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Alabama Open Enrollment Nov. 1: Birmingham Residents Face Up to 33.8% Health Insurance Increase
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Alabama residents an opportunity to compare Marketplace plans, review premiums and determine whether they qua
By Claire Benton · 2026-11-02T00:02:58.402Z
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Open enrollment for 2027 health insurance begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving Alabama residents an opportunity to compare Marketplace plans, review premiums and determine whether they qualify for financial assistance.
Alabama uses the federal Health Insurance Marketplace at HealthCare.gov . Open enrollment runs from Nov. 1, 2026, through Jan. 15, 2027 .
Residents who enroll or change plans by Dec. 15 can have coverage begin Jan. 1. Those enrolling between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 generally receive coverage beginning Feb. 1.
Alabama health insurance increases reach 33.8% Four insurers are offering qualified individual market health plans in Alabama for 2027:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company Celtic Insurance Company Oscar Insurance Company The Alabama Department of Insurance says average approved 2027 rate changes are:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama: 19.9% increase UnitedHealthcare: 27.5% increase Celtic Insurance Company: 11.4% increase Oscar Insurance Company: 33.8% increase Individual plan changes can vary significantly even within the same insurer.
For example, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama's Blue Protect plan received an average 2.3% decrease , while its Blue Cross Select Silver plan received a 23% increase .
Actual premiums paid by consumers will also vary based on age, ZIP code, plan selection, household circumstances and eligibility for Marketplace financial assistance.
What Alabama residents should check Birmingham area residents and consumers statewide should compare monthly health insurance premiums, deductibles, co pays, out of pocket limits, prescription drug coverage and whether preferred doctors and hospitals remain in network.
Alabama insurance officials are encouraging consumers to actively shop during open enrollment because plans and prices can change from year to year .
Residents should consider what they can afford, estimate their expected health care expenses and compare premiums, co pays and benefits before choosing coverage.
Consumers should also update their expected 2027 household income and family information because those details can affect eligibility for premium tax credits and other Marketplace savings.
HealthCare.gov allows shoppers to enter their ZIP code, estimated income and household information to preview available health insurance plans and estimated prices.
Enrollment deadlines matter Alabama residents who want health insurance coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2027 , should select a plan by Dec. 15, 2026 , and pay the first premium by the insurer's deadline.
Open enrollment continues through Jan. 15, 2027 . Coverage generally begins Feb. 1 for consumers who enroll from Dec. 16 through Jan. 15.
After Jan. 15, most consumers need to qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to enroll in or change Marketplace coverage. Qualifying events can include losing existing health insurance, getting married, having a baby or certain other life changes.
Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program can accept applications throughout the year for people who qualify.
Alabama residents can compare 2027 health insurance plans, calculate potential savings and enroll through HealthCare.gov .