Updated: October 25, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
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.
CheapestHealth InsuranceAlabamaMost Affordable Health Insurance in Alabama
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We downloaded plan data for Alabama directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
Plan data was updated with the CMS exchange data released in October, the latest available data for the 2024 enrollment period.
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:
For more details on finding cheap health insurance options, this resource can provide comprehensive guidance.
| Expanded Bronze | Blue Saver Bronze for Business | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $288 | $8,450 |
| Catastrophic | Blue Protect | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $326 | $9,450 |
| Silver | Blue HSA Silver for Business | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $352 | $6,000 |
| Bronze | UHC Bronze Essential | UnitedHealthcare | $409 | $9,450 |
| Gold | Blue Saver Gold for Business | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $449 | $7,000 |
| Platinum | Blue Choice Platinum for Business | Blue Cross Blue Shield | $559 | $4,000 |
In the Alabama health insurance marketplace, consumers can select from various metal tiers: Bronze, Catastrophic, Expanded Bronze, Gold, Silver and Platinum. Each tier represents a level of coverage and cost-sharing between the consumer and the insurance company.
Higher-value metal tiers such as Gold and Platinum typically come with higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket expenses when seeking medical care. For instance, while a Gold plan might have a monthly cost of around $449 and a maximum out-of-pocket limit of $7,000, Platinum plans could cost roughly $559 monthly, with a significantly lower out-of-pocket maximum of $4,000. Conversely, Bronze and Expanded Bronze plans have lower monthly premiums — $409 and $288, respectively — but higher out-of-pocket limits of up to $9,450.
For individuals earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level, there are cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) available on Silver plans. CSRs lower the amount someone has to pay out of pocket for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance. This financially supports lower-income individuals by making health care more accessible and reducing overall expenses in times of need, thus providing a balance between manageable premiums and lower point-of-service costs.
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:
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.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $352 | $6,000 | Blue HSA Silver for Business |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $382 | $9,450 | Blue Secure Silver for Business |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $569 | $8,500 | Blue Saver Silver EPO |
| UnitedHealthcare | $572 | $9,100 | UHC Silver Standard |
| UnitedHealthcare | $572 | $9,450 | UHC Silver Value |
| UnitedHealthcare | $573 | $9,450 | UHC Silver Advantage |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $573 | $9,100 | Blue Standardized Silver EPO |
| UnitedHealthcare | $578 | $9,450 | UHC Silver Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $584 | $9,100 | Blue Standardized Silver |
| UnitedHealthcare | $591 | $9,450 | UHC Silver Advantage+ |
| Ambetter | $597 | $9,100 | Standard Silver |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $597 | $9,250 | Blue Cross Select Silver |
| Ambetter | $597 | $5,400 | Clear Silver |
| Ambetter | $609 | $8,000 | Focused Silver |
| Ambetter | $613 | $8,400 | Everyday Silver |
| Ambetter | $617 | $9,100 | Standard Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $618 | $5,400 | Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $629 | $8,000 | Focused Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $634 | $8,400 | Everyday Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $642 | $9,250 | Blue Value Silver |
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:
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.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $449 | $7,000 | Blue Saver Gold for Business |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $462 | $6,750 | Blue Secure Gold for Business |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $494 | $6,000 | Blue Access Gold for Business |
| UnitedHealthcare | $629 | $9,000 | UHC Gold Value |
| UnitedHealthcare | $659 | $8,700 | UHC Gold Standard |
| UnitedHealthcare | $668 | $7,000 | UHC Gold Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded |
| UnitedHealthcare | $675 | $7,500 | UHC Gold Advantage+ |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $738 | $8,700 | Blue Standardized Gold |
| Ambetter | $740 | $8,700 | Standard Gold |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $762 | $6,000 | Blue Cross Select Gold |
| Ambetter | $765 | $8,700 | Standard Gold + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $790 | $6,000 | Blue Value Gold |
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.
