Introduction
What if your doctor’s office was designed entirely around keeping you healthy — not just treating you when you’re sick? That’s the bold promise behind Oak Street Family Health, and for hundreds of thousands of Medicare patients across the United States, it’s a promise being kept every single day.
Oak Street Health is redefining what primary care looks like for older adults. In a healthcare system that often rushes patients through 10-minute appointments, Oak Street Family Health offers longer visits, coordinated care, and a model built specifically for seniors on Medicare. This 2026 guide breaks down exactly what Oak Street Family Health is, how it works, what to expect as a patient, and whether it might be the right fit for you or a loved one.
What Is Oak Street Health?
Oak Street Health is a network of primary care centers designed specifically for adults on Medicare. Founded in 2012 and now operating as part of CVS Health following a major acquisition, Oak Street Family Health has grown into one of the largest value-based primary care organizations in the United States.
The core mission is straightforward: keep Medicare patients healthier, out of the hospital, and living independently for longer. Instead of the traditional fee-for-service model — where providers are paid per visit — Oak Street Family Health operates on a value-based care model. This means their financial incentives are aligned with keeping you healthy, not with seeing you more often.
The Value-Based Care Difference
In traditional healthcare, doctors are paid for volume — more visits, more procedures, more revenue. In Oak Street Health’s model:
- Providers are rewarded for patient health outcomes
- Preventive care is prioritized over reactive treatment
- Care teams work together to manage chronic conditions proactively
- The goal is fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits
This model is especially relevant for seniors, who are statistically more likely to have multiple chronic conditions and benefit most from coordinated, preventive care.
Who Does Oak Street Health Serve?
Oak Street Health serves adults aged 65 and older who are enrolled in Medicare — including Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and dual-eligible patients (those on both Medicare and Medicaid).
The clinics are typically located in urban and suburban communities, with a deliberate focus on underserved neighborhoods where quality primary care has historically been hard to access. This commitment to health equity is a defining feature of the Oak Street Family Health model.
Ideal Patients for Oak Street Health
- Seniors managing one or more chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, COPD)
- Patients who feel rushed or ignored by traditional primary care providers
- Older adults seeking a more personal, relationship-based healthcare experience
- Seniors with complex medication needs who benefit from coordinated pharmacy support
- Patients who want mental and physical health treated as equally important
How Does Oak Street Health Work?
Step 1: Enrollment and First Visit
Getting started with Oak Street Family Health begins with enrollment. Because the model is built for Medicare patients, joining is straightforward — there’s typically no additional out-of-pocket cost beyond standard Medicare coverage.
Your first appointment is a comprehensive new patient visit, which is significantly longer than a typical primary care appointment. Providers spend time reviewing your full health history, current medications, existing conditions, and your personal health goals.
Step 2: Building Your Care Team
One of Oak Street Health’s hallmarks is the team-based care model. Rather than seeing a single doctor who may have limited availability, patients are assigned a dedicated care team that includes:
- Primary care physician or nurse practitioner
- Care coordinator for appointment management and follow-up
- Behavioral health specialist for mental health support
- Pharmacist for medication management
- Social worker for social determinants of health (housing, food access, transportation)
This comprehensive team structure means more aspects of your health are monitored and supported — not just the physical symptoms you bring to each visit.
Step 3: Ongoing Preventive Care
Oak Street Family Health places heavy emphasis on preventive screenings, chronic disease management, and care coordination. Regular check-ins, proactive outreach, and after-hours support are standard parts of the patient experience.
If you’re hospitalized, your Oak Street Family Health care team coordinates with the hospital and arranges follow-up care — dramatically reducing the risk of readmission.
