New to Medicare in Woodland Hills, CA
If you or a loved one is approaching Medicare eligibility, or you’re a Medicare beneficiary ready to shop for a new plan, you’re likely seeking the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Woodland Hills.
You might be an adult child, wondering how to best care for your mom or dad living in the San Fernando Valley, including the best nearby health facilities, Medicare plans and dentists. As a Medicare agent with long-term experience in the region, here’s my guide to the Woodland Hills area.
After all, with so many hospitals, senior living communities, and plan options nearby, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from local health care resources to the benefits of working with a local Medicare agent.
About Woodland Hills, CA
Woodland Hills is home to a growing population of residents aged 65 and older, thanks to easy access to the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains and San Fernando Valley. The suburb is located in Los Angeles County, and offers easy onramps to the Ventura Freeway (US-101).
Woodland Hills offers an appealing mix of:
- Medical facilities
- Senior housing options
- Health care networks participating in Medicare Advantage and Medi-Cal plans
- Dentists sensitive to the needs of seniors and retirees
- Other providers and insurance plans tailored to Medicare beneficiaries
Senior Living Options in Woodland Hills
Many retirees choose Woodland Hills not only for its mild climate but also for the wide range of senior housing and assisted living communities available in Woodland Hills and nearby Calabasas.
You can choose from independent, apartment-style living, assisted living, skilled nursing or memory-care stays, depending on your level of need.
While a Medicare Agent can’t recommend a senior living facility, here are a few I’ve visited clients at in the past:
- Wasserman Campus or Motion Picture and Television Fund: This location is closer to Calabasas but is a quick drive from Woodland Hills on most days. It serves people in the entertainment industry all over Los Angeles County area.
- The Variel at Warner Center: Independent living with gourmet kitchens, multiple restaurants (including a juice bar), assisted living, and memory care.
- Ivy Park at Woodland Hills: Assisted living with personalized care options. Amenities include outdoor courtyards and walking paths.
- The Preserve at Woodland Hills: Assisted living and memory care community with specialized services.
- Wisteria at Warner Center: Upscale, newer 55+ living in a modern setting with 486 units, and the only Type A Life Plan Retirement Community in our region.
- Savant of Woodland Hills: A boutique senior living community, one of thirteen throughout the Los Angeles area.
In-person meetings can often be beneficial, particularly if you or a parent is hard of hearing, has more limited cognitive abilities, or is living in memory care. I frequently meet at facilities with the client, the adult child of a Medicare beneficiary, or another family member with power of attorney for an older adult.
Ideally, you want an agent who can sit down with you and your older adults to discuss options that increase affordability or access to providers.
Hospitals and Clinics Near Woodland Hills
Seeing your regular doctor and going to the nearest hospital are probably your top priorities — which is entirely understandable. I try my best to make sure any Medicare Advantage plan you choose will cover your preferred providers, clinics and hospitals.
The good news? Most major medical groups — and there are tons of them in the San Fernando Valley — are covered by a Medicare Advantage plan.
Here are providers in Woodland Hills and nearby areas (such as Tarzana) that my Medicare Advantage clients often ask me about:
- Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center: A major full-service hospital
- Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center: About 5 miles east of Woodland Hills
- West Hills Hospital & Medical Center: about 7 miles north of Woodland Hills.
- Primary care clinics, and specialty practices within the San Fernando Valley: including UCLA, Cedars-Sinai, Optum, Providence and Lakeside Regal
When your Medicare agent compares plans, always make sure they’re reviewing your list of preferred hospitals and doctors. Find out if they’re in network and if not, how much a visit might cost you out of pocket.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Woodland Hills
Los Angeles County offers dozens of Medicare Advantage (Part C, also known as MA) plans with solid access to local healthcare networks. Right now, in 2025, there are 36 MA plans available and 13 Part D prescription plans available. However, I suspect this number will be lower in 2026 as more providers exit the market.
Medicare Advantage plans combine your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), often with additional benefits like Part D (prescription drug coverage), dental, vision, and hearing.
Popular carriers serving Woodland Hills include:
- Kaiser Permanente Senior Advantage
- SCAN Health Plan
- Blue Shield of California
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Humana
Most Woodland Hills residents will find options for HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans (SNPs) designed for chronic conditions or Medicaid recipients. Some plans even offer a $0 premium with varying out-of-pocket maximums for Los Angeles area residents.
Choosing the Right Medicare Advantage Plan in Woodland Hills
When evaluating Woodland Hills Medicare Advantage plans, consider the following.
Network Providers
Are your doctors and hospitals in Woodland Hills covered, and how well? How far do you have to travel to see someone within the Medicare Advantage network? Like most Los Angeles County residents, you probably don’t want to spend your retirement years commuting long distances.
Medicare Advantage Costs
Premiums, deductibles, copays, and annual out-of-pocket limits (the most you pay for coverage). Plans offer various options. Generally, the higher the premium, the lower the deductible and copays. The reverse is true as well — higher-deductible Medicare Advantage plans tend to have lower monthly premium costs.
Prescription Coverage
Are your medications included in the formulary? Is there a pharmacy near you in Woodland Hills that covers your medicines at a reasonable or cheaper cost?
Extra Benefits
These include dental, vision, hearing aids, transportation, and fitness memberships. These are helpful, but only if they are easily accessible to you, so you don’t have to drive all over Los Angeles to enjoy the benefits.
Star Ratings
Medicare’s quality ratings for each Woodland Hills Medicare Advantage plan can give you clues as to how satisfied MA recipients are with the plan.
Local Tips for Saving on Medicare Advantage
- Compare zero-premium plans—many are available in Woodland Hills.
- Stay in-network when looking for Woodland Hills doctors, facilities, and outpatient clinics for lower costs.
- Review your prescription coverage annually, as drug formularies can change.
- Wellness extras like gym memberships or transportation can save money. Look for Woodland Hills gyms, such as LA Fitness on Canoga Avenue and 24 Hour Fitness on Topanga Canyon Boulevard, or community fitness classes.
Common Questions
Can I keep my Woodland Hills Doctor With Medicare Advantage?
Yes, if your current doctor is part of the Medicare Advantage plan’s network, also called in-network. If your Woodland Hills doctor is not in-network, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any costs.
What’s the Difference Between Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage?
Medigap (also known as a Medicare supplement plan) helps cover costs in Original Medicare. In contrast, Medicare Advantage adds extra benefits.
Does Medicare Advantage Cover Assisted Living?
Medicare generally does not cover room and board, but it may cover certain medical services you receive while living in a nursing home or other facility.
When Do I Enroll in Medicare in Woodland Hills?
You can enroll during the Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), when you first turn 65 and become eligible. You can choose between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D Plans and Medicare Supplement Plans. After this period, you can change plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) and Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31).
Local Resources
- Medicare.gov – Official U.S. government Medicare site.
- California State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) – Free Medicare counseling.
- Local Medicare agents in Woodland Hills – Get personalized help comparing plans side-by-side.
The Takeaway
Woodland Hills offers seniors excellent health care, quality senior living communities, and a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans. The best choice depends on your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Working with a local Medicare agent in Woodland Hills ensures you’ll get a plan tailored to your unique needs.
