Medicare is a health insurance program for senior Americans that helps cover the growing number of healthcare expenses. The sooner you decide which plans you will incorporate into your Medicare plan, the sooner you can start enjoying Medicare and avoid the fees that come with delayed enrollment.
Remember, you’ve been paying into your Medicare fund your entire working life – it’s time for you to start enjoying the benefits!
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Alabama Medicare Insurance Trends
The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Service reported the following information for the 2024 plan year in Alabama:
- Currently, 1,092,706 residents of Alabama have Medicare.
- The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium slightly increased from $12.29 in 2023 to $15.09 in 2024.
- 93 Medicare Advantage plans are available in Alabama.
- All Alabama residents with Medicare can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan, including those with $0 premiums.
- There are 24 stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plans available in 2024 in Alabama.
- The lowest monthly premium for a prescription drug plan in Alabama is $0.50.
Medicare Offered in Alabama
Although enrollment is simple, Medicare is much more than a single plan; the program comprises multiple parts that can be pieced together to form a personalized plan. It takes time to understand all the different components, so learning about them is wise to ensure you choose the best Medicare plan in Alabama for you.
Original Medicare
Original Medicare comprises two parts: Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Original Medicare provides coverage for and access to doctors, hospitals, or other health care providers.
Medicare Part A covers hospital costs, including inpatient health care services you may receive, such as staying at the hospital, and some limited care after discharge like rehabilitation or skilled nursing home treatment.
Medicare Part B is for general medical services such as a regular doctor’s visit or specialist appointment. It includes coverage of any medically necessary service from outpatient surgery to preventive care like flu shots and checkups.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative to Original Medicare with supplemental coverage. Medicare Advantage combines Original Medicare, additional coverage, and prescription drug plans into an easy, single package.
Sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” Medicare Advantage plans include other services, such as vision and dental. The premiums are comparable to supplemental coverage under an Original Medicare plan, but you get all the same coverage through a single plan.
Companies who offer Medicare Advantage plans in some counties of Alabama include:
- Aetna Medicare
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
- Cigna
- AARP
The benefits and costs of the plans vary by company and fluctuate between different Alabama counties.
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Medicare Supplement Plans
Plan holders can improve Original Medicare coverage with Medicare Supplement plans (also known as Medigap plans), covering a portion of the out-of-pocket costs, including deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other expenses.
Medigap plans can be acquired at any time of the year, but an insurer cannot decline your coverage for health reasons during the one-time enrollment period. This enrollment window begins when your Medicare Part B is effective and lasts for six months.
In Alabama, access to Medigap is limited for those eligible under age 65, as the state does not require insurers to offer plans to people under 65. Currently, there are only two Medigap insurance providers that do so.
There are currently 12 different plan options available throughout Alabama. Some of the insurance that provides Medicare Supplement plans in Alabama include:
- AARP – UnitedHealthcare
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
- Cigna
- Colonial Penn
- State Farm
Utilize Medicare’s Medigap plan finder tool to see which are available in your area.
Alabama Medicare Enrollment
Alabama residents are eligible for Medicare if they are U.S. citizens and above 65 years old or under 65 but are permanently disabled, have end-stage renal disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Use Medicare’s online eligibility tool if you are unsure if you qualify.
Requirements
Unlike many other states, health insurance providers in Alabama are not required to offer open enrollment on supplement plans to people under 65.
This means individuals will have to pass medical health underwriting to be eligible. Since Medicare beneficiaries under 65 have a disability, they are unlikely to pass health questions. Therefore, it’s recommended that this demographic consider Medicare Advantage policies for the time being.
- You are 65 or older, and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters.
- You are under age 65 and collect benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least 24 consecutive months.
- You have ESRD or ALS.
Enrollment Period Dates
Initial Enrollment Period
This seven-month window allows you to sign up for a plan.
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
Medicare Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for a plan, switch a plan or leave a plan
- Begins Starts October 15th
- Ends December 7th
Special Enrollment Period
Special enrollment periods allow you to enroll outside the regular enrollment periods under specific circumstances.
General Enrollment Period
This is when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when first eligible or if you’re not qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
This is when you can switch or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan.
- Starts January 1st
- Ends March 31st
Alabama Enrollment Tips & Advice
When choosing a Medicare plan in Alabama, it is important to know what you are willing (and not willing) to pay for. With the available plans on the market today, there may be more than one option that fits your needs; however, with many options comes confusion about which ones could benefit you most according to age or health status. Questions like these can help bring clarity:
- What will happen if I have an emergency?
- How do they reimburse me for my prescriptions?
- What type of coverage does this offer me should something unfortunate occur during treatment outside their network (i.e., out-of-network)?
The answers depend largely on how much control over medical care someone wants vs. how confident they feel without it.
Additional Resources:
- Alabama Department of Insurance
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
- Medicare.gov
- Medicare Interactive
- U.S.Social Security Administration
How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?
If you have any questions about Alabama Medicare and your eligibility for financial assistance, speak to one of our licensed agents today. Our agents will discuss your Medicare options and help you find a plan that works for you!
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