Oak Street Health accepts Medicaid in most states where it operates, but coverage depends on your specific Medicaid plan and which Oak Street Health clinic you visit.

Oak Street Health is a network of primary care clinics focused on older adults and people on Medicare. The company does work with Medicaid in many states, but not every Oak Street location accepts every Medicaid plan. Before scheduling an appointment, you need to confirm two things: whether your state's Medicaid program contracts with Oak Street Health, and whether your particular Medicaid plan is accepted at the clinic nearest you.

The easiest way to check is to call the Oak Street Health clinic directly and give them your Medicaid member ID number. They can tell you in minutes whether they accept your plan. You can also contact your state Medicaid office or your Medicaid plan's customer service line to ask which primary care clinics are in-network.

Key Takeaways

  • Oak Street Health accepts Medicaid in multiple states, but acceptance varies by location and by individual Medicaid plan.
  • Call your nearest Oak Street Health clinic with your Medicaid member ID to confirm they accept your specific plan before scheduling.
  • Your state Medicaid office or your plan's customer service can provide a list of in-network primary care providers in your area.
  • If your local Oak Street clinic does not accept your Medicaid plan, ask them to recommend another in-network primary care doctor.

How to verify Oak Street Health accepts your Medicaid plan

Start by finding the Oak Street Health clinic closest to you. You can search their locations on their website or call their main line. Have your Medicaid member ID card ready when you call — it has your plan name and member number on it.

Tell the clinic staff you want to confirm they accept your Medicaid plan before you schedule. They will check their system and tell you yes or no. If they say no, ask if they know of another primary care clinic in your area that does accept your plan. Many clinics keep a list of nearby in-network providers.

If you cannot reach the clinic or want to double-check, contact your Medicaid plan directly. The phone number is on the back of your Medicaid card. Ask them to confirm whether Oak Street Health clinics in your area are in-network providers.

What to bring to your first appointment

Bring your Medicaid card and a photo ID. Oak Street Health will need to verify your Medicaid coverage before your visit. If you have other insurance (such as Medicare or a private plan), bring those cards too — Oak Street may bill multiple insurers in a specific order.

Bring a list of any medications you are currently taking, even over-the-counter ones. If you have recent medical records from another doctor, bring those as well. Oak Street Health will ask about your medical history, so having this information ready speeds up your intake.

Oak Street Health's focus on older adults and chronic conditions

Oak Street Health clinics are designed primarily for people age 65 and older, though some locations serve younger patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. If you are under 65 and on Medicaid, call ahead to confirm the clinic accepts patients your age.

The clinics emphasize preventive care and managing long-term health conditions. They often have longer appointment times than traditional urgent care or retail clinics, and many locations offer services like lab work and basic imaging on-site. This can reduce the number of separate appointments you need.

What happens if Oak Street Health does not accept your Medicaid plan

If your nearest Oak Street clinic does not accept your plan, you have options. Ask the clinic staff for a referral to another in-network primary care doctor. Your Medicaid plan's website or customer service line also has a searchable directory of in-network providers in your area.

You can also contact your state Medicaid office directly. They maintain lists of participating providers by county and can tell you which primary care clinics near you accept your specific Medicaid plan. This is a free service — your state Medicaid office does not charge for this information.

Medicaid managed care plans and Oak Street Health

Many states run Medicaid through managed care organizations (MCOs) rather than traditional fee-for-service Medicaid. If you are enrolled in a Medicaid managed care plan, your plan's network of doctors determines where you can go. Oak Street Health may be in-network for some MCOs in your state and out-of-network for others.

Your Medicaid card will tell you which MCO you are with, if any. Call that MCO's customer service number and ask whether Oak Street Health is an in-network provider. MCOs change their networks periodically, so even if Oak Street was in-network last year, confirm again before scheduling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Oak Street Health locations accept Medicaid?

No. Oak Street Health operates in multiple states, and each location has its own network agreements. Some clinics accept Medicaid and some do not, and within Medicaid, some locations accept certain plans but not others. Always call the specific clinic you want to visit to confirm.

What if I have both Medicare and Medicaid?

If you have both (called "dual may be able to access"), Oak Street Health will typically bill Medicare first and then Medicaid for any remaining costs. Bring both cards to your appointment. Call ahead to confirm the clinic accepts dual-may be able to access patients, since some do not.

Can I switch to Oak Street Health if my current doctor does not accept my Medicaid plan?

Yes, you can choose a different primary care doctor at any time while on Medicaid. Contact your Medicaid plan or your state Medicaid office to request a change. If Oak Street Health is in-network, you can call them to schedule your first appointment once your plan confirms the transfer.

Do I have to pay anything out of pocket at Oak Street Health?

Medicaid typically covers primary care visits with no copay, but some plans charge small copays for office visits or services. Check your Medicaid plan documents or call customer service to learn your copay amounts. Oak Street staff can also tell you what your plan requires when you call to confirm they accept it.