Cheapest Health Insurance in Alabama (2024 Plans)

Choosing a metal tier affects your health insurance costs in Alabama. UnitedHealthcare offers the most budget-friendly Bronze plan; Blue Cross Blue Shield provides economical options for Catastrophic, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum coverage.

If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, MoneyGeek analyzed the best health insurance in Alabama.

The Blue HSA Silver for Business plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield stands out as the most affordable option in the popular Silver tier in Alabama, costing just $352 per month. Silver plans are widely chosen for their balance between monthly costs and coverage benefits. For those willing to accept higher out-of-pocket expenses in exchange for lower monthly premiums, Bronze plans may offer a more cost-effective solution.

Health insurance expenses are influenced by the metal tier system, where premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket costs reflect the trade-offs between monthly payments and your financial responsibility when seeking care.

Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:

• Catastrophic: Blue Protect ($261 per month for a 26-year-old buyer)
• Bronze: UHC Bronze Essential ($409 per month)
• Expanded Bronze: Blue Saver Bronze for Business ($288 per month)
• Silver: Blue HSA Silver for Business ($352 per month)
• Gold: Blue Saver Gold for Business ($449 per month)
• Platinum: Blue Choice Platinum for Business ($559 per month)

For more details on finding cheap health insurance options, this resource can provide comprehensive guidance.

The most cost-effective Silver tier health plan in Alabama is the Blue HSA Silver for Business offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield at a monthly rate of $352.

The three most affordable health Silver plans in Alabama are:

• Blue HSA Silver for Business from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($352 per month)
• Blue Secure Silver for Business from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($382 per month)
• Blue Saver Silver EPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($569 per month)

Silver plans are an excellent choice for individuals who seek a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs. They are particularly beneficial for those who expect moderate health care usage. Customers with lower incomes may qualify for cost-sharing reductions, which can significantly lower the amount they pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance, thus reducing their overall health care spending.

The most affordable Gold-tier plan in Alabama is the Blue Saver Gold for Business offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield at a monthly cost of $449.

The top three most affordable Gold plans in Alabama include:

• Blue Saver Gold for Business from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($449 per month)
• Blue Secure Gold for Business from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($462 per month)
• Blue Access Gold for Business from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($494 per month)

Gold plans are optimal for individuals who expect high medical usage, offering lower out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. They are suitable for those willing to pay higher monthly premiums to reduce costs during medical visits or treatments. These plans appeal to customers seeking more comprehensive coverage for regular prescriptions or ongoing medical care.

The most affordable Bronze health insurance plan in Alabama is the UHC Bronze Essential offered by UnitedHealthcare at a monthly cost of $409.

Bronze plans are designed to accommodate individuals who want to keep their monthly expenses low. They are suited for those who do not anticipate needing extensive medical care and are comfortable with potentially higher out-of-pocket costs should extensive care become necessary. These plans typically come with lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket expenses, making them a good option for healthy adults with limited health care needs.

The most affordable plan in the Expanded Bronze tier in Alabama is Blue Saver Bronze for Business from Blue Cross Blue Shield at a monthly cost of $288.

The three most accessible Expanded Bronze plans in Alabama are:

• Blue Saver Bronze for Business from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($288 per month)
• UHC Bronze Value from UnitedHealthcare ($421 per month)
• Blue Standardized Bronze from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($424 per month)

Expanded Bronze plans are tailored for individuals who want lower monthly premiums while still having coverage in case of serious illness or injury. They offer a balance between affordability and financial protection, making them suitable for those who do not expect to need frequent medical care but want some security against high-cost medical events. Customers who prioritize low monthly expenses over lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services might find these plans particularly appealing.

The most affordable Catastrophic plan in Alabama is the Blue Protect offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield at a monthly cost of $261.

Expanded Bronze plans are generally suitable for individuals who desire more affordable coverage than standard Bronze plans while still offering similar benefits. These plans are designed for those who expect to need only a few health care services throughout the year and are comfortable with a slightly higher out-of-pocket maximum in exchange for lower monthly premiums. They provide a practical option for relatively healthy consumers who want to ensure they have protection against catastrophic health events or illnesses.

