Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Alabama for 2023
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
If you are thinking about getting out of Original MedicareOriginal Medicare is private fee-for-service health insurance for people on Medicare. It has two parts. Part A is hospital coverage. Part B is medical coverage. and into a Medicare Advantage plan available in Alabama, you're not alone. Nearly half of the estimated 64 million people with Medicare will join a Medicare Advantage plan in 2023. Some join to get more benefits. Some join to save money. And some like a plan's providers.
MedicareWireMedicareWire is a Medicare insurance consulting agency. We founded MedicareWire after seeing and hearing how confusing and frustrating it is to find, understand, and choose a plan. Our services are free to the consumer. can help you find the best Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama that meet your needs. Below is a summary of the Alabama market. This will allow you to get a clear idea of the top plan options available, the top-rated plan providers, and what you should expect to pay each month in premiumsA premium is an amount that an insurance policyholder must pay for coverage. Premiums are typically paid on a monthly basis. In the federal Medicare program, there are four different types of premiums. .
NOTE: Our analysis does not include Alabama's Medicare Advantage SNP Plans. We evaluate these plans separately. We also did not include plans without Part DMedicare Part D plans are an option Medicare beneficiaries can use to get prescription drug coverage. Part D plans provide cost-sharing on covered medications in four different phases:Â deductible, initial coverage, coverage gap, and catastrophic. Each... benefits, employer plans, or Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs).
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Who Has The Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Alabama?
Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is the U.S. Federal agency that runs the Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Programs. (CMS) rates all Medicare Advantage plansMedicare Advantage (MA), also known as Medicare Part C, are health plans from private insurance companies that are available to people eligible for Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B). in Alabama based on a 5-star scale. Input for the ratings comes from information that each plan self-reports, as well as individual member complaints. (Read more about Medicare star ratings.)
Alabama has 5-star Medicare Advantage plans available in 2023. Not all states and locations do. This year, the highest rated Medicare plans available in Alabama come from:
- VIVA Medicare
- VIVA Health
- Cigna
We recommend evaluating the health plans from these Alabama providers ahead of all others. Here's why. Simply put, more stars generally mean members will get better results. Members might get better service and care from a 5-star than they would from a four-star plan.
CRUCIAL: Benefits are not the same throughout Alabama. That's why it is so important to fully understand the advantages and disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans specifically for you and your personal situation.
Complete List of Alabama's 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan Providers
Alabama's Medicare Advantage plans are offered by 11 plan providers, including:
- Aetna Medicare
- Ascension Complete
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama
- Cigna
- Clover Health
- Humana
- Lasso Healthcare
- UnitedHealthcare
- VIVA Health
- VIVA Medicare
- Wellcare
Alabama's Top-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in 2023
Here's a list of the best 2023 Medicare Advantage plans available in Alabama, according to the Centers for Medicare & MedicaidMedicaid is a public health insurance program that provides health care coverage to low-income families and individuals in the United States. Services:
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Alabama
| Provider | Plan ID | Plan Name | Premium | Limit | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cigna | H4513-046 | Cigna Preferred AL Medicare (HMO) | $0.00 | $6,200 | 5.0 |
| Cigna | H4513-057 | Cigna Preferred Medicare (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 5.0 |
| Cigna | H4513-047 | Cigna Preferred Plus Medicare (HMO) | $28.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| VIVA Medicare | H0154-015 | VIVA Medicare Plus (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 5.0 |
| VIVA Medicare | H0154-011 | VIVA Medicare Premier (HMO) | $105.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| VIVA Medicare | H0154-016 | VIVA Medicare Prime (HMO) | $55.00 | $5,400 | 5.0 |
| VIVA Medicare | H0154-020 | VIVA Medicare Infirmary Health Advantage (HMO) | $0.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| VIVA Medicare | H0154-014 | VIVA Medicare Me (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,400 | 5.0 |
| VIVA Medicare | H0154-017 | VIVA Medicare Classic (HMO) | $0.00 | $5,400 | 5.0 |
| VIVA Medicare | H0154-018 | VIVA Medicare Preferred (HMO) | $92.00 | $4,500 | 5.0 |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama | H0104-012 | Blue Advantage Complete (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,100 | 4.5 |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama | H0104-015 | Blue Advantage Premier (PPO) | $164.00 | $3,400 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-179 | HumanaChoice H5216-179 (PPO) | $0.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-214 | HumanaChoice H5216-214 (PPO) | $11.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-269 | HumanaChoice H5216-269 (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-272 | HumanaChoice H5216-272 (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-096 | HumanaChoice H5216-096 (PPO) | $33.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-212 | HumanaChoice H5216-212 (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,900 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-142 | HumanaChoice H5216-142 (PPO) | $9.00 | $6,700 | 4.5 |
| Humana | H5216-321 | HumanaChoice H5216-321 (PPO) | $0.00 | $5,500 | 4.5 |
| UnitedHealthcare | H2802-041 | AARP Medicare Advantage Plan 3 (HMO-POS) | $0.00 | $4,900 | 4.5 |
Interested in joining a plan from one of the top-rated providers? That has a lot to do with your Alabama County. Medicare Advantage plans are regional, and you can't join a plan that isn't in your area.
Best 2023 Medicare Advantage Plans by Alabama County
Choose your Alabama County below to see the best (and the worst) 2023 plans.
For fast, friendly assistance call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) .
