Medicare in Santa Barbara County, California

The Local Health Landscape

Santa Barbara County operates as two Medicare markets: the south-coast Cottage system and the Santa Maria Valley's Marian hub.

Hospitals Serving Santa Barbara County

• Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (Cottage Health)
• Marian Regional Medical Center (Dignity), Santa Maria
• Lompoc Valley Medical Center

Medicare Plan Types Available in Santa Barbara County

Beneficiaries here choose among Medicare Advantage (Part C), standalone Part D drug plans, and Medigap supplements — availability and pricing are zip-code specific.

Find a Medicare Agent in Santa Barbara

Licensed Medicare agents serving Santa Barbara County can help you compare plans and enroll at no cost to you. They’re familiar with the specific plans available in the Santa Barbara area and throughout Santa Barbara County.

Find an Agent in Santa Barbara County →

Compare Plans in Santa Barbara County

Enter your zip code to see Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans available in Santa Barbara County.

Compare Plans at PlanMatch.com →

Senior Services in Santa Barbara County

• HICAP (Free Medicare Counseling): Call 1-800-434-0222 to reach your local Santa Barbara County HICAP office
• Area Agency on Aging: Contact your local AAA for senior programs, Meals on Wheels, and transportation assistance
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Apply through Santa Barbara County Department of Social Services
• Medi-Cal: Apply through your county office or at CoveredCA.com

Key Medicare Information

• Medicare Advantage plans — All-in-one coverage, many $0 premium options
• Medigap plans — Supplement Original Medicare, California birthday rule applies
• Part D drug plans — $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap in 2026
• Medi-Cal dual eligibility — Extra benefits for low-income beneficiaries
• Medicare Savings Programs — Help with premiums and cost-sharing