Medicare Advantage Plans in Alabama 2026
Last reviewed: June 2026 · Data sourced from CMS.gov
Alabama has about 1 million Medicare beneficiaries, and roughly 44 percent of them are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Coverage options vary considerably between metro areas like Birmingham, Huntsville, and Mobile and the more rural counties in the southern Black Belt. Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama are among the largest carriers in the state.
Plan availability varies by county. Enter your ZIP code to see the exact plans, premiums, and coverage available where you live in Alabama.
Rural Coverage Note
Parts of Alabama have limited Medicare Advantage plan availability. If you live in a rural county, you may find fewer plans or smaller provider networks. Comparing your options alongside Medicare Supplement plans is worth doing before you decide.
What to Look for in a Alabama Medicare Advantage Plan
- ✓ Whether your current doctors and specialists are in-network
- ✓ Drug formulary — does it cover your prescriptions at a reasonable cost?
- ✓ Monthly premium and annual out-of-pocket maximum
- ✓ Extra benefits: dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs
- ✓ Star rating — CMS rates plans from 1 to 5 stars based on quality and member experience
- ✓ HMO vs. PPO — HMOs require referrals and restrict out-of-network care; PPOs are more flexible
2026 Medicare Advantage Costs in Alabama
| Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Monthly premium | $0 to $50 (many plans at $0) |
| Annual out-of-pocket maximum | Up to $9,350 in-network (2026 CMS limit) |
| Primary care visit copay | $0 to $20 typical |
| Specialist visit copay | $20 to $50 typical |
| Inpatient hospital stay | $250 to $350/day for first few days (varies by plan) |
| Part B premium (always required) | $202.90/month standard (2026) |
Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap in Alabama
Medigap is widely available in Alabama from most major national carriers. Residents in rural counties often find Medigap a better fit than Advantage because provider networks outside the major metros can be thin.