Medicare

At Optum, we offer unique services, resources and programs to those on Medicare. Our goal is to offer you what you need to stay healthy and independent.

Become a patient

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New to Medicare

Good health starts with making good decisions. If you’re eligible to enroll in Medicare, here are some first steps to take:

Learn more about Medicare
Learn about the Medicare plans we accept:
- We accept most major Original Medicare, Medicare supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.
- Learn how choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan gives you better health care at lower costs.

New to Optum and already on Medicare

If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) alone or with a Medicare supplement:

Call the Optum office you want to go to and ask if it accepts your medical plan.
You can make an appointment with any doctor who’s accepting new Medicare patients.

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Helpful links

Learn more about Medicare

Learn more about Medicare Advantage

Learn about Medicare plans

Find a location

Find a doctor

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If you have a Medicare Advantage plan:

Learn about the Medicare Advantage plans we accept.
Choose a primary care doctor who's either:
- An Optum primary care doctor, or
- Part of the Optum network of California.
Find a primary care doctor who’s accepting new Medicare patients.

If you’re not sure what plan you have:

Check your health insurance card or materials.
If you’re still not sure, call 1-866-964-1547, TTY 711

Current Optum patient

If you want to review or change Medicare plans call 1-855-883-5998, TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We can connect you with a licensed, independent insurance agent who specializes in Medicare.

The agent can do a no-cost health care review and help you select a Medicare plan that's right for you. The agent can also help you enroll during certain enrollment periods:

Medicare Annual Election Period: Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Jan. 1 to March 31. If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage Plan.
You can also make changes to your Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage when certain life events happen. These include a move or loss of coverage. This is called a Special Enrollment Period.

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FAQs

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Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are age 65 and older. It’s also for those of any age with:
- Certain disabilities that last 24 months in a row
- End-stage renal (kidney) disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s disease)
There are two main ways to get Medicare coverage:
- Through Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), or
- A Medicare Advantage Plan (sometimes called Part C). Some Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage, Part D. If your plan doesn’t, you can buy this coverage separately.
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Everyone age 65 and older is eligible for Medicare. (Certain disabilities and illnesses may make you eligible before age 65.)

Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window that begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends three months after you turn 65.

There are also certain times of the year when you can sign up for Medicare or change your plan. A licensed Medicare expert can help you review your choices and enroll if you're eligible.

Visit medicare.gov to learn more about how Medicare works when you continue to work past age 65.

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It’s important to take action during this window of time. If you don’t enroll during this period, you could face a late enrollment penalty or a gap in coverage. To learn more, visit medicare.gov.

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Yes, you may be eligible for Medicare coverage if you meet the enrollment conditions.

Learn more

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Depending on your plan, it may not follow you to a new city, county or state. That’s why it’s important to check the status of your plan and, if needed, re-enroll.

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If you have notified your plan, your Special Enrollment Period begins one month before your move and lasts for two months after your move.

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Medicare Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans are for those with specific conditions. Some of the most common conditions include:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Diabetes
Visit medicare.gov to see the list of conditions that may qualify you for this plan.
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- Call 1-855-883-5998, TTY 711, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  We can connect you with a licensed, independent insurance agent who specializes in Medicare. The agent can do a no-cost health care review and help you select a Medicare plan that is right for you. The agent can also help you enroll.
- Find Optum doctors and see all Medicare Advantage plans accepted by Optum in California.
Learn more
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