Medicare Advantage plans in Santa Barbara County, California
For 2027, 8 Medicare Advantage plans are offered in Santa Barbara County, 1 fewer than in 2026. 5 of them are open to anyone with Medicare Part A and Part B who lives in the county. The other 3 are Special Needs Plans, which only people who qualify can join.
| Plans | 2027 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| All Medicare Advantage plans | 8 | 9 |
| Open to anyone with Part A and Part B | 5 | 7 |
| Include drug coverage | 7 | 7 |
| Do not include drug coverage | 1 | 2 |
| HMO plans (including HMO-POS) | 7 | 6 |
| PPO plans | 1 | 3 |
| Special Needs Plans for certain chronic conditions | 2 | 1 |
| Special Needs Plans for people with Medicaid | 1 | 1 |
| Special Needs Plans for people in a nursing home or similar care | 0 | 0 |
Source: CMS plan files for 2027 and 2026. A plan counts once even if it covers several counties.
What these numbers mean for you
- HMO or PPO. HMO plans usually ask you to use doctors in the plan's network. PPO plans also pay something toward doctors outside it, usually at a higher cost.
- Plans without drug coverage. 1 of the 2027 plans here do not cover prescriptions. Unless you have other drug coverage, such as from the VA or an employer, going without it can mean a late enrollment penalty later.
- Special Needs Plans. These are built for people with Medicaid, certain chronic conditions, or who live in a nursing home. You can join one only if you qualify.
- More plans is not the same as a better fit. What matters is whether a plan covers your doctors and prescriptions, and what it costs you over the year.
Thinking about changing plans? See when you can change your Medicare Advantage plan and how we compare plans. Other counties: all California counties.
We are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Plan counts are for information only; confirm what is offered at your address with Medicare.gov or the plan before you enroll.