Over one million Medicare beneficiaries live in Alabama, and 253,081 choose to participate in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage plans can provide adequate coverage that allows beneficiaries to avoid high healthcare costs.
This article will explore the options available to beneficiaries interested in Alabama Medicare Advantage plans.
Alabama Medicare Advantage plans
Although Medicare is an effective program that assists millions of Americans, its coverage has significant gaps. Medicare Advantage plans are an excellent option for beneficiaries seeking to protect themselves more effectively from increased costs.
Enrolling in an Advantage plan means receiving your Original Medicare benefits from a private insurance company rather than the government, meaning benefits will vary with each provider.
Medicare Advantage plans offers in Alabama
Although the federal government standardizes the benefits of Original Medicare and Medigap plans around the country, this is not the case with Medicare Advantage plans.
Therefore, the benefits of the programs may vary depending on various factors. In addition, the figures below are accurate to a specific zip code in Alabama, so your results may vary slightly depending on location.
In the next section, we’ll discuss options available to beneficiaries interested in Alabama Medicare Advantage plans. Some of these plans offer zero-dollar premiums or lower deductibles; read carefully to determine which is best for you.
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero-dollar premium
While choosing a plan with a zero-dollar premium can be tempting, it’s essential to consider the downside of these options. These plans typically come with a higher deductible, resulting in more significant expenses if a severe medical issue occurs. Although the monthly savings can be worth it, planning ahead is crucial.
Humana (Local PPO) offers Alabama beneficiaries an excellent Medicare Advantage plan. In addition to earning a four-star rating, Humana offers a zero-dollar premium and an affordable MOOP (maximum out-of-pocket) of $3,400.
Cigna (HMO) is another excellent option available to Alabama beneficiaries. Although it has a four-star rating and a zero-dollar monthly premium, its MOOP is more expensive than some competitors. This plan’s MOOP is $5,000, which is still reasonable.
provides a solid alternative to HMOs for Alabama beneficiaries by offering a $3,400 maximum out-of-pocket maximum and no monthly premium.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Wellcare | $0 | $4,900 | HMO | N/A |
| $0 | $5,000 | HMO | 4 | |
| Cigna | $0 | $5,000 | HMO | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,500 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Humana | $0 | $3,400 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero dollar drug deductible
For beneficiaries interested in Alabama Medicare Advantage plans with zero drug deductible, Wellcare offers the most affordable option. Although this plan was not rated, it provides a zero-dollar premium and a MOOP of $4,900, the lowest in the area.
Another excellent option is the plan Cigna offers in Alabama. This plan earns a four-star rating and offers a zero-dollar premium. Additionally, the $5,000 MOOP makes it an affordable option for beneficiaries in the state.
offers a plan with very similar benefits to Cigna’s. This plan offers the same MOOP of $5,000 with zero-dollar premiums. offering also has a four-star rating, so beneficiaries can confidently choose this plan.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Wellcare | $0 | $4,900 | HMO | N/A |
| $0 | $5,000 | HMO | 4 | |
| Cigna | $0 | $5,000 | HMO | 4 |
| Viva | $0 | $5,400 | HMO | 5 |
| Humana | $0 | $6,300 | HMO | 4 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a 5-star rating
When beneficiaries choose a five-star plan for their Alabama Medicare Advantage coverage, they may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. This period can simplify the process for beneficiaries, which is worth considering.
In Alabama, Viva provides the only five-star Medicare Advantage plan. Viva’s plan earned the highest possible rating, so beneficiaries can expect exceptional service and coverage.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Viva | $0 | $5,400 | HMO | 5 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a Part B reduction
The plans below offer a Part B reduction, which can provide crucial savings to beneficiaries. However, these plans vary based on location, so the Part B reduction may not be available in all areas.
Ascension offers the highest Part B reduction in the state. Their plan provides a $100 reduction and a $2,900 MOOP, making it an affordable overall option.
Viva’s five-star plan also offers a Part B reduction. Their reduction is $50, which can still make a difference for beneficiaries on a tight budget.
Finally, Humana’s plan offers the same $50 reduction as Viva’s. This plan also includes a $3,400 MOOP and earns a four-star rating.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PART B REDUCTION | STAR RATINGS |
| Humana | $0 | $3,400 | $50.00 | 4 |
| Ascension | $0 | $2,900 | $100.00 | N/A |
| Cigna | $0 | $5,100 | $20.00 | 3 |
| Viva | $0 | $4,500 | $50.00 | 5 |
| $0 | $5,000 | $50.00 | 4 |
Ancillary/DVH
A significant benefit of Medicare Advantage plans is that many cover vision and dental care. While Original Medicare and Medigap do not offer this coverage, they are essential elements of healthcare. This advantage is one reason many beneficiaries opt for Medicare Advantage plans when choosing supplemental coverage.
Cities with estimated premiums for Medicare Supplement coverage
We have convenient charts with estimated premiums for Medicare Supplement coverage for the below cities:
FAQs
What Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available in Alabama?
91 Medicare Advantage plans are available in Alabama. These include zero-premium options, which can be helpful to beneficiaries on a tight budget.
Who Qualifies for Medicare Advantage Plans in Alabama?
Medicare Advantage plans are available to any Original Medicare beneficiaries in Alabama. Therefore, all you need to do is enroll in Medicare Part A and B to qualify.
Does a Medicare Advantage Plan Replace Part B in Alabama?
Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan replaces your Part B coverage. The primary difference is that private insurance providers fund these plans rather than the government.
What Patient Population Is Generally Excluded from Joining a Medicare Advantage Plan in Alabama?
Generally, providers do not exclude any populations from Medicare Advantage plans. As a result, these plans are available to all beneficiaries, even those with pre-existing conditions. However, you must have both parts of Original Medicare (Part A and B) to be eligible for enrollment.
How to enroll in an Alabama Medicare Advantage plan
Our licensed agents are fully educated on all Medicare Advantage plans available in your area. Since we work with most carriers, you will have many options. Give us a call, or complete our online rate form to get rates in your area now.