How to Select Alabama's Best Medicare Advantage Plan
There are various reasons you might be considering a plan change, such as turning 65 or the Annual Enrollment PeriodThe Annual Enrollment Period is when Medicare beneficiaries can join, drop or change Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. AEP begins on 15 October and ends on 7 December.. You might also be navigating a special enrollment event, such as moving into a new region. There are some important details to consider in all these situations.
1. Consider Your Expected Utilization
Do you believe that you will get the most out of your plan's benefits? If you do, evaluate plans with higher monthly premiums, low copaymentsA copayment, also known as a copay, is a set dollar amount you are required to pay for a medical service., and low maximum out-of-pocket limits. Conversely, if your health is good and you rarely use services, look for plans with low premiums or a zero-dollar premium. These plans may have high out-of-pocket maximums and high deductiblesA deductible is an amount a beneficiary must pay for their health care expenses before the health insurance policy begins to pay its share., so weigh your risk carefully.
2. Evaluate Your Prescription Costs
For many people, prescriptions are what drive up their healthcare costs the most. And, because most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D benefits for your prescriptions, you need to make sure the plan you choose covers your medications at a price you can afford.
3. Understand Your Additional Coverage Needs
Original Medicare only covers your major medical services, leaving you to pay for dental, vision, hearing, and other healthcare services, or get additional coverage. Fortunately, a growing number of Medicare Advantage plans cover many of the essential services not covered by your Part A and Part BMedicare Part B is medical coverage for people with Original Medicare benefits. It covers doctor visits, preventative care, tests, durable medical equipment, and supplies. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of most medically necessary healthcare services. benefits.
4. Consider Your Healthcare Providers
Medicare Advantage plans have healthcare provider networks. Unfortunately, not all specialists and primary care doctors accept all plans. Many people on Medicare in Alabama tell us it's difficult to find a plan their doctor accepts. We can help!
Should I Choose an HMO or PPO plan?
There are many plan options available when shopping for Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama, including HMO and PPO options. These are some of the differences you should consider before making a plan selection.
- With an HMO you may pay less out-of-pocket, but you will need to choose a primary physician to coordinate your care. Referrals for specialists are often required. Except in an emergency, you must remain within the provider network.
- With a PPO you are not required to get referrals for specialty care. You have the option to get health care outside of the plan's provider network. However, typically you will pay more and the out-of-pocket maximum for out-of-network care will be higher.
Need help choosing? Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for plan assistance. There's no obligation.
Find Plans in your area with your ZIP Code
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? These common questions and answers might help. Or, call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed advisor.
What are the disadvantages of a Medicare Advantage plan?
Medicare Advantage plans may have several disadvantages. Most plans require that their members use their network providers. It is also difficult to budget for healthcare costs as costs are largely determined by your use of healthcare services. Many plans require that members obtain referrals to a specialist before they are authorized to receive a service. Discover more disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans.
How much do Medicare Advantage plans cost in Alabama?
The average cost of a Medicare Advantage plan in Alabama is $13.20. But that's just the monthly premium. If you have one or more chronic health conditions, a plan's out-of-pocket costsOut-of-Pocket Costs for Medicare are the remaining costs that are not covered by the beneficiary's health insurance plan. These costs can come from the beneficiary's monthly premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. (e.g. deductibles and copays) are also a factor to consider. Plus, most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug benefits, which have their own out-of-pocket costs.
What are Medicare Advantage plans required to cover?
All Medicare Advantage plans offered in Alabama must cover all of the Original Medicare benefits. But, private Medicare plans are not required to provide healthcare services similarly. For instance, Medicare Part AMedicare Part A is hospital coverage for Medicare beneficiaries. It covers inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. It also covers limited home healthcare services and hospice care. covers 80% of hospital stays, skilled nursing, home care, hospiceHospice is a special way of caring for people who are terminally ill. Hospice care involves a team-oriented approach that addresses the medical, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs of the patient. care, and home health careHealth care services and supplies a doctor decides you may receive in your home under a plan of care established by your doctor. Medicare only covers home health care on a limited basis as ordered.... And Part B covers 80% of doctor visits, lab tests, and other outpatient services. However, Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to set their own copays and routinely charge more than 20%. That said, they do have an annual limit, whereas Original Medicare doesn't.
Methodology and Sources
Our analysis of the top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama excludes employer group plans, Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs), Medicare Savings Account Plans (MSAs), Special Needs Plans (SNPs), and plans that do not include Part D benefits.
CMS rates health plans in several categories, including delivery of health care, member experience and customer service. When comparing plan ratings, we use state-specific data, not CMS' nationwide figures.
Medicare Advantage plan data is sourced from CMS public use files (see: Citations & References). When needed, we combined affiliated companies to calculate insurer averages.
Citations & References
- CMS.gov, 2023 Medicare Part C Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed October 15, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "5-star special enrollment period", Last Accessed October 20, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Understanding Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 16, 2022
- KFF.org, "Medicare Advantage in 2022: Enrollment Update and Key Trends", Last Accessed August 25, 2022
- Medicare.gov, "Things to know about Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed October 12, 2022
- CMS.gov, Part C and D Performance Data, Last Accessed October 19, 2022
- CMS.gov, Monthly MA Enrollment by State/County/Contract, Last Accessed October 1, 2022
- CMS.gov, Biden-Harris Administration Announces Lower Premiums for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans in 2023, Last Accessed September 29, 2022
This Medicare Advantage state information page was last updated on .