Key Takeaways:
- Alabama offers its residents a wide range of Medicare options, including 93 Medicare Advantage plans and 16 stand-alone Part D plans.
- All Medicare beneficiaries in the state have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan with zero monthly premiums.
- Finding the best Medicare plan involves a careful evaluation of the provider’s financial health and claims processing efficiency, among other factors.
The US has one of the most complex health insurance systems in the world.
Take Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and above and younger individuals with certain covered disabilities and diseases.
It has many parts, multiple stakeholders, both public and private plans, cost-sharing components, and geographical restrictions.
For eligible residents of Alabama, that means navigating a maze of complex choices and considerations that directly impact their health and finances.
This article simplifies Medicare plan types in Alabama, lists the state’s top private insurers, and offers tips and tools to help you optimize your coverage at a reasonable cost.
Types of Medicare Plans Available in Alabama
Like all other states, Alabama offers its residents four basic Medicare plan types.
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
Original Medicare is the foundation of the Medicare program.
It is divided into two components:
Part A (Hospital Insurance): This part covers inpatient hospital stays, some home health care, hospice care, and skilled nursing facility care.
The Part A deductible in 2025 is $1,676. Zero monthly premiums apply to those who have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Others are liable to pay $285 or $518 per month.
Part B (Medical Insurance): This part covers outpatient care, doctor visits, lab tests, preventive services, and medical equipment.
In 2025, the annual deductible for Part B rose 17% over 2024 to reach $257, while the monthly premium stands at $185.
Besides deductibles and monthly premiums, Original Medicare comes with cost-sharing arrangements in the form of copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs.
In Part B, for instance, beneficiaries pay 20% of the approved cost of a service or item once they have met the annual deductible.
For Part A, in contrast, the $1,676 deductible is not annual but payable per benefit period.
Data sourced from Medicare Basics.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage or Part C plans were introduced in 1997 as a private alternative to Original Medicare.
What makes it different is that it offers all the benefits of Original Medicare but with additional, optional coverage.
That could include prescription drug coverage, hearing, vision, and dental coverage, and even certain wellness programs.
Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare
Here are some important facts about Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama:
- The average monthly Part C plan premium in Alabama rose from $14.76 in 2024 to $15.69 in 2025.
- The number of Part C plans available in 2025 compared to 2024 remains unchanged at 93.
- All Medicare enrollees in the state have access to at least one Part C plan with zero monthly premiums.
Top Medicare Advantage providers in Alabama:
Carrier | Average CMS Star Rating (All Plans) | Availability | Monthly Premium | Annual Deductible | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
United Healthcare | 3.93 | 49 states and Washington, DC. | $0 | $0 | $5,400 |
Humana | 3.63 | 48 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. | $0 | $0 | $4,150 |
Cigna | 3.93 | 29 states and Washington DC. | $0 | $0 | $5,750 |
Aetna | 4.27 | 44 states and Washington, DC. | $0 | $0 | $7,900 |
NOTE: Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Plans compared for Alabama Zip Code 36043. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.
Top Medicare Advantage plan providers in Alabama include:
- Aetna.
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.
- Cigna.
- Devoted Health.
- Humana.
- UnitedHealthcare.
- Viva Medicare.
Looking for Clarity in Your Medicare Choices?
At CoverRight, we understand the Medicare landscape in Alabama like no other.
Our experts are eager to provide personalized guidance and connect you with the coverage that best aligns with your healthcare needs and budget.
Contact us today for optimized Medicare coverage.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare Part D plans cover some costs of prescription medications and make them more affordable.
They can be stand-alone plans for Original Medicare enrollees or come as bundled benefits under a Medicare Advantage plan.
Multiple factors contribute to the cost of a Medicare Part D plan, including the specific medications you require, where you live, and your income.
Two considerations are key when comparing Part D plans:
Plan Formulary
Each Part D plan has a list of drugs called a formulary, under which various covered medications are arranged in different cost-sharing structures.
Compare plan formularies thoroughly to know how much you have to pay out-of-pocket for each medication you require.
Pharmacy Networks
Part D plans work with select networks of pharmacies, and it can be difficult to fill a prescription outside that network. Make sure your preferred pharmacies are in-network before choosing a Part D plan.
