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If you search for primary care designed especially for older adults on Medicare, you will very often see Oak Street Health at the top of the results. It is a fast-growing network of primary care centers that focuses on seniors and people with Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. Oak Street Health is now part of CVS Health and operates hundreds of centers across the United States.
In this easy guide, you will learn:
- What Oak Street Health is and how it works
- How their care model helps older adults stay healthy
- How to find Oak Street Health locations and โOak Street Health near meโ
- Details about Oak Street Health Mesa AZ and Oak Street Health Albuquerque
- What hospital Oak Street Health is affiliated with, and how partnerships work
Throughout this article, the information is based on the official Oak Street Health website and trusted health sources, so you get a clear, reliable picture.
What Is Oak Street Health?
Oak Street Health is a network of primary care centers created mainly for older adults and people with Medicare. It started in 2012 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. In 2023, Oak Street Health was acquired by CVS Health, which helped it grow even faster across the country.
The main idea behind Oak Street Health is simple: spend more time with patients, focus on prevention, and support the whole person, not just a single disease. Their centers are designed for seniors who often live with multiple long-term conditions and need extra support to stay healthy and independent. The company uses a value-based care model, which means it is rewarded for keeping patients healthier, not just for doing more tests or procedures.
At Oak Street Health, patients are usually:
- Adults eligible for Medicare or Medicare Advantage
- People who may have several chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or lung problems
- Seniors who benefit from longer visits and a dedicated care team
- People who want help understanding their insurance and community resources
Each patient is assigned a care team, which can include:
- A primary care doctor or nurse practitioner
- Nurses and medical assistants
- Social workers and behavioral health specialists
- Support staff who help with scheduling, transportation, and coordination
According to CVS Health and Oak Street Health publications, the company now serves hundreds of thousands of patients in more than 200 centers across over 25 states, and the number has been growing.
Oak Street Health is also the only primary care provider allowed to carry the AARP name, which shows that it has earned trust with one of the most respected senior organizations in the United States.
How Oak Street Health Cares for Older Adults on Medicare?

The care model used by Oak Street Health is different from many traditional clinics. Instead of short, rushed visits, new patients often get longer first appointments, sometimes around 40 minutes for the first two visits, so the provider can really understand their full medical history and life situation.
Longer visits and stronger relationships
In many standard clinics, appointments may feel rushed. Oak Street Health tries to do the opposite. Providers are encouraged to:
- Listen carefully to the patientโs story
- Review medications in detail
- Ask about social factors, like loneliness, housing, transportation, or access to food
- Create a personalized care plan, not just give a prescription
Because the model is value-based, doctors can spend more time with fewer patients and focus on long-term health results instead of quick fixes.
Comprehensive primary care and preventive services
Oak Street Health provides a wide range of primary care services, including:
- Annual wellness visits and regular check-ups
- Management of chronic conditions (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease)
- Vaccinations and immunizations
- Cancer screenings (like colon, breast, or lung, when appropriate)
- Lab tests and basic in-clinic diagnostics
- Behavioral health support and counseling
- Health education and lifestyle coaching
The focus is very strong on prevention. The aim is to catch problems early, manage them properly, and reduce emergency room visits and hospital stays. Studies and reports from Oak Street Health and its partners show that this model can lower hospital admissions and improve outcomes for older adults.
Support beyond the exam room
One feature that stands out in many top search results about Oak Street Health is how much non-medical support they offer. For eligible patients, services may include:
- Help with transportation to and from the clinic
- A 24/7 patient support line for urgent questions
- Telehealth appointments when appropriate
- Social activities and community events at some centers
- Help understanding Medicare options and benefits
These extra services make it easier for seniors to follow their care plans, show up for appointments, and feel less alone.
Oak Street Health Locations & How to Find โOak Street Health Near Meโ
As Oak Street Health has grown, it has opened centers in many states across the country. According to recent company and CVS reports, there are over 200 centers in more than 25 states, serving hundreds of thousands of patients.
Using the online โlocationsโ search
The easiest way to find Oak Street Health locations is to use the official locations page on their website. There, you can enter your city, state, or ZIP code into the search bar to see a list of clinics near you.
