Best Health InsuranceAlabamaBest Alabama Health Insurance (2023 Plans)
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Best Health InsuranceAlabamaBest Health Insurance in Alabama
Best Overall in Alabama - Celtic Insurance
Best for Low MOOP - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Best Cheap - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Best for Low Income - Celtic Insurance
Best for Young Adults - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Best for PPO - Blue Cross Blue Shield
Best for EPO - Celtic Insurance
Best Short-Term Insurance - National General Accident & Health
Best Overall for Health Insurance in Alabama
With a MoneyGeek rating of 79 out of 100, Celtic Insurance Company is the overall best health insurance in Alabama. Aside from having the best MOOP rating in the Yellowhammer State, the insurer also excels in claims management and plan options.
We examined data from 14 Silver Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plans and five Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans in Alabama to determine the best health insurance.
MoneyGeek Pick: Celtic Insurance Company
pros
0% claims denied vs. other insurers
Lowest MOOP cost in the state
Many plans to choose from
cons
Relatively high plan rates compared to other insurers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Celtic Insurance Company is MoneyGeek’s pick for the best health insurance in Alabama. It provides seven Silver EPO plans, the third most common plan type. EPO plans combine aspects of HMO and PPO plans.
At around $599 per month, Celtic Insurance Company's premiums are around average but not the lowest. The MOOP expenses for its plans are the lowest at approximately $7,357. Since Celtics Insurance Company has a 0% average denial rate, it is likely that your insurance claims will be approved, and you will be paid for any necessary medical services.
Plan Recommendations
MoneyGeek recommends the following Silver plans from Celtic Insurance Company:
- Clear Silver: around $585 per month; MOOP $5,400
- Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental: around $608 per month; MOOP $5,400
- Focused Silver: around $591 per month; MOOP $7,500
Best Health Insurance in Alabama for Low Out-of-Pocket Costs
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best health insurance in Alabama for low out-of-pocket costs, with a MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100. The company scored well in terms of affordability, providing the cheapest rates in the state than other insurers. It also scored highest for plan types and low MOOP costs.
MoneyGeek examined four Gold EPO plans, five Gold PPO plans and one Platinum PPO plan for this category.
MoneyGeek Pick: Blue Cross Blue Shield
pros
Provides the most affordable insurance rates
Flexible plan types for consumers
Lowest average MOOP cost vs. other insurers
cons
Consumers may be potentially denied of a plan because of its 17.85% average denial rate
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
MoneyGeek named Blue Cross Blue Shield as the best health insurance in Alabama for low out-of-pocket costs, offering five Gold PPO plans and one Platinum PPO plan. Consumers have a wide range of options when it comes to plan types with this insurer. The provider also has the cheapest average rate at $531 compared to other insurers in the state.
Although Blue Cross Blue Shield also has the lowest average MOOP cost in Alabama at $5,847, it is one of the insurance providers with the most likely potential denial of plans among consumers.
Plan Recommendations
We recommend the following PPO plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield:
- Blue Choice Platinum for Business: approximately $536 per month; MOOP $4,000
- Blue Access Gold for Business: approximately $473 per month; MOOP $6,000
- Blue Cross Select Gold: approximately $723 per month; MOOP $6,000
Best Cheap Health Insurance in Alabama
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best cheap health insurance in Alabama, earning a MoneyGeek rating of 85 out of 100.
To find the winner and suggested plans for this category, we assessed 14 Silver EPO plans and five Silver PPO plans.
We scored this category differently, giving greater weight to affordability. Keep in mind that out-of-pocket expenses are typically higher for plans with lower monthly premiums. If you do not think you will have many medical needs, this trade-off can be worthwhile.
MoneyGeek Pick: Blue Cross Blue Shield
pros
Most affordable premiums among insurance providers
Provides flexible insurance plan options
One of the more affordable MOOPs in the state
cons
Relatively high average denial rate
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Blue Cross Blue Shield emerged as MoneyGeek’s pick for the best affordable health insurance in Alabama. Among the companies in the state, the insurer’s plans can be purchased for an average of $422. However, the average MOOP cost for Blue Cross Blue Shield’s health plans is $7,742, and consumers should be wary of the company’s 17.85% denial rate.