Services Offered at Oak Street Health
Oak Street Family Health clinics offer a broad range of services under one roof, including:
- Annual wellness visits and routine physical exams
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, COPD)
- Preventive care and screenings (cancer screenings, vaccinations, vision and hearing referrals)
- Behavioral health services — addressing depression, anxiety, and cognitive concerns
- Medication management and pharmacy coordination
- Social services support for non-medical needs
- Care coordination across specialists, hospitals, and community resources
- Same-day and next-day appointments for acute concerns
- 24/7 nurse line for after-hours guidance
The inclusion of behavioral health within primary care is particularly significant. Mental health challenges — including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline — are highly prevalent among older adults and are often undertreated in traditional primary care settings.
Understanding and addressing mental health is a core part of whole-person care. For a broader look at why this matters, explore this complete guide to mental health awareness and how it applies at every stage of life.
Oak Street Health Locations: Where Are They?
As of 2026, Oak Street Health operates over 170 clinics across more than 20 U.S. states. Major markets include:
- Illinois (Chicago metro area — the original home market)
- Texas (Houston, Dallas, San Antonio)
- Ohio (Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati)
- Michigan (Detroit metro)
- Pennsylvania (Philadelphia area)
- North Carolina, Georgia, Indiana, and more
The network continues to expand, with CVS Health’s backing accelerating clinic openings in new markets. To find the nearest location, visit the official Oak Street Family Health website and use their clinic finder tool.
Oak Street Health and Medicare: Understanding the Costs
One of the most frequently asked questions about Oak Street Family Health is: what does it cost?
For Medicare Patients
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Oak Street Health accepts standard Medicare. Most primary care visits are covered at standard Medicare rates with applicable deductibles and coinsurance.
- Medicare Advantage Plans: Oak Street Health is in-network with many Medicare Advantage plans, which often means $0 copay for primary care visits.
- Dual-Eligible Patients (Medicare + Medicaid): Many services may be fully covered with little to no out-of-pocket cost.
Additional Costs
Specialty referrals, certain procedures, and diagnostic tests may carry additional costs depending on your specific plan. Oak Street Health’s care coordinators will help navigate your benefits and minimize surprise expenses.
If you’re exploring other health platforms that offer specialized or innovative care models, Midi Health’s 2026 guide and the Function Health complete guide are worth reviewing for comparison.
The Mental Health Component at Oak Street Health
Mental health is not an afterthought at Oak Street Family health — it’s embedded into the care model. The platform recognizes that depression, anxiety, loneliness, and cognitive decline are among the most serious health risks facing older adults.
Studies consistently show that untreated depression in seniors dramatically increases the risk of physical health deterioration, hospitalization, and even premature death. Oak Street Family health addresses this by:
- Screening all patients for depression and cognitive impairment at enrollment and during annual visits
- Embedding behavioral health specialists directly within care teams
- Reducing stigma by treating mental health as a routine part of primary care
- Connecting patients to community resources for social isolation, grief, and life transitions
For patients who need more intensive mental health support beyond what primary care can provide, understanding the full spectrum of options matters. Resources like mental health walk-in clinics or free mental health services near you can complement what Health center provides at the primary care level.
Oak Street Health vs. Traditional Primary Care
How does Health center compare to a standard primary care practice for seniors?
| Feature | Oak Street Health | Traditional Primary Care |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare-specific focus | ✅ Yes | ❌ General population |
| Average visit length | 30–60 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Team-based care | ✅ Yes | ❌ Usually solo provider |
| Behavioral health on-site | ✅ Yes | ❌ Referral-only usually |
| Care coordinator included | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rarely |
| 24/7 nurse support | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Value-based care model | ✅ Yes | ❌ Fee-for-service |
| Social services support | ✅ Yes | ❌ Rarely |
The difference is substantial — particularly for seniors with multiple conditions who require coordinated, ongoing care rather than episodic treatment.
Oak Street Health After the CVS Acquisition: What Changed?
In 2023, CVS Health completed its $10.6 billion acquisition of Oak Street Health, one of the largest healthcare deals in recent years. For patients, the key question was: did the acquisition change the quality of care?
