Alabama Health Insurance for Self-Employed People and Families
Whether you're self-employed, between jobs, buying coverage for your family, or your employer doesn't offer health insurance, we can help you compare Alabama health insurance options and understand what may fit your needs and budget.
1099 Health Insurance is based in Phoenix, Arizona and licensed to help clients in Alabama. We work with Alabama residents by phone, text and video, so you can compare coverage without having to visit an office.
Alabama Health Insurance at a Glance for 2027
| Where Alabama residents use the Marketplace | HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|
| 2027 Open Enrollment | November 1 – December 15, 2026 |
| 2027 Marketplace carriers announced for Alabama | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, UnitedHealthcare, Celtic Insurance Company (Ambetter) and Oscar |
| Announced average 2027 rate changes | Approximately +11.4% to +33.8%, depending on the carrier, before subsidies. Your actual premium change can be different. |
| Marketplace premium tax credits | Generally available to eligible households with income from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level, subject to other eligibility rules. |
| Medicaid expansion | Alabama has not adopted Medicaid expansion. |
| Other coverage | Depending on eligibility, Alabama residents may also have access to private plans, short-term coverage, health sharing arrangements, supplemental coverage and small-business plans. |
What's Changing for Alabama Health Insurance in 2027?
2027 Open Enrollment is shorter
Alabama uses the federally facilitated Marketplace at HealthCare.gov. Beginning with 2027 coverage, the federal Marketplace Open Enrollment period is scheduled to run from November 1 through December 15.
That makes it especially important to compare plans early rather than waiting until January, because the federal Open Enrollment period will already be over.
Alabama health insurance companies and 2027 rate changes
The Alabama Department of Insurance announced the following average rate changes for the four carriers participating in Alabama's individual ACA market for 2027. These percentages are averages before premium tax credits and do not mean every member's premium will change by the same amount.
| Insurance Company | Announced Average 2027 Rate Change |
|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama | +19.9% |
| UnitedHealthcare | +27.5% |
| Celtic Insurance Company / Ambetter | +11.4% |
| Oscar | +33.8% |
Because carriers are changing prices by different amounts, a plan that was competitive in 2026 may not be the best fit in 2027. It is worth comparing your renewal with the other plans available in your ZIP code.
Marketplace subsidy rules changed after 2025
The additional Marketplace subsidies that were available through 2025 ended. Under current rules, premium tax credits generally apply to eligible households with income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
If you're self-employed, Marketplace assistance is based on your expected annual household income, not simply your gross business revenue. Net self-employment income and other household income can affect the calculation. Tax questions should be reviewed with a qualified tax professional.
Some subsidy eligibility rules for non-citizens change in 2027
Beginning January 1, 2027, federal rules narrow the immigration statuses that qualify for Marketplace premium tax credits. CMS identifies eligible groups including lawful permanent residents, Cuban or Haitian entrants, and Compact of Free Association migrants. Other eligibility requirements still apply.
Health Insurance for Self-Employed Alabamians
If you work for yourself, you don't have an employer choosing a health plan or paying part of the premium for you. That means the right choice depends heavily on your income, health needs, prescriptions, doctors and budget.
We regularly help:
Alabama Health Insurance Options
Marketplace Health Insurance
ACA-compliant plans are available through HealthCare.gov. Marketplace coverage includes protections for pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits. The Marketplace is also where eligible consumers can receive income-based premium tax credits.
Private Health Insurance
Some Alabama residents may also consider private coverage outside the Marketplace. Depending on the product, these plans may use medical underwriting and may have different benefits, exclusions and eligibility requirements than ACA-compliant plans.
We explain these differences clearly before you apply so you know what you're comparing.
Short-Term Health Insurance
Short-term health insurance can help fill a temporary gap in coverage. These plans are not required to provide all of the protections or essential health benefits required of ACA-compliant individual plans and often use medical underwriting.
Plan duration and renewal options can vary, so check the current policy terms before enrolling.
Health Share Plans
Health sharing programs are another option some people consider. They are not health insurance and payment of medical expenses is not guaranteed in the same way an insurance contract guarantees covered benefits.
Small Business Health Coverage
Alabama employers may have access to traditional small-group plans and other employer health coverage arrangements. Learn about small-business health insurance.
Dental, Vision and Supplemental Coverage
Dental, vision, accident, critical illness and other supplemental coverage can be added depending on your needs. Supplemental coverage is not a substitute for comprehensive medical insurance.
