Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Alabama
Avg Star Rating
4.0 ★
Compare & Enroll — Part C & Part D
Compare & Enroll in Medicare Plans in 36278, AL
With 48 Medicare Advantage options from 6 insurers, 36278, AL has plan availability roughly in line with the national average, suggesting a competitive market with meaningful insurer variety. Approximately 94% of local MA plans charge $0 beyond the standard Part B premium, reflecting strong price competition. With 2 hospitals within 25.0 miles, verifying your preferred hospital is in-network is especially important here. We've organized the CMS data below to help you cross-reference plan costs, quality ratings, and local provider access. Compare plans below, and when you're ready, enroll directly at Medicare.gov.
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Data freshness: CMS data as of February 2026 •
ACS data as of 2023 •
CDC PLACES data as of 2025 •
Reviewed & approved on 2026-02-16 •
Page last updated May 2026
Reviewed by: Wes Ward, Founder & Data Lead •
View our methodology
Important: We are not affiliated with Medicare or any government agency. This site displays publicly available CMS data to help you compare plans. We do not sell insurance or represent any insurance company. For official enrollment and complete plan information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Important: Plan availability, benefits, and CMS Star Ratings shown here come directly from CMS public files. Plan details can change—always verify with the insurer and at Medicare.gov.
Part C Plans
48
Part D Plans
12
Top MA Star
4.5
Top Drug Star
3.5
Medicare Eligibility in 36278, AL
Approximately 1,000 residents (24.4% of the population) in 36278, AL are 65 or older and likely Medicare-eligible. Whether you're approaching 65, already enrolled, or a caregiver comparing options, the plan data below is organized to help you evaluate Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drug) coverage side by side.
The median household income in 36278, AL is $67,200 (10.6% below the National Average), which may affect eligibility for Extra Help with Part D drug costs.
Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare through private insurers who bundle hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into a single plan. 36278, AL's 48 Medicare Advantage plans are a mix leaning toward HMO networks (26 HMO, 22 PPO). 45 plans offer $0 monthly premiums. The average local star rating is 3.7 out of 5, with the top plan earning 4.5 ★.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in 36278, AL
We organize CMS plan data into separate leaderboards so you can compare based on what matters most to you. Part C premiums in 36278, AL range from $0 to $75/month. Among rated plans, 13 plans rated 4+ stars.
Highest CMS Star Ratings
Star Ratings are assigned by CMS based on quality measures including customer service, preventive care, and managing chronic conditions.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Star Rating | Premium | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humanachoice H7617-090 (PPO) | Humana | 4.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | PPO | Enroll |
| Blue Advantage Complete (PPO) | Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Alabama | 4.0 ★ | $0.00/mo | PPO | Enroll |
| Aarp Medicare Advantage From Uhc Al-0004 (PPO) | Unitedhealthcare | 4.0 ★ | $0.00/mo | PPO | Enroll |
| Aarp Medicare Advantage From Uhc Al-0003 (HMO-POS) | Unitedhealthcare | 4.0 ★ | $0.00/mo | HMO-POS | Enroll |
| Uhc Dual Complete Al-D002 (PPO D-SNP) | Unitedhealthcare | 4.0 ★ | $0.00/mo | PPO D-SNP | Enroll |
Lowest Monthly Premium
Lower premiums can save money, but check total costs including deductibles, copays, and MOOP.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Monthly Premium | MOOP | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Advantage Complete (PPO) | Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Alabama | $0.00/mo | $5,900 | 4.0 ★ |
| Aetna Medicare Signature Care (HMO) | Aetna Medicare | $0.00/mo | $6,750 | 3.5 ★ |
| Devoted Choice 001 Al (PPO) | Devoted Health | $0.00/mo | $6,200 | 3.5 ★ |
| Aarp Medicare Advantage From Uhc Al-0004 (PPO) | Unitedhealthcare | $0.00/mo | $6,700 | 4.0 ★ |
| Aetna Medicare Dual Extra Care (HMO D-SNP) | Aetna Medicare | $0.00/mo | $9,250 | 3.5 ★ |
Lowest Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP)
MOOP caps your financial risk. Once you hit this limit, the plan covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
| Plan Name | Insurer | MOOP (In-Network) | Premium | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Advantage Premier (PPO) | Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Alabama | $2,900 | $75.20/mo | 4.0 ★ |
| Humanachoice H5216-368 (PPO) | Humana | $3,000 | $0.00/mo | 3.5 ★ |
| Humanachoice H7617-090 (PPO) | Humana | $3,000 | $0.00/mo | 4.5 ★ |
| Humana Usaa Honor Giveback (PPO) | Humana | $4,150 | $0.00/mo | 3.5 ★ |
| Humana Usaa Honor Giveback (HMO) | Humana | $4,150 | $0.00/mo | 4.0 ★ |
Plan Type Mix in 36278, AL
HMO plans require referrals and in-network care. PPO plans offer more flexibility. SNP (Special Needs Plans) serve specific populations. MAPD plans include drug coverage.
