Alabama Health Insurance
What is Medicaid?
Title XIX of the Social Security Act (SSA) is a program that provides medical assistance for certain individuals and families with low income and resources. The program, known as Medicaid, became law in 1965. Medicaid is the largest program providing medical and health related services to Alabama’s poorest people.
Who Determines Eligibility for Medicaid Benefits in Alabama?
There are three agencies in Alabama that certify individuals for Medicaid. These agencies certify certain groups of individuals for Medicaid based on their circumstances.
These agencies are:
The Social Security Administration,
The Department of Human Resources, and
The Alabama Medicaid Agency.
The Social Security Administration certifies individuals for the following programs:
Low income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled may qualify for cash assistance through the
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Individuals eligible for SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid. You may hear someone say Alabama is a Section 1634 state. That means that we accept Social Security Administration’s eligibility determination for this group.
The Alabama Medicaid Agency certifies individuals for the following programs:
Pregnant women and children under age 19. Pregnant women and children under age
19 in families with income below certain limits. Applicants should contact their local
SOBRA Medicaid eligibility worker located in Health Departments and some hospitals.
NOTE: Some pregnant women receive pregnancy-related services only.
Plan First Program. Women who are 19-55 years of age and whose income is below a
certain limit. NOTE: These women receive family planning services only. You may
call 1 (888) 737-2083 for more information.
Breast and Cervical Cancer Program. Women under age 65 who have been screened
and diagnosed through the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection
Program (ABCCEDP) or other qualified licensed health providers may be eligible for
this program. Call 1 (877) 252-3324.