Typical information you will see:
- Clinic name and neighborhood
- Full address and map
- Phone number to call
- Walking or driving directions
- Insurance plans accepted (especially Medicare and Medicare Advantage)
- Links to providers working at that clinic
You can also call the central number listed on the site to talk to someone who can help you find โOak Street Health near meโ and schedule a first visit.
Where Oak Street Health tends to open clinics?
From the public information available, Oak Street Health often opens centers in urban and suburban neighborhoods where:
- There are many older adults with Medicare
- People may have trouble accessing quality primary care
- There is a need for more preventive services
- Community partners and health plans are interested in value-based care
States with a strong presence include places like Arizona, New Mexico, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and many others, with more centers opening over time.
What to check when choosing a location?
When you look up Oak Street Health near you, it is smart to check:
- Whether the clinic accepts your specific Medicare plan
- How far it is from your home and whether transportation is available
- The providers at that center and their specialties
- Online reviews from other patients (keeping in mind that every experience is different)
You can also call the clinic and ask questions about first visits, wait times, and what to bring with you.
Oak Street Health Mesa AZ: What to Expect
One location that appears often in search results is Oak Street Health Mesa AZ, especially the East Mesa clinic. This center is located at 2850 E Main St, Suite 106, Mesa, Arizona 85213, and focuses on primary care for adults on Medicare.
Services at Oak Street Health Mesa AZ
At Oak Street Health Mesa AZ, patients can expect many of the same services offered at other centers, including:
- Primary care visits and follow-ups
- Medicare and Medicare Advantage support
- Help setting up mail-order prescriptions
- Coordination of specialist appointments
- Preventive care, screenings, and vaccinations
- Support for chronic conditions
The clinic works as a one-stop primary care home for Medicare patients in the Mesa area, focusing on personalized treatment plans and continuous monitoring.
What makes the Mesa clinic stand out?
From sources like Oak Street Healthโs own page and local listings, the Mesa clinic is known for:
- A convenient location near residential neighborhoods
- A team experienced in working with older adults
- A warm, welcoming environment designed for seniors
- Extended or flexible hours on some days (check with the clinic directly)
- Coordination with local hospitals and specialists in the Mesa and greater Phoenix area
For many people searching โOak Street Health Mesa AZ,โ the goal is to find a primary care provider who takes the time to listen and explain things clearly. The Mesa center tries to meet that need with longer visits, a team approach, and a focus on preventive care.
How to become a patient in Mesa?
If you want to become a patient at Oak Street Health Mesa AZ:
- Visit the Mesa location page on the Oak Street Health website.
- Call the clinic directly or the central number listed on the site.
- Confirm that your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan is accepted.
- Schedule a first appointment and ask what documents to bring (ID, insurance card, medication list, etc.).
Oak Street Health Albuquerque: Caring for Seniors in New Mexico
Another common search is Oak Street Health Albuquerque. The company has opened multiple clinics in the Albuquerque area, such as Rio Bravo, Atrisco, and other neighborhood centers.
Locations and services in Albuquerque
Public listings and the Oak Street Health site show several primary care clinics in Albuquerque, including:
- Rio Bravo โ a primary care clinic on Rio Bravo Blvd SW serving older adults with Medicare.
- Atrisco โ a location that invites patients to call and check if their insurance is accepted before scheduling.
- Other Albuquerque centers, such as Fourth Street and a clinic on Zuni Road, which focus on family medicine and internal medicine for Medicare patients.
In general, these clinics offer:
- Comprehensive primary care for seniors
- Management of long-term conditions
- Preventive screenings and vaccinations
- Behavioral health support
- Help navigating Medicare benefits
Why patients in Albuquerque choose Oak Street Health?
People searching for Oak Street Health Albuquerque often look for:
- A clinic that understands Medicare and local health plans
- Providers who are familiar with the health needs of older adults in the community
- Easy access from their neighborhoods and public transportation routes
- Care that is culturally sensitive and tailored to local communities
Reviews and profiles show that the Albuquerque centers are recognized for patient-centered care, where the team focuses on understanding the personโs full life situation, not just their list of diagnoses.
Getting started as a patient in Albuquerque
To become a patient at Oak Street Health Albuquerque:
- Go to the Albuquerque section on the Oak Street Health website and look up the closest clinic.
- Either book online (if available) or call the phone number listed.
- Confirm that they accept your exact Medicare plan.