The most affordable plan in the Platinum tier in Alabama is the Blue Choice Platinum for Business from Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a monthly cost of $559.

Since Blue Choice Platinum for Business is the only available Platinum plan in Alabama, it stands as the singular top-tier option provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield for residents seeking comprehensive coverage. Platinum plans, often the most expensive with higher monthly premiums, are designed to minimize out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. They are best suited for individuals who expect to need frequent medical care, prefer predictable health care costs and are willing to pay a higher monthly premium for more covered services and reduced expenses for each doctor visit or medical treatment.

Individuals in Alabama earning up to 250% below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) are eligible for cost-sharing reductions to lower health costs on Silver plans. These reductions make health care more affordable by reducing deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses.

For incomes between $14,580 and $21,870 per year, the most affordable Silver plan is the Blue Saver Silver EPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a Maximum Out-of-Pocket cost of $1,000. The two cheapest Silver plans with their costs are:

• Blue Saver Silver EPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield (Monthly Cost: $569, Maximum Out-of-Pocket: $1,000)
• UHC Silver Standard from UnitedHealthcare (Monthly Cost: $572, Maximum Out-of-Pocket: $1,800)

Cost-sharing reductions in Alabama are available exclusively when purchasing a Silver plan. Income limits mentioned are for single individuals and vary with household size.

EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) plans are the most popular type in Alabama. For those seeking different coverage, PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) plans are also available.

The most affordable health plan in Alabama within the EPO category is the Blue Saver Silver EPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a monthly cost of $569.

• EPO: Blue Saver Silver EPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($569 per month)
• PPO: Blue HSA Silver for Business from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($352 per month)

PPO plans can provide more flexibility for those who may need or prefer out-of-network care options, offering a balance between affordable care and freedom to choose health care providers.

Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county. Each county in Alabama has its own set of plans and associated costs, reflecting the diverse health insurance market throughout the state.

Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population shows this variation:

• Jefferson: UHC Silver Standard from UnitedHealthcare ($566 per month)
• Greene: UHC Silver Standard from UnitedHealthcare ($510 per month)

The following table shows all available plans in each county in Alabama.

In Alabama, health insurance rates are higher for older people. A Silver plan for an 18-year-old costs $285, but for a 60-year-old, it is much more at $1,094. That's a big difference of $809 more for a 60-year-old.

Metal tiers show the level of coverage and price. A Bronze plan for a 40-year-old costs $409, while a Gold plan costs $607. A 40-year-old pays $198 more for the Gold plan, which usually covers more medical costs.

MoneyGeek analyzed all the health insurance choices in Alabama, looking at private insurance options in the marketplace with the different metal levels, as well as Medicaid and Medicare. We aim to guide you in choosing the right insurance by presenting your choices clearly. With the proper information, you can understand your options for health care coverage.

Open enrollment in Alabama for health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace generally aligns with the federal open enrollment period. It typically runs from November 1 to December 15 of each year, allowing residents to shop for or change their private health insurance plans. If you miss the deadline, you may still qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) if you experience certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby or losing other coverage. To take advantage of an SEP, you must apply within 60 days of the qualifying event. Outside these time frames, you cannot purchase marketplace insurance unless you qualify for an SEP.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health care coverage to eligible low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults and people with disabilities. In Alabama, eligibility is determined by factors including income level, family size and disability status, with strict income thresholds. For instance, children and pregnant women can qualify at higher income levels than other groups, while most non-disabled adults without dependent children have historically not been eligible. Alabama has not expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, resulting in more restrictive eligibility criteria compared to states with the expanded program.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 or older. It is also available to some younger individuals with disabilities or certain diseases. In Alabama, those who meet the age or specific condition requirements may be eligible. Medicare comprises several parts. Part A covers hospital insurance; Part B provides medical insurance; Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, includes all services covered under A and B and sometimes offers additional benefits; Part D covers prescription drugs. In Alabama, various providers offer these parts with distinct advantages.

MoneyGeek has evaluated and identified the best Medicare Advantage Plans in Alabama and the best Medicare Supplement plans in Alabama.

When looking for health insurance, you may have questions about cost and availability. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in Alabama to help you learn more.