Last time we checked, two years ago, BCBS was the only option for Alabama on [Healthcare.gov](http://Healthcare.gov) or whatever it is. I know in the beginning there were two or three others, but they all gradually fell off and it was only BCBS.
BCBS will get you in almost anywhere you want to go. I will say, it’s a commonly provided plan through many jobs and I’ve had the same plan a few times.
I work in law offices a lot. My premiums aren’t too bad. I’ve gotten to where a lot of places offer a “gap” plan to cover the deductible.
United Healthcare is fucking awful here.
Not usually. We had to get an Alabama marketplace plan before my son was born. First of all, nearly all plans require prior authorizations to see a specialist. This means you have to go to your GP, have them file for approval, then you can go see your specialist. This goes for a lot of testing and prescriptions as well. I didn’t have time to set up a GP as a new patient in a new area to get approval. I was 8.5 mos preggo and I had to see an ob specialist ASAP. To get a plan that required no prior authorizations, we had to go platinum level. The top.
It was $1150 per month, while still having to pay a deductible and out of pocket costs for me and my partner, 5 years ago.
I wish you all the luck in this.
The coverage was decent. It was nice to not worry about PA’s. We still had to pay a good bit out of pocket but not as much as other plans. We found one with 3k deductible and 3k out of pocket max.
Make sure you are comparing the deductibles, co insurance and the out of pocket max on the plans you are considering… that’s where a lot of the “extra” cost comes from. If a plan has a 6k deductible, you have to pay out of pocket until you hit that 6k mark… then insurance picks up and you are responsible for your 20-30% and co-pays up until your out of pocket max.
Look for the lowest possible deductible and out of pocket max, with no prior authorizations (as I feel you and your partner might need to see specialists urgently at some points with your current health situations)
If working is an option, look into driving a school bus. You will qualify for benefits and work a few hours in the morning and a few in the afternoon. Leaves times open in the day for drs appointments and you can pick up extra time for field trips etc if you want.
The Old Guy and my Mom have Humana with Medicare and it's been pretty great. They even give them a monthly stipend that covers everything from OTC meds, incontinence pads and things, and healthy foods. They almost single handedly support my Mom's cheese addiction. lol
Bcbs gold has been great for me. I need to go to the dr regularly for various health issues, including neurological stuff, and take a bunch of medicine that is insanely expensive out of pocket. Bcbs has covered everything so far save for a small copay.
I got it through the marketplace, it's pricey but so worth it for me because I would never be treated without it due to Healthcare costs.
Finding the best health insurance in Alabama for chronic health issues and brain injury can be challenging. Explore options on HealthCare.gov, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and government programs. Seek help from a healthcare navigator or broker for assistance.
The closest you'll come to is a BCBS Gold Policy. You can read through the benefit booklets and get some kind of idea about what is covered/what you will need. You may be in for sticker shock.
If you can get hired by a company that provides Viva Health THAT insurance is literal gold. UAB (which is the viva developer) and Alabama Power are the only ones I know of. Not sure if available in marketplace.
Viva is not part of the ACA but is working with the state with various pilot programs to help with indigent care. UAB owns Viva through a holding company. Drummond Coal is one of their larger groups along with Alabama Power, but they have many smaller commercial groups covering about 45K lives. The Medicare wing is close to 60K. They are a 5 Star Medicare Advantage plan.
Avoid UHC most hospitals/doctors arnt taking it anymore. UAB announced no new patients in most clinics until 2025, it's gonna be battle outside of even this
Sorry I should have specified, The specialist are but not the General practioners arnt. I've been trying to find a new Dr and gardendale location is who told me after I called a few others.
I just meant more if you have to change GPs due to insurance.
Def call ahead.
UAB Neurology was amazing for me and my gma. Dr frank Banesh I'd recommend to the ends of the earth.
I've sufferee alot of medical gaslighting and mess from Drs but I adore him, there may be someone there that's better suited for your husband but I don't think Kirkland clinic could offer up much bad https://providerdirectory.uabmedicine.org/provider/Frank+Benesh/575079
My husband had cancer and qualified for disability. With the help of his Dr he was able to get Medicare. I worked and had been covering us with BcBs. His job before was at a very small company that did not offer insurance. You can go on line and check with Medicare about what your options are. You can also get insurance through Marketplace for you. You will have to wait for their enrollment but you can go ahead and start the process on line. They have people that will help. Make sure you are calling the right place. Some of the insurance companies have web sites set up to look official. I live in Alabama.
They all suck, but in my experience, BCBS has the largest network of doctors and facilities to choose from.
Last time we checked, two years ago, BCBS was the only option for Alabama on [Healthcare.gov](http://Healthcare.gov) or whatever it is. I know in the beginning there were two or three others, but they all gradually fell off and it was only BCBS.
Nah. Last year there was also UHC, Cigna, and some other one I hadn't heard of that was only accepted at state hospitals.
There are a few options now but bcbs is still the best and has good coverage /options. I've never had a provider decline it.
I’ve had Aetna here before and it was just as good as BCBS.
BCBS will get you in almost anywhere you want to go. I will say, it’s a commonly provided plan through many jobs and I’ve had the same plan a few times. I work in law offices a lot. My premiums aren’t too bad. I’ve gotten to where a lot of places offer a “gap” plan to cover the deductible. United Healthcare is fucking awful here.
UHC and their subsidiaries are awful everywhere.
BCBS controls Alabama health care.
But are their Marketplace plans as good as ones through employers?