This insurance provider has five Silver PPO plans and two EPO plans to choose from. PPO plans frequently cost more than an HMO but have a larger network. Importantly, to see a specialist, you do not typically require a recommendation.
Plan Recommendations
MoneyGeek recommends the following affordable plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield:
- Blue HSA Silver for Business: around $337 per month; MOOP $6,000
- Blue Secure Silver for Business: around $377 per month; MOOP $8,550
- Blue Saver Silver EPO: around $538 per month; MOOP $8,650
Best Health Insurance for Low Income in Alabama
The best health insurance in Alabama for low-income individuals is provided by Celtic Insurance Company, scoring 90 out of 100.
In Alabama, we evaluated 14 Silver EPO plans and three Silver PPO plans. Only health insurance providers with cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) and low fixed rates were evaluated.
If your income is below 250% of the federal poverty level (FPL), CSRs can help you avoid the trade-off between higher out-of-pocket costs and cheaper premiums. Cost-sharing is higher for CSR plans than it is for conventional Silver policies, which cover roughly 70% of medical expenses. In Alabama, here are some considerations based on your income:
- Between $27,180 and $33,975 in earnings per year (201% to 250% of the FPL): Eligible for a plan that covers roughly 73% of medical expenses.
- Between $20,385 and $27,180 in earnings per year (151% to 200% of the FPL): Eligible for a plan that covers roughly 87% of medical expenses.
- Earnings of under $20,385 per year (up to $150% of the FPL): Eligible for a plan that covers approximately 94% of medical expenses.
These brackets vary based on the size of your household.
MoneyGeek Pick: Celtic Insurance
pros
Among the most affordable rates for low-income Alabama residents
0% average denial rate
An average MOOP of $6,100 for its plans, the best among providers
Many plan types to choose from
cons
No HMO plans
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Celtic Insurance Company emerged as MoneyGeek’s best health insurance in Alabama for low-income individuals. The average cost of the plans this insurer offers is $599 per month. Its average MOOP is $6,100. With this company's spotless track record of accepting claims, you won’t have to worry about any denials.
Seven Silver EPO plans with cost-sharing reductions are available from Celtic Insurance Company.
Plan Recommendations
Celtic Insurance Company’s Clear Silver plan offers lower out-of-pocket expenses for the same premium for Alabamans in lower income levels. These are some of the lower overall out-of-pocket costs based on income levels:
- 201% to 250% of the FPL: $585 per month; MOOP $4,200
- 151% to 200% of the FPL: $585 per month; MOOP $1,500
- Up to 150% of the FPL: $585 per month; MOOP $550
Best Health Insurance for Young Adults in Alabama
Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the best health insurance in Alabama for young adults, earning a MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100.
MoneyGeek evaluated providers offering Bronze or Catastrophic plans to identify the best companies for young adults. Only individuals under the age of 30 can get Catastrophic coverage. These plans typically have the lowest premiums but the greatest out-of-pocket expenses.
We evaluated six Bronze EPO plans, 10 Expanded Bronze EPO plans, four Expanded Bronze PPO plans and one Catastrophic PPO plan for this category.
MoneyGeek Pick: Blue Cross Blue Shield
pros
Lowest average MOOP among insurers analyzed
Provides flexible plan types
Cheapest average rates
cons
Denial rate is quite high
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Four Expanded Bronze PPO plans and one Catastrophic PPO plan are available from Blue Cross Blue Shield for young adults in Alabama for an average cost of $275 a month and an average of $8,056 MOOP. However, this company rejects around 17.85% of insurance claims.
The level of coverage you will have depends on your metal tier. Bronze, Expanded Bronze and Catastrophic plans are frequently chosen by younger people who do not require a lot of coverage.