| Plan Type | Count | Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPO | 11 | 22.9% | No referrals; in and out-of-network |
| HMO D-SNP | 9 | 18.8% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| HMO | 7 | 14.6% | Requires referrals; in-network only |
| HMO-POS | 5 | 10.4% | HMO with some out-of-network options |
| PPO D-SNP | 4 | 8.3% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| HMO-POS D-SNP | 4 | 8.3% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| PPO C-SNP | 3 | 6.3% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| PPO I-SNP | 2 | 4.2% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| Regional PPO | 2 | 4.2% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| HMO-POS C-SNP | 1 | 2.1% | Medicare Advantage plan |
Choosing the Right Medicare Advantage Plan
The best Part C plan depends on your doctors, medications, and budget. Key factors to evaluate:
- Provider network: Verify your doctors and hospitals near 36278, AL are in-network before enrolling
- Total cost: A $0 premium may have higher copays—calculate your annual cost
- Star Ratings: 4+ stars indicate above-average quality and member satisfaction
Read our full guide on choosing Medicare Advantage → · Print our enrollment checklist →
Medicare Glossary: HMO, PPO, MOOP & more →
Medicare Advantage Insurers in 36278, AL
6 insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans in 36278, AL. Below, we group plans by insurer so you can compare options from each company. More insurers generally means more competition and better benefits for consumers.
Humana
Avg Star Rating
3.8 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Unitedhealthcare
Avg Star Rating
3.8 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Devoted Health
Avg Star Rating
3.5 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Aetna Medicare
Avg Star Rating
3.5 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Simpra Advantage
Avg Star Rating
N/A
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits shown are based on CMS data and may change. Always verify current details with the insurer and at Medicare.gov before enrolling.
Part D: Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
Part D covers prescription drugs through standalone plans for those on Original Medicare, or as part of a Medicare Advantage bundle. Among the 12 standalone Part D plans in 36278, AL, some offer $0 annual deductibles while others charge up to the 2026 maximum of $590. 2 plans are at or below the regional premium benchmark, making them eligible for Low Income Subsidy auto-enrollment. The 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap means drug costs are now more predictable regardless of which plan you choose, but formulary coverage still varies significantly—always verify your medications are covered before enrolling.
Part D Formulary Notice: Each Part D plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs). The same medication may be on different tiers—or not covered at all—depending on the plan. Always check that your specific medications are covered before enrolling.
2026 Out-of-Pocket Cap: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, your total out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,000 per year in 2026. Once you reach this limit, you pay nothing more for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year. This eliminates the old "donut hole" coverage gap that previously caused higher costs.
Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help): If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help paying Part D costs. Visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Top Part D Drug Plans in 36278, AL
We organize Part D plans by CMS Star Ratings, premiums, and deductibles so you can find the best fit for your prescription needs. Part D premiums in 36278, AL range from $0 to $130/month. Remember: all Part D plans now cap your annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Highest CMS Star Ratings (Part D)
Part D Star Ratings measure drug pricing, customer service, member complaints, and pharmacy access.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Star Rating | Premium | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | Wellcare | 3.5 ★ | $3.60/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Wellcare Classic (PDP) | Wellcare | 3.5 ★ | $3.70/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Humana Basic Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | 3.0 ★ | $0.00/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Silverscript Choice (PDP) | Aetna Medicare | 3.0 ★ | $97.30/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | 3.0 ★ | $37.70/mo | $601 | Enroll |
Lowest Monthly Premium
Lower premiums help with monthly cash flow, but check drug tier costs and the deductible.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Monthly Premium | Drug Deductible | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana Basic Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $0.00/mo | $615 | 3.0 ★ |
| Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | Wellcare | $3.60/mo | $615 | 3.5 ★ |
| Wellcare Classic (PDP) | Wellcare | $3.70/mo | $615 | 3.5 ★ |
| Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $37.70/mo | $601 | 3.0 ★ |
| Aarp Medicare Rx Saver From Uhc (PDP) | Unitedhealthcare | $63.20/mo | $615 | 2.0 ★ |
Lowest Annual Drug Deductible
The deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket before the plan starts covering drug costs. The 2026 maximum Part D deductible is $590. Many plans offer $0 deductible options.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Drug Deductible | Monthly Premium | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana Premier Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $0 | $108.60/mo | 3.0 ★ |
| Aarp Medicare Rx Preferred From Uhc (PDP) | Unitedhealthcare | $130 | $119.30/mo | 2.0 ★ |
| Bluerx Enhanced Plus (PDP) | Bluerx (Pdp) | $150 | $129.50/mo | 2.5 ★ |
| Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $601 | $37.70/mo | 3.0 ★ |
| Humana Basic Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $615 | $0.00/mo | 3.0 ★ |
Understanding drug tiers: Part D plans organize medications into 5 cost tiers — Tier 1 (Preferred Generic) is cheapest; Tier 5 (Specialty) is most expensive. Two plans with the same premium can have very different costs for your drugs depending on tier placement. Learn more about drug tiers →
Choosing the Right Part D Drug Plan
The right Part D plan depends on your specific medications. Key factors to evaluate:
- Formulary: Verify your drugs are covered before enrolling
- Preferred pharmacies: Lower copays at certain locations—check your pharmacy is in-network
- Total annual cost: Premium + deductible + copays for your drugs
Read our full guide on choosing Part D →
What is a formulary? See our Medicare Glossary →
Part D Drug Plan Insurers in 36278, AL
6 insurance companies offer standalone Part D drug plans in 36278, AL. Below, we group plans by insurer.
Wellcare
Avg Star Rating
3.5 ★
Humana
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
Aetna Medicare
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
Plan
Premium
Deductible
Stars
Type
Bluerx (Pdp)
Avg Star Rating
2.5 ★
Healthspring
Avg Star Rating
2.5 ★
Unitedhealthcare
Avg Star Rating
2.0 ★
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits shown are based on CMS data and may change. Always verify current details with the insurer and at Medicare.gov before enrolling.
Ready to Enroll in 36278, AL?
Compare plans side-by-side at Medicare.gov or speak with a licensed Medicare specialist.
📋 Print our Medicare Enrollment Checklist — gather your info before you compare.
📅 Enrollment Dates & Deadlines · 🩺 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
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Pharmacy Access in 36278, AL
Part D plans have preferred pharmacy networks where you'll pay lower copays. Here's a look at pharmacy options in and around 36278, AL.
Total Pharmacies
2
within 5.0 miles
Chain Pharmacies
0
CVS, Walgreens, etc.
Independent Pharmacies
2
locally owned
| Pharmacy | Address & Phone | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| OUR TOWN PHARMACY, LLC | 100 OLD HIGHWAY 431 WEDOWEE, AL 362783627 256-635-0076 | 1.8 mi | Independent |
| RX PARTNERS 001, LLC | 1290 MAIN STREET SOUTH WEDOWEE, AL 36278 256-635-2315 | 2.9 mi | Independent |
| YOUNGS DRUG STORE LLC | 24460 HIGHWAY 48 WOODLAND, AL 362805204 256-644-2372 | 6.5 mi | Independent |
| EMERGING RX, LLC DBA EMERGING HOME CARE PHARMACY | 3868 HIGHWAY 431 ROANOKE, AL 362742640 877-791-0089 | 14.3 mi | Independent |
| YOUNGS DRUG STORE LLC | 88960 HWY 9 LINEVILLE, AL 36266 256-639-5632 | 14.7 mi | Independent |
| ASHLAND PHARMACY, INC. | 83074 HIGHWAY 9 ASHLAND, AL 362517975 256-635-2166 | 19.8 mi | Independent |
| SIMS PHARMACY INC | 301 W COLLEGE ST BOWDON, GA 301081309 770-025-3366 | 20.0 mi | Independent |
| SIMS PHARMACY INC | 301 W COLLEGE ST STE B BOWDON, GA 301081309 770-025-3366 | 20.2 mi | Independent |
| JOHNSON AND ENTREKIN PHARMACY LLC | 205 E COLLEGE ST BOWDON, GA 301081108 678-825-5400 | 20.3 mi | Independent |
| WALGREEN CO | 128 LOVVORN AVE BOWDON, GA 301081141 770-025-3310 | 20.3 mi | Chain |
Pharmacy data from CMS. Network participation varies by plan—always verify with your specific Part D plan.