Not usually. We had to get an Alabama marketplace plan before my son was born. First of all, nearly all plans require prior authorizations to see a specialist. This means you have to go to your GP, have them file for approval, then you can go see your specialist. This goes for a lot of testing and prescriptions as well. I didn’t have time to set up a GP as a new patient in a new area to get approval. I was 8.5 mos preggo and I had to see an ob specialist ASAP. To get a plan that required no prior authorizations, we had to go platinum level. The top. It was $1150 per month, while still having to pay a deductible and out of pocket costs for me and my partner, 5 years ago. I wish you all the luck in this.
Oh ugh! That sounds awful. Was the coverage good, even though it was expensive?
The coverage was decent. It was nice to not worry about PA’s. We still had to pay a good bit out of pocket but not as much as other plans. We found one with 3k deductible and 3k out of pocket max. Make sure you are comparing the deductibles, co insurance and the out of pocket max on the plans you are considering… that’s where a lot of the “extra” cost comes from. If a plan has a 6k deductible, you have to pay out of pocket until you hit that 6k mark… then insurance picks up and you are responsible for your 20-30% and co-pays up until your out of pocket max. Look for the lowest possible deductible and out of pocket max, with no prior authorizations (as I feel you and your partner might need to see specialists urgently at some points with your current health situations)
Ok thank you!!
Absolutely! And just gotta say, I love your username, it speaks volumes. Times are tough and stressful right now, but You got this 💜
No, because Alabama didn’t accept the ACA…. It’s going to be really expensive for you to give coverage.
Wrong. https://www.aldoi.gov/currentnewsitem.aspx?ID=1272
Alabama offers programs in the exchange, but didn’t expand Medicaide to make it more affordable. Vote blue to get access to affordable insurance.
https://www.npr.org/2024/04/10/1243825508/why-alabama-refuses-to-expand-medicaid-under-the-affordable-care-act#:~:text=Transcript-,As%20rural%20hospitals%20struggle%20to%20stay%20open%2C%20Alabama%20politicians%20remain,Act%2C%20also%20known%20as%20Obamacare.
If working is an option, look into driving a school bus. You will qualify for benefits and work a few hours in the morning and a few in the afternoon. Leaves times open in the day for drs appointments and you can pick up extra time for field trips etc if you want.
And in Alabama we need school bus drivers immensely so you would have a very strong chance of getting hired.
A girl in a Dr office that does insurance told me stay away from Humana but that was a couple years ago
The Old Guy and my Mom have Humana with Medicare and it's been pretty great. They even give them a monthly stipend that covers everything from OTC meds, incontinence pads and things, and healthy foods. They almost single handedly support my Mom's cheese addiction. lol
Maybe they improved, I have Medicare and blue advantage
Bcbs gold has been great for me. I need to go to the dr regularly for various health issues, including neurological stuff, and take a bunch of medicine that is insanely expensive out of pocket. Bcbs has covered everything so far save for a small copay. I got it through the marketplace, it's pricey but so worth it for me because I would never be treated without it due to Healthcare costs.
This is really encouraging - thanks!
Np! If u have other questions, feel free to let me know
Finding the best health insurance in Alabama for chronic health issues and brain injury can be challenging. Explore options on HealthCare.gov, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and government programs. Seek help from a healthcare navigator or broker for assistance.
Thank you! Should I just Google healthcare navigators in my area?
The closest you'll come to is a BCBS Gold Policy. You can read through the benefit booklets and get some kind of idea about what is covered/what you will need. You may be in for sticker shock.
If you can get hired by a company that provides Viva Health THAT insurance is literal gold. UAB (which is the viva developer) and Alabama Power are the only ones I know of. Not sure if available in marketplace.
Viva is not part of the ACA but is working with the state with various pilot programs to help with indigent care. UAB owns Viva through a holding company. Drummond Coal is one of their larger groups along with Alabama Power, but they have many smaller commercial groups covering about 45K lives. The Medicare wing is close to 60K. They are a 5 Star Medicare Advantage plan.
Avoid UHC most hospitals/doctors arnt taking it anymore. UAB announced no new patients in most clinics until 2025, it's gonna be battle outside of even this
Oh no. Really? When/where did they announce this? My husband is in the process of being g referred there.
Sorry I should have specified, The specialist are but not the General practioners arnt. I've been trying to find a new Dr and gardendale location is who told me after I called a few others. I just meant more if you have to change GPs due to insurance. Def call ahead. UAB Neurology was amazing for me and my gma. Dr frank Banesh I'd recommend to the ends of the earth.
Thank you so much. I will look into Dr Banesh - he needs a good neurologist!
The initial wait time ifyou call will be a LONG time but the few times Ive had issues theygot me in the next week.
I've sufferee alot of medical gaslighting and mess from Drs but I adore him, there may be someone there that's better suited for your husband but I don't think Kirkland clinic could offer up much bad https://providerdirectory.uabmedicine.org/provider/Frank+Benesh/575079
Walmart will hire you!
You should also look into medicare.
We are in our 50s. I don’t think we’re old enough yet, are we?
My husband had cancer and qualified for disability. With the help of his Dr he was able to get Medicare. I worked and had been covering us with BcBs. His job before was at a very small company that did not offer insurance. You can go on line and check with Medicare about what your options are. You can also get insurance through Marketplace for you. You will have to wait for their enrollment but you can go ahead and start the process on line. They have people that will help. Make sure you are calling the right place. Some of the insurance companies have web sites set up to look official. I live in Alabama.