Member FAQs
I haven’t heard about this proposed sale. Tell me more.
On April 17, the City of Sioux Falls announced its proposed plan to purchase the Sanford Wellness Center – Tea-Ellis location. You can read the press release here or watch the media briefing here.
Why is Sanford selling Tea-Ellis?
This is a great opportunity for Sanford Health, the City and the communities we both serve. We are glad to be able to partner with them in this way, as our common goal is to do what we can to keep our communities healthy and thriving.
This shift will also allow us to refocus efforts on more medically based and growing needs in our communities.
What about Oxbow?
We will continue to operate the Oxbow Wellness Center and continue to invest in medical and wellness services. Oxbow renovations to the pool and locker rooms will continue as planned with an anticipated completion in fall 2024.
How will the City use the facility?
Should the proposed sale go through, the City will continue to operate the facility as an indoor health, wellness and recreational programming space.
What about the outpatient rehabilitation and physical therapy space at Tea-Ellis?
Sanford Health will maintain our current outpatient rehabilitation and therapy presence in the Tea-Ellis facility as it is today. Ensuring our patients and community members on the west side of Sioux Falls continue to have convenient access to these essential services is a top priority.
When will the City officially take over operations at Tea-Ellis?
Under the current proposal, the City plans to officially take over operations of the Tea-Ellis facility in late 2024 (and no later than Jan. 1, 2025).
How does this impact my Sanford Wellness Center membership right now?
There is no immediate impact to your membership. Sanford Health will continue to operate the Wellness Center Tea-Ellis location as normal through the end of 2024. Until that time, all members can continue to use both facilities, Tea-Ellis and Oxbow, as they do now and have access to equipment at Sanford Fieldhouse.
Once the City takes over operations of Tea-Ellis, Sanford Wellness Center members will still have access to Oxbow and Sanford Fieldhouse.
Can I keep my membership at Oxbow?
Yes! We would love to continue supporting your wellness goals and well-being at Oxbow.
Will Oxbow go back to being open 7 days a week?
At this time, our programming and schedules are not changing. Throughout the transition, we will re-evaluate operating hours and programs. If any changes are made, they will be promptly communicated.
Will membership rates change when there is just one facility available to members?
At this time, our fee structure is not changing. Throughout the transition, we will re-evaluate the fee structure. If any changes are made, they will be promptly communicated.
How will this impact my Silver&Fit benefit from Align powered by Sanford Health Plan?
Sanford Health will continue to operate the Wellness Center Tea-Ellis location as normal through the end of 2024. Until that time, all members can continue to use both facilities, and the Silver&Fit benefit through Align powered by Sanford Health Plan will remain the same.
After that time, Sanford Health Plan members who retain their wellness center membership with Sanford will still be eligible for the Silver&Fit benefit at in-network locations.
Once the City takes over operations at Tea-Ellis, it will no longer be a Sanford-run facility and may no longer be considered in-network for the Align powered by Sanford Health Plan Silver&Fit benefit. We’re still in the very early stages of this potential transition, so the specific offerings planned for the facility are still under consideration by the City.
With any questions on your Silver&Fit benefit now or in the future, you are welcome to contact Silver&Fit Customer Service for Align powered by Sanford Health Plan members at (877) 427-4788.
How can I learn more about the City wellness facility (e.g., membership rates, amenities and services, facility hours, etc.)?
The City is working through many details related to facility operation, so there isn’t finalized information about rates, amenities or services right now. Over the course of the next several months, the City will share a lot more information and respond to questions.
How can I make changes to or cancel my Sanford Wellness Center membership?
Members who wish to discontinue their membership are responsible for providing a written notice of cancellation.
For notice given on or before the 17th day of the month, members will retain their membership through the end of that same month.
Example: Notice given July 17 means membership retained through July 31 and cancelled on Aug. 1.
For notice given after the 17th day of the month, members will be billed for and retain their membership through one additional month.
Example: Notice given July 18 means membership billed for and retained through Aug. 31 and cancelled on Sept. 1.
If you have questions about or wish to make changes to your membership, please contact our Membership Office at (605) 328-1600 or speak with a Membership representative at either location during their office hours.
Where can I ask additional questions?
In the near future, anyone will be able to ask questions through our question submission form. You’ll see signs with a QR code posted around our facilities.
In the meantime, questions can be directed to SHWC_SiouxFalls@sanfordhealth.org. As we learn what questions are out there, we will work diligently to get and share answers with our staff and our members.