Alabama Medicaid and the Coverage Gap
Alabama has not adopted the ACA Medicaid expansion. Eligibility for adults is therefore much more limited than it is in Medicaid-expansion states. Parents and caretaker relatives must meet Alabama's specific eligibility requirements and very low income limits.
This can create a coverage gap for some adults whose income is too low to qualify for a Marketplace premium tax credit but who do not qualify for Alabama Medicaid.
Alabama Medicaid can be reached at 1-800-362-1504.
Coverage for children
Children who don't qualify for Medicaid may qualify for Alabama's ALL Kids program. Medicaid and ALL Kids applications are available throughout the year.
Check Your Alabama Doctors and Hospitals Before Enrolling
Provider networks can vary by insurance company, plan and location. A doctor who accepts one plan from an insurance company may not accept every plan sold by that same company.
Before enrolling, check the specific plan network for the doctors, specialists and hospitals you expect to use. This may include systems such as UAB, Huntsville Hospital, USA Health or DCH, depending on where you live.
During a consultation, we can help you check your providers and prescriptions before you make a decision.
Serving All 67 Alabama Counties
We can help Alabama residents throughout the state, including Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery, Mobile, Tuscaloosa, Hoover, Auburn, Dothan, Decatur, Madison, Florence, Gadsden and surrounding communities.
Your ZIP code affects which Alabama health insurance plans are available. Premiums can also vary based on factors such as age, location, household information, plan choice and subsidy eligibility.
How It Works
Book a Consultation
Choose a convenient time to speak by phone or video. There is no charge for the consultation.
Compare Your Options
We look at plans available where you live and consider your budget, doctors, prescriptions and coverage priorities.
Choose and Apply
If you find an option that works for you, we help with the application and remain available after enrollment.
Alabama Health Insurance FAQ
When is Alabama Open Enrollment for 2027?
Alabama uses HealthCare.gov. For 2027 coverage, the federal Marketplace Open Enrollment period is scheduled for November 1 through December 15, 2026. Coverage selected during Open Enrollment is scheduled to begin January 1, 2027.
Which health insurance companies are offering Marketplace plans in Alabama for 2027?
The Alabama Department of Insurance lists Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, UnitedHealthcare, Celtic Insurance Company (Ambetter) and Oscar as the four individual-market QHP carriers for 2027. Availability can vary by county and plan.
How much will Alabama health insurance cost in 2027?
Your premium depends on factors including your age, ZIP code, plan, household information and eligibility for financial assistance. Alabama's announced average carrier rate changes range from approximately 11.4% to 33.8% for 2027, but those percentages do not tell you exactly what your individual premium will be.
Can self-employed people in Alabama get a Marketplace subsidy?
Yes, if they meet the eligibility requirements. Under current rules, premium tax credits generally apply to eligible households with income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. Eligibility also depends on factors such as access to qualifying affordable employer coverage.
What income do I use if I'm self-employed?
Marketplace assistance is based on expected annual household income. For a self-employed person, net business income can be part of that calculation along with other household income. Because tax situations vary, ask a tax professional how specific deductions may affect your income.
Did Alabama expand Medicaid?
No. Alabama has not adopted Medicaid expansion. Eligibility for adults remains limited and depends on the applicant's circumstances and income.
Can I get health insurance outside Open Enrollment?
Marketplace coverage generally requires Open Enrollment or a qualifying Special Enrollment Period. Some private, short-term, health sharing and supplemental options may be available at other times of the year, but they are not all equivalent to Marketplace major medical coverage.
How do I file a complaint about an Alabama insurance company?
The Alabama Department of Insurance Consumer Services Division handles consumer insurance questions and complaints. Their consumer-services number is 334-241-4141 or 1-800-433-3966.
Get Help Comparing Alabama Health Insurance
2027 rates and plan choices are changing. Instead of automatically renewing, compare the options available in your ZIP code and see what fits your needs.
Sources and Alabama Health Insurance Resources
- Alabama Department of Insurance — 2027 individual-market carrier and rate information
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — 2027 Marketplace Open Enrollment rules
- HealthCare.gov — Premium tax credit eligibility and Marketplace enrollment information
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — 2027 Marketplace eligibility updates
- Alabama Medicaid Agency — Medicaid eligibility and application information
- Alabama Department of Public Health — ALL Kids children's health coverage
- Alabama Department of Insurance — Short-Term Health Insurance Plan Information
