost of monthly Y memberships at dozens of participating Y branches across the state, Horizon members who join the Y will not be charged an initiation fee.

Horizon members who are eligible for HorizonbFit rewards may also receive more savings.

The Y membership discount program will be in effect throughout the year.

The promotion is just the latest in a long partnership between Horizon and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. The two organizations have a long history of working together on physical and mental health programs that improve the health and well-being of New Jerseyans.

Julie Gallanty, the newly appointed CEO of the alliance, said the partnership is a win-win.

“Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve mental health and overall well-being,” she said. “We are proud to collaborate with Horizon to offer their New Jersey members savings on Y memberships. Together, we are better.”

Uli Diaz, Horizon’s senior vice president of government affairs and community affairs, agreed.

“We are excited to again join forces with the alliance to make it easier and more affordable to engage in healthy lifestyle activities by joining their local Y,” he said. “YMCAs have long been community hubs and trust partners for generations of New Jerseyans who have learned to swim, joined a team or improved their fitness at their local Y.

“By making a Y membership even more affordable, Horizon and participating YMCAs are reaffirming our shared commitment to empower people to achieve their best health.”

The Alliance leads a coalition of 30 independent YMCA associations throughout New Jersey, serving as an advocate to advance public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships and service delivery that help improve community health and advance equity for families.

“We stand for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” Gallanty said. “As a nonprofit charitable organization, we have a mission to ensure that everyone can access the Y, regardless of their income, background, age or beliefs. Everyone is welcome at the Y.”

In addition to wellness centers with pools and gyms, YMCAs offer fitness classes, swim lessons, youth and sports recreation, child care programs and summer camps. Many Ys also offer chronic disease prevention programs and social services programs to connect members to community support.

For more information about the discount program, click here.

Participating YMCAs

  • Bergen: Garfield, Ridgewood, New Milford, Wyckoff;
  • Burlington: Burlington, Mount Laurel;
  • Camden: Camden;
  • Cumberland: Vineland;
  • Essex: East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, Montclair (Glenridge Avenue, Park Street), Newark;
  • Gloucester: Woodbury;
  • Hunterdon: Flemington;
  • Mercer: Trenton, Hamilton (Whitehorse Road, Sawmill Road), Hopewell Valley;
  • Middlesex: Edison, Metuchen, Old Bridge, Perth Amboy, South Amboy;
  • Monmouth: Freehold, Red Bank;
  • Morris: Cedar Knolls, Mountain Lakes, Randolph;
  • Ocean: Toms River;
  • Passaic: Wayne, Paterson;
  • Sussex: Hardyston;
  • Union: Berkeley Heights, Elizabeth, Garwood, Rahway, Scotch Plains, Summit (Maple Street, Morris Avenue), Union (Tucker Avenue, Berwyn Street, Galloping Hill), Westfield (Clark Street, East Broad Street).