Does Alabama Have Free Health Insurance?
Health insurance is essential to your ability to afford ever-increasing healthcare costs. However, the cost of health coverage can be steep in itself, especially when you do not have access to employer-sponsored plans.
Many residents wonder: Does Alabama have free health insurance? While the state does have a few free and low-cost health insurance programs, the qualification criteria are strict. Still, you may have other means of accessing affordable Alabama health insurance.
Alabama’s Free and Low-Cost Health Insurance Programs
Alabama has three main programs that provide free or low-cost health insurance, depending on a person’s eligibility. These include Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicare.
Medicaid
As many as one million citizens qualify for Alabama Medicaid benefits. This program is co-funded by the federal and state governments and makes healthcare more accessible for low-income earners.
If you qualify, you may only need to cover a small copayment for medical services, ranging from $1.30 to $3.90 per visit or up to $50 for a hospital stay. For some Alabama residents, Medicare is a form of completely free health insurance.
Alabama has strict income requirements for Medicaid applicants. For example, a family of four would need to have a monthly income of $3,912 or less in 2025 to qualify.
You can apply for Alabama Medicaid online or at your local county health department. You must be a resident of Alabama and either a U.S. citizen or have satisfactory immigration status to be considered.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
While Medicaid is available to children, Alabama also offers the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to provide kids and teens with low-cost, high-quality health insurance. This program, which Alabama refers to as "ALL Kids," covers services such as:
Regular checkups
Sick visits
Immunizations
Prescriptions
Vision
Dental care
Hospitalization
Mental health services
Substance abuse services
Eligible children receive health insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama. Your child might qualify for CHIP Alabama if they:
Are an Alabama resident
Are a U.S. citizen or an eligible immigrant
Are under the age of 18
Do not have other health coverage
Do not live in an institution
Are not eligible for Medicaid
The income requirements are less strict than they are for Medicaid. For a family of four to qualify for ALL Kids, their monthly income would need to be between $3,913 and $4,180 to access the low-fee version of the program or between $4,181 and $8,493 to access the fee group version. Premiums generally range between $52 and $104 per child per year.
Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that you can qualify for once you turn 65. Medicare Part A includes hospital insurance that is free for most people, while Medicare Part B provides medical insurance and comes with a monthly premium.
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you understand your Medicare benefits, determine the right prescription drug plan for your needs, and answer any questions to help you maximize your benefits. This is a free assistance program.
What If You Don’t Qualify for Free Health Insurance?
Does Alabama have free health insurance? Technically, yes, but most people do not qualify for completely free coverage.
If you aren’t eligible for government assistance through one of the programs above, you may still be able to access affordable low-income insurance through a private provider. An experienced health insurance agency can quote you with several Alabama insurance providers and help you find a plan that meets your budget.
Factors Affecting Your Health Insurance Costs
Many factors affect your insurance premiums, which are the monthly fees you pay to keep your policy active, and your copays, which are the portion of health services you are responsible for.
Coverage limits: Higher coverage limits typically lead to higher premiums but also protect you against steep, unexpected medical expenses.
Income: Some state health programs are income-based.
Age: Older individuals typically pay more for health insurance due to their elevated risk of medical concerns.
Tobacco use: Smoking also puts you at risk of medical issues and raises your premiums.
Medical history: If you have pre-existing medical conditions, your premiums might be higher than they would be otherwise.
Seek Affordable Health Insurance Through United National Healthcare
While Alabama does have free health insurance for certain residents, you must meet strict income requirements to qualify. At United National Healthcare, we specialize in matching Alabama residents with personalized healthcare solutions that fit their jobs, situations, and budgets. We’re well versed in Alabama health insurance law and will ensure your plan meets all requirements.
Contact us today to get a fast quote.