- Ask about transportation options and whether they can help if you have trouble getting to the clinic.
What Hospital Is Oak Street Health Affiliated With? Partnerships & Insurance
A common question people ask online is: โWhat hospital is Oak Street Health affiliated with?โ The answer is slightly more complex than just naming one hospital.
Not a hospital, but a primary care network
First, it is important to understand that Oak Street Health is not a hospital. It is a network of outpatient primary care centers. Patients go there for check-ups, chronic disease management, preventive care, and coordination of services. If you need hospital care, Oak Street Health doctors usually work with hospitals and specialists in your local area.
Partnerships instead of one single โparent hospitalโ
Oak Street Health has formed partnerships with various health systems and organizations rather than affiliating with just one hospital nationally. For example:
- In parts of the Midwest, Advocate Aurora Health (a large hospital and health system) announced a partnership with Oak Street Health to help adults on Medicare stay well through coordinated primary care and hospital services.
- In Michigan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has worked with Oak Street Health to offer seniors an enhanced option for preventive care in dedicated centers.
These examples show that Oak Street Health works with different hospital systems in different regions, depending on local health plans, networks, and community needs. It does not operate as a single hospital chain.
Relationship with CVS Health
Since 2023, Oak Street Health has been owned by CVS Health, the same company behind CVS Pharmacy and Aetna. This gives Oak Street Health access to:
- A large network of pharmacies
- Insurance expertise through Aetna health plans
- Additional resources for population health and preventive care
However, ownership by CVS Health does not mean that Oak Street Health is physically inside CVS stores like a clinic in the pharmacy. Instead, most Oak Street Health centers are stand-alone neighborhood clinics, often located in easily accessible shopping areas or community corridors.
Insurance and Medicare
Oak Street Health generally focuses on people with:
- Original Medicare Part B
- Selected Medicare Advantage plans
- Some additional plans, depending on the region
The specific list of accepted plans can vary by location, so it is always best to check with your local center or use the insurance search features on the website.
Is Oak Street Health Right for You or Your Loved One?
Choosing a primary care provider is a big decision, especially for older adults who may see their doctor many times each year. If you are wondering whether Oak Street Health is right for you or a family member, here are some points to consider.
Who might benefit most?
Oak Street Health may be a good fit if you:
- Are 65 or older, or otherwise eligible for Medicare
- Have two or more chronic conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, COPD, arthritis, or depression
- Want more time with your doctor and a team that knows your full story
- Need help understanding your Medicare coverage and benefits
- Have difficulty getting to appointments and appreciate transportation support
- Prefer a clinic that can connect you to local resources, like social services or community programs
If these points sound familiar, the Oak Street model of longer visits, team-based care, and preventive focus could suit you well.
Questions to ask before you join
Before choosing any new primary care clinic, including Oak Street Health, it is wise to ask:
- Does this clinic accept my exact insurance plan?
- How long are typical appointments?
- Will I see the same provider regularly, or different providers each time?
- How easy is it to get an appointment when I am sick?
- Is there a 24/7 support line if I have urgent questions after hours?
- Do they help with transportation, medication refills, or specialist referrals?
You can ask these questions by calling the local center or discussing them during your first visit.
Important reminder
Oak Street Health can be a strong option for many people, but only you and your healthcare team can decide what is best for your situation. This article is for general information only and does not replace medical advice from a licensed clinician. Always speak directly with your doctor or another qualified health professional about your personal health needs, medications, and treatment options.
Final Thoughts
Oak Street Health has grown quickly by focusing on one clear mission: help older adults on Medicare stay healthier through strong, preventive primary care. Its centers are built around longer visits, team-based support, and practical help outside the exam room, such as transportation and 24/7 patient lines.
Whether you are searching for Oak Street Health Mesa AZ, Oak Street Health Albuquerque, or simply โOak Street Health near me,โ the steps are similar: look up locations on the official website, confirm your insurance, and speak with the clinic team about what you need.
Oak Street Health is not a hospital, but it works closely with local hospitals and large health systems, and it is now part of CVS Health. This structure lets it focus on what it does best: primary care centered on the patient, not just the condition.
If you or a loved one is on Medicare and looking for a primary care home that emphasizes prevention, clear communication, and community support, it is worth exploring whether an Oak Street Health clinic in your area is the right choice.
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