The short answer is that the clinical model has remained intact. Health center continues to operate its clinic network with its established approach to value-based, senior-focused primary care. The acquisition has primarily accelerated clinic expansion and enhanced back-end operational capabilities.
CVS’s involvement has also opened up potential for integration with pharmacy services — a natural fit given Oak Street Health’s emphasis on medication management for seniors with complex drug regimens.
According to CVS Health’s official investor communications, the Oak Street Health brand and care model are preserved as a distinct operating unit within the CVS Health enterprise.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Oak Street Health
- Bring a complete list of all medications to your first visit — including supplements and over-the-counter drugs.
- Be open about mental health — Oak Street center providers are trained to address emotional wellbeing without judgment.
- Use your care coordinator — They’re there to handle insurance questions, referrals, and appointment logistics on your behalf.
- Attend your annual wellness visit — This comprehensive review helps catch issues early and sets your care plan for the year.
- Ask about transportation assistance — Many Health center locations offer or coordinate transportation for patients who cannot drive.
- Involve a family member or caregiver — Care teams welcome family participation in health planning discussions.
Is Oak Street Health Right for You?
Oak Street Health is an excellent fit if you:
✅ Are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare ✅ Have one or more chronic conditions requiring ongoing management ✅ Want longer, more personal appointments with a dedicated care team ✅ Value mental and physical health being treated together ✅ Live near an Oak Street Health clinic location ✅ Feel underserved or rushed by your current primary care provider
It may be less ideal if you are under 65, do not have Medicare, or live in a region where Health center has not yet expanded.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oak Street Health
1. What is Oak Street Health and who is it for?
Oak Street Health is a network of primary care clinics designed specifically for Medicare-eligible adults aged 65 and older. It uses a value-based care model focused on preventive care, chronic disease management, and whole-person wellness including mental health.
2. Does Oak Street Health accept Medicare?
Yes. Oak Street Family Health accepts Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and most Medicare Advantage plans. Many patients pay $0 for primary care visits, depending on their specific Medicare Advantage plan. Dual-eligible patients (Medicare and Medicaid) often have full coverage for primary care services.
3. How is Oak Street Health different from a regular doctor’s office?
Oak Street Family Health offers significantly longer appointments, a dedicated care team that includes behavioral health specialists and social workers, 24/7 nurse support, and a value-based model that prioritizes keeping patients healthy rather than generating visit volume. It’s designed for seniors with complex needs.
4. What happened to Oak Street Health after CVS bought it?
CVS Health acquired Oak Street Health in 2023 for approximately $10.6 billion. The clinical care model and brand have remained intact, while expansion has accelerated under CVS’s resources. Patients continue to receive care under the same Health center model.
5. Does Oak Street Health provide mental health services?
Yes. Oak Street Family Health embeds behavioral health specialists within its primary care teams. All patients are screened for depression and cognitive decline, and mental health is treated as an integrated part of whole-person care — not referred out as a separate concern.
6. How do I find an Oak Street Health clinic near me?
Visit the Health center official website and use the clinic locator tool to find the nearest location by ZIP code or city. As of 2026, clinics are available in over 20 states with ongoing expansion.
Conclusion
Oak Street Health is not just a doctor’s office — it’s a rethinking of what senior primary care can and should be. By aligning financial incentives with patient health outcomes, embedding mental health into routine care, and building teams that treat the whole person, Health center has raised the bar for what Medicare patients deserve.
The key takeaways from this 2026 guide:
- Oak Street Family Health is purpose-built for Medicare patients aged 65+
- Value-based care means longer visits, better coordination, and fewer hospitalizations
- Behavioral health is integrated — not an afterthought
- Services are largely covered through Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- CVS Health’s acquisition has maintained the care model while accelerating growth
- Over 170 clinics across 20+ states, with expansion continuing
🚀 Ready to experience primary care that actually puts your health first? Visit the Oak Street Family Health website today to find a clinic near you, verify your Medicare coverage, and schedule your first appointment. You deserve care that sees the whole you — not just your symptoms.