High-Risk Pool  

The Alabama Health Plan became operational in 1998 and as of June 2006, there were just over 3,000 people enrolled. The program is financed by member premiums and assessments to the insurance industry based on premium volume in the state. The program has a premium cap that is 200 percent of market rate for comparable coverage.

Other

Alabama Child Caring - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama operates the Alabama Child Caring program, which provides health insurance for uninsured children who are ineligible for public coverage. Eligibility is coordinated between this private program and Medicaid and SCHIP in a number of ways. The programs share a uniform application form and coordinate applications between the public and private programs.

	Notes and Sources

Information presented in the profile was summarized in December 2006 from a review of state Web sites and reports, and through contacts with state officials. In most cases the profiles were reviewed by state officials; however, it is possible that states have implemented strategies that are not reflected in this profile.

¹ This overview provides a general description of state coverage levels under their Medicaid and SCHIP programs, including coverage through waivers, as of October 2006. Health Management Associates researched eligibility information from state web sites, data from state reports, and verified through contacts with state officials during the fall of 2006. This does not reflect the specific eligibility categories or requirements. This is not intended to be a substitute for eligibility information provided by each state. Individuals interested in applying for these programs should contact the state directly for specific eligibility requirements.