Explore your options
Compare options, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and prescription plans.
Find a Licensed Medicare agent in Alabama
Connect with Medicare agents in Alabama
Toni Aldridge
Kevin Hatfield
Shannon Davis
Tyler Eby
Kayla Torry
Brandon Kauffman
Calvin Fritz
Sara Morrissey
Matt Willenborg
Ariel De Jesus
Why work with a Medicare agent
Enroll in Medicare
Get the help you need to enroll in Medicare, from Original Medicare to supplemental coverage.
Use your coverage
Receive extended support to help you use your plan effectively, find doctors, and get savings.
A Snapshot of Medicare in Alabama
Medicare Advantage plans are very popular in Alabama, with 59% of Medicare enrollees choosing one over Original Medicare. The other 41% of Medicare enrollees have Original Medicare—and may or may not have a Medicare Supplement and/or Part D plan.
Original Medicare doesn't cover prescription drugs. Enrollees can get separate prescription drug coverage through a standalone Part D plan or other creditable drug coverage. Medicare Advantage plans typically include prescription drug coverage. Before choosing either option, Alabamians should review their medications, check formularies, and compare plan premiums and out-of-pocket costs. This can help them find coverage that best fits their healthcare needs and budget.
Alabama residents with Original Medicare can also purchase a Medicare Supplement, aka Medigap plan to help reduce out-of-pocket costs for covered services. There are 10 Medicare Supplement plans, each named by a letter between A-N. Medicare Supplement plans are standardized, meaning all plans of the same letter provide the same coverage. That said, they are offered by different insurance carriers and will have different costs.
In addition to prescription drugs, Medicare doesn't cover most long-term custodial care, whether provided at home or in a nursing facility. However, Medicare does cover certain short-term skilled nursing facility care. Alabama residents planning for long-term care may need to consider long-term care insurance or other available options.
How to apply for Medicare in Alabama?
Medicare eligibility in Alabama follows the same nationwide rules as everywhere else in the country. You qualify for Medicare as a US citizen if you meet one of these criteria:
- You're 65 or older
- You have a qualifying disability, such as End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS
- You've received SSDI for 24 months or more
Enrolling in Alabama takes three key steps:
- Sign up for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
- Decide on your supplemental coverage:
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Part D (prescription drug coverage)
- Confirm your doctors are in network, update your pharmacy with your new plan, and activate any additional benefits included with your coverage
FAQs
How can a Medicare agent help me compare coverage in Alabama?
A licensed Medicare agent can help Medicare-eligible individuals find the best plan based on their specific budget, medical needs, prescription drugs, and provider preferences. Chapter's Alabama Medicare agents provide free advice and support throughout the process as well as extended support after you’ve enrolled in a plan. Contact Chapter at (855) 900-2427 to schedule a free consultation or ask any questions you may have.
What preventive services does Medicare cover for Alabama residents?
Medicare Part B covers a variety of preventive and screening services, like cancer screenings, vaccines, lab tests, and wellness visits. Most covered services result in no out-of-pocket costs when you visit a provider who accepts Medicare. If you receive a service that isn't covered or receive the service more frequently than it is covered, you may have to pay some or all of the cost.
Why can Medicare Advantage options differ between counties in Alabama?
Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurers that can choose where to offer coverage and the specifics of each plan. As a result, different Medicare Advantage plans are available in each Alabama county. Similar plans in different counties may have different benefits, provider networks, and premiums. When signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan, it's a good idea to review plan options carefully to avoid signing up for a plan that doesn’t actually fit your needs.
When should Alabama residents sign up for Medicare?
Most people are first able to sign up during their Initial Enrollment Period. Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after it. Some residents may qualify for Medicare before they turn 65 because of certain disabilities or conditions. Also, residents with qualifying health insurance can delay signing up for Medicare Part B, without penalty. Many people who are still working or have coverage through a spouse’s employer do choose to delay Part B enrollment.
