Alabama

Limited Time! Health insurance option from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama
While the American Diabetes Association does not endorse or promote specific diabetes products, providers, or health coverage options, we do want to make you aware of a new health insurance option available in your state.

Traditionally, individuals in Alabama have been turned down from purchasing an individual health insurance policy simply because they have diabetes or other chronic illnesses. Beginning this month, however, if you are uninsured and live in Alabama, BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama is offering guaranteed private health insurance to residents. The offer is available to all Alabamans under age 65, including those with chronic health conditions such as diabetes. A 12-month waiting period does apply before diabetes care and other pre-existing health condition benefits will be covered.

In addition, you will be required to pay deductibles and other co-pays for your care. Monthly premiums for an individual are $167 and family coverage is $368. To obtain more information on whether this health insurance option is right for you or to apply online. Please remember, the American Diabetes Association does not endorse this product.

The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Alabama. If you currently have health insurance or have just lost health insurance coverage within the past 60 days, visit the health insurance section of our Website for additional options available to you.

Alabama Insurance Department - (334) 269-3550
In Alabama, state law allows health insurance companies to turn people down for individual health insurance coverage based on the status of their health. In most cases, diabetes is considered an “uninsurable” condition. Even though you can be turned down for an individual policy in Alabama, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.

If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Insurance Department. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

Alabama Medicaid - (800) 362-1504
This program is available to anyone who meets income and eligibility criteria. Even if your income meets the criteria, you must fall into one of the eligibility categories in order to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program for more information.

Alabama Health Insurance Plan (AHIP) - (877) 619-2447
AHIP is the Alabama state high-risk pool. This program allows individual health insurance policies to be sold to individuals who might otherwise be considered “uninsurable” because of a chronic illness. In most states, the high risk pool is open to all residents. In Alabama, however, the high risk pool is only open to individuals who are HIPAA-eligible. To be HIPAA-eligible in Alabama, you must:

Have had 18 months of continuous creditable health coverage, where at least the last day of coverage was under a group health plan (such as job-based health insurance).
Have used up any COBRA or state continuation coverage that was available to you.
Not be eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or any other group plan (such as job-based health insurance).
Not have health insurance (unless your group coverage is about to end).
You must apply for AHIP within 63 days of losing your previous coverage.

All Kids (State Children’s Health Insurance Program) - (888) 373-5437
All Kids is the children’s health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens up to age 19 whose families may have too great an income to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. Visit the Web site to find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines (PDF).

If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.

Having trouble finding or keeping adequate or affordable health insurance coverage? Become a diabetes advocate!

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