Medicare Advantage plans in Santa Cruz, CA, 2027
Santa Cruz, California has 5 Medicare Advantage plans open to everyone for 2027 (5 in 2026) and 4 special needs plans, according to the CMS landscape files; 2 of the open plans have a $0 premium. Every plan that served the county in 2026 is still sold here in 2027.
What changes in Santa Cruz for 2027?
| In the county | 2026 | 2027 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plans open to everyone | 5 | 5 | no change |
| Special needs plans | 3 | 4 | ▲up 1 |
| Plans with a $0 premium | 2 | 2 | no change |
| Plans that lower the Part B premium | 2 | 2 | no change |
| Median out-of-pocket limit | $4,200 | $4,200 | no change |
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2027 (Sept. 22, 2026, revised Sept. 30) and 2026 (Sept. 2, 2026 revision); CMS plan benefit package files, 2027 and 2026.
Which plans can anyone in Santa Cruz join?
| Plan | Premium | Out-of-pocket limit | Part B reduction | 2026 stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imperial Dynamic PlanH5496-012 · HMO | $0 | $295 | $15 | 3.5 of 5 |
| Imperial Courage PlanH5496-016 · HMO | $0 | $2,999 | $85 | 3.5 of 5 |
| Alignment Health Sutter Advantage +MoreH3815-021 · HMO | $61 | $4,900 | none | 4 of 5 |
| Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage Santa CruzH0524-054 · HMO | $92 | $4,900 | none | 4.5 of 5 |
| Alignment Health My Choice 001H4961-001 · PPO | $149 | $4,200 | none | 4 of 5 |
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2027 (Sept. 22, 2026, revised Sept. 30) and 2026 (Sept. 2, 2026 revision); CMS plan benefit package files, 2027 and 2026. Stars are the contract's 2026 rating. confirm on Medicare Plan Finder.
Which special needs plans are sold here?
Open only to people with Medicaid as well as Medicare, with certain chronic conditions, or living in an institution.
| Plan | Who can join | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial Senior ValueH5496-005 | Chronic or Disabling Condition | $0 |
| Kaiser Permanente Dual Complete North P21H8794-021 | Dual-Eligible | $0 |
| Imperial FlexH5496-017 | Chronic or Disabling Condition | $2.70 |
| TotalCareH5692-001 | Dual-Eligible | $7.30 |
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2027 (Sept. 22, 2026, revised Sept. 30) and 2026 (Sept. 2, 2026 revision).
How many people in Santa Cruz use Medicare Advantage?
15,275 of the county's 59,860 people with Medicare were in a Medicare Advantage plan in September 2026, 25.5%; in California as a whole the share is 51.5%.
Source: CMS Medicare Advantage state and county penetration, September 2026.
What else should you check?
- Medicare Advantage in CaliforniaEvery county of the state
- 10 stand-alone drug plans in CaliforniaIf you keep Original Medicare
- Is your plan ending?Every plan not offered in 2027