Here are some key facts about Part D plans in Alabama in 2025:
- The state offers 16 stand-alone Part D plans for eligible enrollees in 2025.
- 78.85% of those enrolled in Part D in 2025 have access to a plan with lower premiums than they paid in 2024.
- 30.47% of enrollees are eligible for additional financial assistance under the federal Extra Help program.
Out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs under Medicare Part D have been capped at $2,000 per year under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.
Learn more: Your Guide to Understanding the Cost of Medicare Part D.
Top Medicare Part D plans in Alabama:
Plan Name | Premium | Deductible | CMS Star Rating |
BlueRx Enhanced Plus | $129.3 | $0 | 3.5 |
Cigna Healthcare Extra Rx | $113.20 | $175 | 2.5 |
Humana Basic Rx Plan | $15.50 | $590 | 3.5 |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans
Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans are designed to minimize the various out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare.
Alabama offers 10 standardized Medigap plans labeled A through N with two additional high-deductible options, for a total of 12 different plan types.
Let’s compare two popular Medigap plans in Alabama to understand their coverage:
- Plan G: It covers most out-of-pocket Original Medicare costs except the Part B deductible. It has comparatively higher premiums and is ideal for beneficiaries who need frequent medical care or prefer predictable costs in exchange for slightly higher premiums.
- Plan N: It has lower monthly premiums than Plan G in exchange for cost-sharing on some doctor visits and ER care. It also does not cover the Part B deductible or excess charges. Plan N is ideal for budget-conscious individuals who wish to balance costs with care.
Learn more: Medicare Part B Excess Charges: What Are They and Do You Need to Pay it?
Monthly premiums for Medigap Plan G coverage in Alabama can range from $100 to $200, depending on factors like gender, location, and tobacco use. The annual deductible for Plan G is $257.
Premiums for Plan N can range from $85 to $200 per month.
Top Medigap providers in Alabama include:
- UnitedHealthcare
- Cigna
- GPM Health and Life Insurance Company
- Great Southern
- Humana
- Lumico
- Mutual of Omaha
- Pan-American
Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Alabama
Let’s take a look at what different Medicare plans cost in Alabama:
Plan Type | Average Monthly Premium | Average Deductibles | What it Covers |
Original Medicare Part A | $0
($285 or $518 if you do not qualify for free premiums). |
$1,676 | Inpatient care, such as hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, and hospice care. |
Original Medicare Part B | $185 | $257 | Outpatient care, preventative services, and medical equipment. |
Medicare Advantage | $15.69 | ($0 – $590) Varies by plan/region. |
All Original Medicare + extra benefits like vision, hearing, and dental care. |
Part D | $46.50 | $590 | Prescription drugs. |
Medigap Plans | $85 – $200 | N/A | Fills gaps in Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs. |
Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.
Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in Alabama
Let’s take a closer look at some of Connecticut’s top providers of Medicare Advantage and Medigap Plans.
Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: How to Choose?
Best Medicare Advantage Providers
Picking the right Medicare Advantage plan involves a lot more than finding the lowest premiums.
To get the best value for your money, compare plans based on the additional benefits provided, the extent of coverage in your particular area, and partnerships with leading hospitals and medical facilities near your location.
Also consider your current health status, anticipated medical needs in the coming years, and your lifestyle choices before choosing a plan that aligns closest with your health and budget.
Learn more: Finding Medicare Providers: Which One Is Right For You?
Best Medigap Providers
Comparing Medigap providers in Alabama involves a completely different set of considerations, namely:
- Diversity of plan options offered.
- The company’s financial strength,
- Customer satisfaction ratings.
Refer to independent rating agencies like AM Best for help with evaluating specific plans and providers.
Key factors to consider when choosing a Medigap provider in Alabama include experience with local healthcare trends, a history of rate stability, efficiency of claims processing, and empathetic customer service.
