Nearly 52,000 Medicare beneficiaries live in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Around 42% of Medicare beneficiaries enroll in Medicare Advantage plans in the state.
The following sections of this article will provide insight into the pros and cons of these plans for Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Medicare beneficiaries.
Tuscaloosa Alabama Supplemental Medicare Plans
By purchasing an Alabama Medicare Supplement plan, you can cover services that otherwise would require you to pay out-of-pocket. The information below shows quotes for different Supplemental Medicare plans based on a 65-year-old female beneficiary.
Average Medicare Advantage Plans in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
There are 18 Alabama Medicare Advantage plans available in Tuscaloosa. Private insurance companies provide these plans, which offer essential protection to beneficiaries in the state. Humana’s Local PPO plan has a high four-star rating and the lowest maximum out-of-pocket cost (MOOP) in the area at $3,400.
BCBS of Alabama also offers a $0 monthly premium Local PPO plan. This four-star plan has a relatively low MOOP of $5,100.
Cigna offers one of the only HMO plans in Tuscaloosa, with a four out of five-star rating, a $0 monthly premium, and a $5,800 MOOP.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| BCBS of Alabama | $0 | $5,100 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Humana | $0 | $3,400 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Cigna | $0 | $5,800 | HMO | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $5,550 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
Cheapest Medicare Supplement Plans in Tuscaloosa, Alabama
A Medicare Supplement plan can provide complete coverage for your healthcare costs. You’ll receive the same program benefits no matter where you live, but the prices will vary based on location.
Plan G is popular among beneficiaries because of its comprehensive coverage. This plan has a monthly premium range of $105.19 to $342.70. The program includes coverage for most medical expenses, although some gaps exist.
Another Medigap option is Plan F. Premiums for Plan F in Tuscaloosa range from $116.73 to$357.62 per month, making this option more expensive than other alternatives. However, Plan F provides near-complete coverage and covers Medicare excess charges, making it the most comprehensive of all Medigap plans.
Plan N offers Arkansas beneficiaries a cheaper yet still effective alternative, ranging in price from $77.39 to $241.37 per month. This plan provides adequate coverage at an affordable cost but with a significant downside. Beneficiaries who opt for Plan N will typically have to pay a copay to receive many types of medical treatment.
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $75.92 | $214.86 |
| PLAN B | $123.05 | $305.50 |
| PLAN C | $124.58 | $355.37 |
| PLAN D | $113.92 | $235.07 |
| PLAN F | $116.73 | $357.62 |
| PLAN HDF | $27.00 | $74.36 |
| PLAN G | $105.19 | $342.70 |
| PLAN HDG | $27.00 | $72.54 |
| PLAN K | $44.66 | $112.75 |
| PLAN L | $64.42 | $200.87 |
| PLAN M | $76.00 | $189.81 |
| PLAN N | $77.39 | $241.37 |
Affordable Medicare Part D in Tuscaloosa, AL
Part D insurance will cover prescription medications if you’re a Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Original Medicare beneficiary. Only some Medicare Advantage plans offer Part D coverage, while Medigap plans offer none. As a result, registering for Alabama Part D in Tuscaloosa is necessary for most beneficiaries in the state.
Considering the range of local plans, Aetna offers the least expensive option with a $6.50 monthly premium and a $480 deductible.
On the other hand, Wellcare’s premiums are higher, at $12.90 a month with a $480 deductible.
Interestingly, UnitedHealthcare offers a lower deductible of $350, but the company’s premium is $29.30 per month. However, it has an impressive four-star rating.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $6.50 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $12.90 | $480 | 3 |
| Clear Spring Health | $16.30 | $480 | 2 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $29.30 | $310 | 4 |
Medicare Special Needs Plans
Medicare Advantage beneficiaries with special medical needs or disabilities may be eligible for Special Needs Plans (SNP). Although these plans can help significantly reduce costs, they aren’t available in every area.
Those with dual eligibility can enroll in Humana’s SNPs with a MOOP of $7,550. The monthly premium for this plan is $28.
A Cigna plan also offers a monthly out-of-pocket cost of $7,550 for dual-eligible beneficiaries.
Aetna’s plan sets a MOOP of $7,550 and has a monthly premium of $21.80. This HMO plan is available to dual-eligible beneficiaries.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| Simpra | $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | Dual |
| Cigna | $20.00 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Aetna | $21.80 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Humana | $28.00 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Cigna | $22.80 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
FAQs
How Do I Check to See if I’m Eligible for Medicare in Tuscaloosa, Alabama?
Generally, the requirements for Medicare eligibility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, are relatively simple. Most residents will become eligible upon reaching 65, the same age they become eligible for Social Security benefits. However, individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions may qualify for Medicare regardless of age, so contact Social Security if you think you may be eligible.
What Medicare Supplement Plans Are Available in Tuscaloosa, AL?
All the different Medigap letter plans are available for Alabama beneficiaries. The most popular programs in the state are Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N, each offering different advantages to beneficiaries. Depending on your budget and priorities, other plans may be ideal for you, so contact Medigap.com to have an expert guide you through the process.
Does Everyone Have to Pay for Medicare Part A in Tuscaloosa, Alabama?
Most Medicare beneficiaries in Alabama are eligible for free Part A coverage due to their tax history while working. However, premiums for this portion of coverage can be as high as $499 for those who don’t qualify. Additionally, the government charges a penalty to beneficiaries who don’t enroll in this coverage at initial enrollment.
Do Medigap Premiums Increase with Age in Tuscaloosa, AL?
Depending on the rating system of your Medigap plan, your premiums may increase with age in Alabama. Specifically, this increase will occur in attained-age-rated programs, while costs will remain stable in entry-age-rated programs. This difference is essential to consider, as it can often outweigh the difference in the initial price at sign-up.
What Is the Best Health Plan for Starting Medicare in Tuscaloosa, Alabama?
Medicare Advantage plans are an excellent option for beneficiaries starting their Medicare coverage. These plans offer essential coverage at an affordable price, allowing beneficiaries to create a coverage plan that meets their needs. However, determining which plan is best ultimately depends on your insurance and financial needs.
How to Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in Tuscaloosa
Medicare enrollment in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, can be complicated, so feeling overwhelmed is normal. We’re happy to assist you in finding the perfect Medicare coverage. Give us a call or fill out our online rate comparison form to get rates today!