Plan Recommendations
MoneyGeek recommends the best health plans for young adults offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield:
- Blue Saver Bronze for Business: $204.51 per month for 18-year-olds and $229.37 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $7,850
- Blue HSA Bronze: $216.40 per month for 18-year-olds and $348.97 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $7,000
- Blue Saver Bronzer: $214.12 per month for 18-year-olds and $345.30 per month for 26-year-olds; MOOP $7,950
Best Health Insurance by Plan Type in Alabama
Different plan types are offered by health insurance companies. The top Alabama-based service providers for all plan categories are listed below:
- PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield (MoneyGeek score: 100 out of 100)
- EPO: Celtic Insurance Company (MoneyGeek score: 92 out of 100)
Only Silver plans were used for this recommendation. This tier strikes the perfect mix between price and coverage, making it perfect for the average person who needs quality medical insurance at a reasonable price.
There are five Silver PPO plans and 14 Silver EPO plans available in Alabama.
MoneyGeek Pick for PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
In Alabama, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers five Silver PPO plans with an average monthly cost of $420 and an average MOOP of $7,727. However, this insurer is known for denying health insurance claims.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans often cost more than HMOs, but they provide more flexibility in terms of provider networks and do not demand referrals for visits.
Plan Recommendations
We suggest the following Silver PPO plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield:
- Blue HSA Silver for Business: around $337 per month; MOOP $6,000
- Blue Secure Silver for Business: around $377 per month; MOOP $8,550
MoneyGeek Pick for EPO: Celtic Insurance
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Seven Silver EPO plans with an average monthly cost of $599 and an average MOOP of $7,357 are available in Alabama from Celtic Insurance Company. This insurer rarely rejects health insurance claims.
An EPO plan has fewer coverage or reimbursement options for providers who are not in its network. EPO costs are often less than PPO costs for members who are on a tight budget.
Plan Recommendations
MoneyGeek recommends the following Silver EPO plans from Celtic Insurance Company:
- Clear Silver: around $585 per month; MOOP $5,400
- Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental: around $608 per month; MOOP $5,400
Best Short-Term Health Insurance in Alabama
National General Accident & Health, which received a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100, provides the best short-term health insurance in Alabama. Since short-term health insurance does not provide all the necessary health benefits that Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant plans do, it is best for people wishing to temporarily address coverage gaps.
National General Accident & Health
National General Accident & Health stands out because it offers a wide range of plan options to accommodate various health care demands. For high-risk patients, the company offers plans with modest co-insurance and out-of-pocket expenses. Plans can have durations of three months to three years and offer several options for cost-sharing and prescription drug coverage.
How to Find the Best Health Insurance for You in Alabama
Your budget and medical needs, including how much you are willing to spend each month versus when you receive care, will determine which health insurance provider in Alabama is right for you. The following pointers can be useful when planning to get health insurance.
Understand when a health insurance plan will cover you
PPO plans are more accommodating when it comes to access to care outside of your network. A more restrictive EPO offers less out-of-network provider coverage or compensation. EPO costs are often less than PPO costs for members who are on a tight budget.
There are 16 PPO plans and 34 EPO plans in Alabama.
Weigh the cost of premiums vs. the cost of care
Lower monthly rates for plans typically have higher out-of-pocket expenses. For instance, the Clear Silver plan from Celtic Insurance Company may cost an average of $585 a month, but the out-of-pocket maximum is $5,400. While this plan isn’t the cheapest option, the MOOP is the lowest out of the other plans evaluated.
Consider Alabama Medicare or Medicaid if You’re Eligible
Medicare is available to those 65 and older or with a qualifying disability or illness. It is a federal health insurance program that offers eligible people discounts on medical treatments. There are three components to Medicare:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, nursing homes, some home health care and hospice care.
- Part B (Medical Insurance): Covers preventive services and outpatient care, such as doctor visits.
- Part D (Prescription drug coverage): Assists in covering the cost of prescription medication.
MoneyGeek also provides information for locating the top Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama.
Medicaid is a different federal program that offers health insurance to people whose income is below a state-set limit. Through a number of programs in Alabama, families, children, pregnant mothers, elderly and disabled residents might be eligible for Medicaid benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance in Alabama
Finding an ideal health insurance coverage can be complicated due to concerns about price and availability. MoneyGeek answers some frequently asked questions to help you research options.
About Brenna Kelly, Licensed Health Insurance Agent
