Understanding Medicare enrollment
There's a lot to know about Medicare, including key enrollment periods: Initial Enrollment Period, Open Enrollment, enrolling in Medicare with a disability and a Special Enrollment Period for qualifying events.
How do I enroll in Medicare for the first time?
Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before your 65th birthday and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. You may be eligible for Medicare even if you plan to work past age 65.
When is Medicare Open Enrollment?
If you already have Medicare, you can make changes to your health and drug plans every year from October 15 to December 7.
Can I get Medicare if I have a disability?
Some people are eligible for Medicare due to a disability, even if they’re not yet 65. To find out if your disability qualifies for disability benefits or for Medicare, contact Social Security. If you’re eligible, you have an Initial Enrollment Period of 7 months.
Can I make changes if I have a qualifying event?
If you already have Medicare, moving to a new state, losing coverage or other events can qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period.
We accept many Medicare Advantage plans
While Optum doesn't offer Medicare Advantage plans, we partner with some of the largest plans in Arizona, including:
- AARP
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
We can put you in touch with an independent licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare to help you enroll.
Accepted health plans
We accept the following AARP plans:
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot (PPO)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 1 (HMO-POS)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 2 (HMO-POS)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 3 (HMO-POS)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 4 (HMO-POS)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Plus (HMO-POS)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Walgreens Plan 1 (PPO)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Walgreens Plan 2 (PPO)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Walgreens Plan 3 (PPO)
We accept the following plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield AZ:
- Blue Best Life Classic (HMO)
- Blue Best Life Plus (HMO)
We accept the following Humana plans:
- Humana Choice (PPO) $119
- Humana Gold Plus (HMO)
- Humana Gold Plus (HMO) $42
- Humana HMO
- Humana HMO – $0 Yavapai
- Humana HMO – Healthy Options
- Humana HMO – Yuma
- Humana PPO – $0 Maricopa, Pima & Pinal
- Humana PPO – $96 Advantage Alternative
- Humana PPO – Flex Allowance
- Humana PPO – Honor MA Only
- Humana PPO – Part B Give Back
- Humana PPO – USAA Honor MAPD
- Humana PPO – Value Plus Medicare Option
We accept the following plans from UnitedHealthcare:
- UnitedHealthcare Chronic Complete (HMO-POS C-SNP)
- UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete LP (HMO-POS D-SNP)