| UnitedHealthcare | $409 | $9,450 | UHC Bronze Essential |
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:
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.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $288 | $8,450 | Blue Saver Bronze for Business |
| UnitedHealthcare | $421 | $9,450 | UHC Bronze Value |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $424 | $9,400 | Blue Standardized Bronze |
| UnitedHealthcare | $430 | $9,400 | UHC Bronze Standard |
| UnitedHealthcare | $432 | $8,050 | UHC Bronze Value HSA |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $437 | $8,450 | Blue Saver Bronze |
| UnitedHealthcare | $440 | $9,450 | UHC Bronze Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $449 | $7,200 | Blue HSA Bronze |
| Ambetter | $484 | $9,400 | Standard Expanded Bronze |
| Ambetter | $493 | $9,250 | Everyday Bronze |
| Ambetter | $501 | $9,400 | Standard Expanded Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $501 | $7,250 | Choice Bronze HSA |
| Ambetter | $510 | $9,250 | Everyday Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $518 | $7,250 | Choice Bronze HSA + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $566 | $9,250 | Elite Bronze |
| Ambetter | $585 | $9,250 | Elite Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental |
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.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $261 | $9,450 | Blue Protect |
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.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $559 | $4,000 | Blue Choice Platinum for Business |
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:
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.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $569 | $1,000 | Blue Saver Silver EPO |
| UnitedHealthcare | $572 | $1,800 | UHC Silver Standard |
| UnitedHealthcare | $572 | $1,300 | UHC Silver Value |
| UnitedHealthcare | $573 | $1,500 | UHC Silver Advantage |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $573 | $1,800 | Blue Standardized Silver EPO |
| UnitedHealthcare | $578 | $1,500 | UHC Silver Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $584 | $1,800 | Blue Standardized Silver |
| UnitedHealthcare | $591 | $1,500 | UHC Silver Advantage+ |
| Ambetter | $597 | $1,800 | Standard Silver |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $597 | $850 | Blue Cross Select Silver |
| Ambetter | $597 | $550 | Clear Silver |
| Ambetter | $609 | $1,350 | Focused Silver |
| Ambetter | $613 | $1,400 | Everyday Silver |
| Ambetter | $617 | $1,800 | Standard Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $618 | $550 | Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $629 | $1,350 | Focused Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $634 | $1,400 | Everyday Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $642 | $850 | Blue Value Silver |
Cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) are discounts that lower the amount you pay for deductibles, copayments and co-insurance. To qualify for CSRs, you must enroll in Silver health insurance plans and have a household income between 100% and 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, for the same Blue Saver Silver EPO by Blue Cross Blue Shield, without CSRs, the Max Out-of-Pocket cost is $5,800, but with a high level CSR (94% AV Level), it significantly reduces to $1,000.
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.
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.
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $569 | $8,500 | Blue Saver Silver EPO |
| UnitedHealthcare | $572 | $9,100 | UHC Silver Standard |
| UnitedHealthcare | $572 | $9,450 | UHC Silver Value |
| UnitedHealthcare | $573 | $9,450 | UHC Silver Advantage |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $573 | $9,100 | Blue Standardized Silver EPO |
| UnitedHealthcare | $578 | $9,450 | UHC Silver Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded |
| UnitedHealthcare | $591 | $9,450 | UHC Silver Advantage+ |
| Ambetter | $597 | $9,100 | Standard Silver |
| Ambetter | $597 | $5,400 | Clear Silver |
| Ambetter | $609 | $8,000 | Focused Silver |
| Ambetter | $613 | $8,400 | Everyday Silver |
| Ambetter | $617 | $9,100 | Standard Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $618 | $5,400 | Clear Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $629 | $8,000 | Focused Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
| Ambetter | $634 | $8,400 | Everyday Silver + Vision + Adult Dental |
The most common plan type in Alabama is the Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plan. However, other plan types available in Alabama include the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan. Here are explanations of these two plan types:
Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
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:
The following table shows all available plans in each county in Alabama.
| UnitedHealthcare | $566 | $9,100 | UHC Silver Standard |
| UnitedHealthcare | $566 | $9,450 | UHC Silver Value |
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.
The cheapest Silver plan in Alabama is the Blue HSA Silver for Business provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a monthly cost of $352. The cheapest Gold plan in Alabama is the Blue Saver Gold for Business, also by Blue Cross Blue Shield, at $449 per month.
Although you'll pay a lower monthly premium for a cheap health insurance plan, you may pay higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing health care services. More expensive plans cover more comprehensive services and considerably lower your out-of-pocket maximums.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