Here are the top providers of Medigap Plan G in Alabama:
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
Thrivent | $98.50 | $25 | A++ |
Perkin Insurance | $101.06 | $25 | A- |
AARP | $107.74 | None | A |
State Mutual Insurance | $98.20 | $25 | B+ |
Cigna | $104.32 | None | A |
Mutual of Omaha | $111.01 | None | A+ |
Globe Life | $131 | None | A+ |
United American | $168 | None | A+ |
Everest | $99.98 | $25 | A+ |
Western United Life | $104.08 | $25 | B+ |
Here are the top providers of Medigap Plan N in Alabama:
Carrier | Average Monthly Premium | Fee | AM Best Rating |
Thrivent | $83.20 | $25 | A++ |
Perkin Insurance | $84.16 | $25 | A- |
AARP | $85.02 | None | A |
State Mutual Insurance | $86.52 | $25 | B+ |
Cigna | $88.61 | None | A |
Mutual of Omaha | $94.47 | None | A+ |
Globe Life | $111 | None | A+ |
United American | $131 | None | A+ |
Aetna | $84.97 | $20 | A |
Everest | $85.88 | $25 | A+ |
Note: Data from MedicareWire.
How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Alabama
The first step to choosing a Medicare plan is a comprehensive evaluation of your healthcare needs.
- Assess how frequently you need medical care, the type of care needed, and if you need specialized treatment or suffer from chronic conditions.
- Factor in ongoing treatments, planned procedures, and optional medical treatments and surgeries. Check if they are covered in your chosen plan.
- Verify if your preferred doctors, specialists, hospitals, and medical equipment suppliers are part of your chosen plan’s network.
The second step involves carefully reviewing the coverage details, costs, and extra benefits offered by shortlisted plans.
This is what you must do:
- Compare plans not just by monthly premiums but their total annual costs. That means comparing copayments, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- Reevaluate your prescription medication requirements and check what it’s going to cost you under different plans, both monthly and annually.
- When it comes to Medicare Advantage plans, compare the extra benefits each plan offers. Then decide if it’s worth paying for options like dental or vision coverage.
- Finally, factor in your potential healthcare needs in the short and long terms and what that could mean for you in financial costs.
To reiterate, the Medicare plan with the lowest premium may not always be the right solution for your healthcare needs and budget.
Get in touch with a Medicare counselor or a licensed insurance agent like CoverRight for a better understanding of Medicare coverage and costs.
How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Alabama
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for Medicare enrollment in the US, and individuals receiving Social Security benefits are automatically signed up for Medicare Part A and Part B when they turn 65.
You can delay enrolling in Medicare Part B if you are already covered by employer health insurance.
In all other cases, signing up for Medicare on time is key to avoiding potential coverage gaps and late enrollment penalties.
Medicare enrollment happens across four different periods:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and extends three months thereafter. This is when you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Part C, and Part D prescription drug plans.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, enroll in a Part D plan, or switch Part D plans during the AEP, which runs from October 15 to December 7 of each year.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare and join a stand-alone Part D plan.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): These are triggered by certain qualifying life events such as relocating to another state, losing employer coverage, or becoming eligible for Medicaid.
Learn more: Medicare Special Enrollment Periods: What Are They?
Steps to Enroll
Enrolling in Medicare is easy if you’ve done your due diligence.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare your paperwork, which includes your Medicare card (if already enrolled), Social Security card, proof of citizenship or legal residency, list of medications, and current healthcare providers.
- Choose how to enroll from among the four available options:
-
- Online: Through the Social Security Administration or the Medicare websites.
- By Phone: Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll.
- In Person: By visiting your local SSA office. Find it through the SSA office locator.
- Through an Agent: Licensed insurance agencies like CoverRight offer personalized guidance and support throughout the Medicare enrollment process.
Additional Medicare Resources for Alabama Residents
Alabama residents have access to numerous resources designed to help them understand their coverage options and make informed healthcare decisions.
They include:
- Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): SHIP counselors provide unbiased information to assist, educate, and empower eligible individuals and their families to make informed Medicare choices.
- Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS): A cabinet-level state agency that administers programs for senior citizens and caregivers.
Make Medicare simple in Alabama.
At CoverRight, our specialists have a deep understanding of the Medicare system and the Alabama healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.
Sources
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed June 29, 2025.
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
- 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed June 29, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed June 30, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed June 25, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed June 25, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed June 25, 2025.
- Medicare.gov
- What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed June 28, 2025.
- Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
- Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2025. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed June 28, 2025.