Alabama health insurance plans
How individual and family health coverage works in Alabama, in plain language.
Where Alabama residents shop
Alabama residents who buy their own coverage shop on HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) at www.healthcare.gov/alabama/. That is also where income-based help with monthly premiums (premium tax credits) is applied. Enrollment follows the federal HealthCare.gov calendar.
Alabama has not adopted the ACA's Medicaid expansion, which is a meaningfully different situation from most of the other states covered on this site -- an Alabama adult without children generally can't qualify for Medicaid on income alone the way they could in an expansion state, regardless of how low that income is.
Enrolling
Open enrollment dates are set by the marketplace and can change from year to year, so confirm this year’s window on the marketplace site before you plan around it. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, or a change in household size.
What affects the plans you see
- Where you live. Plans and premiums are set by area within Alabama, so your county matters. Find your county.
- Income and household size. These determine help with premiums and whether you may qualify for Medicaid instead.
- Plan level. Metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) trade a lower monthly premium against higher costs when you use care.
The Alabama Medicaid Agency is the right place to start if your Alabama Medicaid eligibility changed -- Alabama has not expanded Medicaid under the ACA, so coverage is generally limited to specific groups like children, pregnant women, and people who are elderly or disabled, not all low-income adults.
Alabama does not run its own ACA exchange, so Alabama marketplace shopping and subsidy questions go through the federal HealthCare.gov Marketplace.
Free Medicare counseling is available in Alabama through SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), also called Alabama Cares, at 1-800-243-5463 (1-800-AGELINE), run by the Alabama Department of Senior Services and separate from Alabama Medical Insurance's own free phone help.
Questions
Where do I shop for ACA health plans in Alabama?
Alabama residents shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace) (https://www.healthcare.gov/alabama/). An independent agent such as Lander LLC can explain the plans for you, but the marketplace is the only place premium tax credits are applied.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Alabama?
Medicaid in Alabama is run through Alabama Medicaid Agency (https://medicaid.alabama.gov). Eligibility depends on income, household size and other factors, and it is decided by the state, not by an insurance agency.
Who regulates insurance in Alabama?
Alabama Department of Insurance (ALDOI) (https://aldoi.gov/Consumers/HealthInsMarketplace.aspx) regulates insurance companies and agents in Alabama. You can use it to check that an agent or company is licensed and to file a complaint.
Is there free, unbiased Medicare help in Alabama?
Yes. Alabama SHIP (Alabama Department of Senior Services) (1-800-243-5463) offers free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), separate from any insurance agency.
Does Alabama Medical Insurance cost anything to use?
There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent. Insurance premiums and plan costs are set by the insurance companies and are separate from our help.
Questions about Alabama health plans? Call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.