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
- SCAN
We can put you in touch with an independent licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare to help you enroll.
Accepted health plans
- Blue Best Life Classic HMO(H0302-006)
- Blue Best Life Classic HMO(H0302-008)
- Blue Best Life Plus HMO(H0302-001)
- Humana Gold Plus HMO(H0028-021, H0028-024, H0028-028, H0028-062 & H0028-074)
- Humana Gold Plus Diabetes and Heart HMO C-SNP (H0028-077 & H4461-063)
- Humana Gold Plus HMO(H4461-056)
- Humana Gold Plus HMO(H4461-059)
- HumanaChoicePPO (H5216-034, H5216-224, H5216-263, H5216-265, R7220-001 & R7220-002)
- HumanaChoice Giveback PPO (H5216-371)
- Humana Essentials Plus GivebackPPO (H5216-435)
- Humana USAA Honor GivebackPPO (H5216-436)
- HumanaChoice Giveback PPO (H7617-051)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AZ-002P HMO-POS (H0609-027)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC AZ-1 HMO-POS (H0609-025)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Essentials from UHC AZ-2 HMO-POS(H0609-026)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC AZ-4HMO-POS (H0609-045)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Extras from UHC AZ-5HMO-POS (H0609-046)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AZ-0003 HMO-POS (H0609-044)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AZ-0007 PPO (H2406-062)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AZ-0008 PPO (H2406-063)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AZ-0010 PPO (H2406-076)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AZ-0011 PPO (H2406-078)
- UHC Complete Care AZ-1PHMO-POS C-SNP (H0609-042)
- UHC Complete Care AZ-3PHMO-POS C-SNP (H0609-043)
- UHC Complete Care Support AZ-1APPO C-SNP (H2001-036)
- UHC Dual Complete AZ-S001HMO-POS D-SNP(H0321-002)
- UHC Dual Complete AZ-Y001HMO-POS D-SNP (H0321-004)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot no Rx AZ-MA01 PPO (H2406-077)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AZ-0013 HMO-POS (H5253-035)
- AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC AZ-0014 HMO-POS (H5253-036)
- AARP Medicare Advantage Access from UHC AZ-15 PPO (H2406-129)
- AARP Medicare Advantage CareFlex from UHC AZ-17 HMO-POS(H5253-178)
- UHC Nursing Home Plan AZ-F001PPO I-SNP (H0710-005)
- SCAN ClassicHMO (H1822-001)
- SCAN Balance HMO C-SNP (H1822-002)
- SCAN Strive HMO C-SNP (H1822-006)
*There are several ways to learn about your Medicare coverage options. You can review the CMS website at medicare.gov or call 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227/TTY call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You can contact Medicare Advantage health plans directly for information about the plans they offer. Another option is to speak with a licensed insurance agent.