Local Healthcare Access in 36278, AL
Before choosing a plan, consider the healthcare infrastructure in 36278, AL. Medicare Advantage plans restrict you to in-network hospitals, so understanding local hospital quality helps you pick the right plan — not just the cheapest one.
Note: The facilities below do not indicate which providers are in-network for any specific plan. Always verify network status with your plan before enrolling.
Hospitals Nearby
2
within 25.0 miles
Top-Rated Hospitals near 36278, AL
If hospital access matters to your plan choice, check quality ratings before you enroll. These are the highest CMS-rated hospitals near 36278, AL — click a hospital name to see its full profile and verify it's in your plan's network.
| Hospital | CMS Rating | Distance | Beds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tanner Medical Center - Carrollton | 3 ★ | 29.6 mi | 182 |
| Russell Medical Center | 3 ★ | 37.5 mi | 81 |
| Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center | 2 ★ | 32.8 mi | 276 |
| Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center | 1 ★ | 29.1 mi | 323 |
| Tanner Medical Center-East Alabama | Not Rated | 2.7 mi | 15 |
| Clay County Hospital | Not Rated | 19.8 mi | 53 |
| Higgins General Hospital | Not Rated | 33.6 mi | 25 |
| Citizens Baptist Medical Center | Not Rated | 34.9 mi | 122 |
| Lake Martin Community Hospital | Not Rated | 38.0 mi | 46 |
| Eamc - Lanier | Not Rated | 39.9 mi | 1 |
View all 2 hospitals near 36278, AL to check quality before you enroll →
Hospital data from CMS Hospital Compare and Provider of Services file. Distance calculated from center of 36278, AL.
Telehealth in 36278, AL: Is Your Internet Ready?
Many Medicare Advantage and some Part D plans now include telehealth benefits, making routine check-ins and prescription refills easier from home. But telehealth requires reliable internet—here's a look at connectivity in 36278, AL. For official guidance on virtual visits, see Telehealth.HHS.gov from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Check Internet Providers at Your Address
Telehealth works best with reliable internet. Use this tool (provided free by ISP Reports) to see what's available at your address.
Opens ISP Reports in a new tab. This is not a paid relationship. Special thank you to ISP Reports for allowing free use of their address tool.
Internet Coverage in 36278, AL
Fiber Available
7.6%
of households
Cable/DSL Available
96.8%
of households
Top Provider
Spectrum
21.8% coverage
No Broadband
2.1%
of households
Internet coverage data from ISP Reports. View full internet report for 36278, AL.
Medicare-Relevant Demographics in 36278, AL
Understanding 36278, AL's demographics helps contextualize why insurers offer the plans they do. Areas with more seniors and higher incomes tend to attract more insurer competition, while areas with higher Medicaid enrollment may have more Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) available.
Total Population
4,089
Population 65+
1,000
24.4% of total
Median Age
47
8.8 years older than the national average
Median Income
$67,200
10.6% below the National Average
On Medicare
729
17.8% of residents
On Medicaid
525
12.8% of residents
Uninsured
423
10.3% of residents
Social Security Recipients
1,532
37.5% of population
Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023). View full 36278, AL demographics (BestNeighborhood.org).
Community Health in 36278, AL
CDC PLACES population-health estimates for 36278, AL. These indicators influence which Medicare plans tend to perform best here — plans that score well on condition-specific quality measures (diabetes A1c control, blood-pressure control, heart-attack readmission) are usually stronger matches in communities with elevated disease burden.
Diabetes
16.0%
of adults · US avg 12.1%
Heart Disease
9.1%
coronary heart disease · US avg 6.2%
High Blood Pressure
46.9%
of adults · US avg 34.1%
Source: CDC PLACES (2025) — zip-level, population-weighted estimates.
Medicare Plans by Health Condition in 36278, AL
Not every Medicare plan performs equally on every condition. These condition-specific pages rank the plans available in this zip by the CMS quality measures that matter most for each condition:
Top Medicare Doctors in 36278, AL
Medicare-enrolled doctors practicing in or near 36278, AL, ranked by specialty leadership and Medicare patient volume. The plan you pick is only as good as the doctors who accept it — verify your preferred doctors are in-network before enrolling.
Qualify for Both Medicare & Medicaid?
If you are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) combines both into a single card — typically with $0 premiums, $0 copays, and extra benefits like dental, vision, transportation, and over-the-counter allowances.
View D-SNP Plans in 36278, AL →Local Medicare FAQ: 36278, AL
Common decision points based on 36278, AL's specific plan market and local healthcare landscape.
How does 36278, AL's Medicare Advantage market compare?
36278, AL has 48 Medicare Advantage plans from 6 insurers. This is roughly in line with the national average of approximately 57 plans per area. The local mix includes 26 HMO and 22 PPO plans. Plan availability updates annually during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7).
Should I choose an HMO or PPO Medicare Advantage plan in 36278, AL?
With limited hospital access nearby, a PPO plan (22 available) could be worth the extra cost for out-of-network coverage, especially if you need to travel for specialized care. In 36278, AL, HMO plans dominate the market, which often means more competitive HMO pricing. Always verify your doctors are in-network before enrolling in any plan.
What's the real cost of $0 premium plans in 36278, AL?
45 plans (94% of available options) in 36278, AL charge $0 beyond the standard Part B premium. This high percentage reflects strong insurer competition in the area. However, $0 premium doesn't mean $0 cost. These plans may have higher copays, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket maximums. In 36278, AL, maximum out-of-pocket limits range from $2,900 to an average of $6,977. We recommend calculating your total expected annual cost (premium + copays + drug costs) rather than choosing based on premium alone.
How does the 2026 $2,000 drug cap affect 36278, AL beneficiaries?
The Inflation Reduction Act capped annual out-of-pocket drug spending at $2,000 starting in 2025, eliminating the old "donut hole" coverage gap. This applies to all 12 standalone Part D plans in 36278, AL.
What this means locally:
- Cost predictability — No matter which of the 12 Part D plans you choose, your drug costs are capped at $2,000/year
- $0 deductible options — Some local plans offer $0 deductibles, meaning coverage starts immediately
- Low-income options — 2 plans meet the regional benchmark for Extra Help/LIS eligibility
While the out-of-pocket cap standardizes maximum costs, formulary coverage still varies significantly between plans. A drug that costs $5/month on one plan's formulary might cost $50 on another. Always check that your specific medications are covered and compare tier placement before enrolling.
See all Medicare FAQs in our complete guide → · Enrollment checklist →
Medicare Glossary · Enrollment Dates & Deadlines · Doctor Questions
About the Data & Editorial Team
Wes Ward
Founder & Data Lead
Wes Ward is the founder of InsuranceDataNow.org and reviews all content for data accuracy and methodology compliance.
With 25+ years in data analytics — including work with highly regulated genomic data at Ancestry.com — Wes brings enterprise-level rigor to consumer data tools. He is also a co-founder of BestNeighborhood.org, CrimeGrade.org, and ISPReports.org.
Role: Reviews and approves all content for data accuracy, source verification, and methodology compliance.
Transparency & Disclosures
InsuranceDataNow is an advertising-supported publisher based in South Jordan, Utah. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or the U.S. government.
TPMO Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (24 hours a day/7 days a week) to get information on all of your options.
Sources
- CMS Medicare Plan Finder Data (Part C & D): Plan availability, premiums, deductibles, formularies, and Star Ratings from cms.gov
- CMS Provider Data: Hospital and pharmacy facility data from data.cms.gov
- CMS NPPES: Doctor identity, specialties, and addresses from npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov
- CMS Medicare Provider Utilization & Payment Data: Doctor patient volumes and procedures from data.cms.gov
- CMS Physician Compare: Doctor-hospital affiliations from data.cms.gov
- CDC PLACES: Zip-level chronic-condition prevalence (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System estimates) from cdc.gov/places
- U.S. Census Bureau / American Community Survey: Demographics for 36278, AL from census.gov
- FCC Broadband Map: Internet availability data from broadbandmap.fcc.gov
- Telehealth.HHS.gov: Official telehealth guidance from U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
- ISP Reports: Internet provider coverage for 36278, AL from ispreports.org
- BestNeighborhood.org: Community demographic profiles for 36278, AL from bestneighborhood.org
- CrimeGrade.org: Block-level safety analytics for 36278, AL from crimegrade.org
All data is sourced from official government databases and trusted third-party providers. Data is updated regularly—see page header for last refresh dates. Read our full methodology → • Privacy policy