Alabama
In Alabama, females slightly outnumbered males in 2012, with the former accounting for 52% of the state’s total population. Alabama had 4,776,000 residents in that year, based on statistics from the Kaiser Family Foundation. An estimated 34% of adults had children during this time.
Approximately 58% of male smokers and 62% of female smokers exerted some effort to quit from smoking. Excessive smoking can lead to severe ailments such as lung cancer. In 2009, Alabama reported 472.9 fatalities that were caused by cancer per 100,000 individuals.
The state ranked at third from the bottom, or 47th place, in the per state health assessment in America’s Health Rankings. Obesity and physical inactivity, which can result in chronic conditions, have a notably higher prevalence in Alabama than in many states. In addition, 430,000 adult residents deal with diabetes. Despite significant reduction of particulates that pollute the air, Alabama’s air quality still falls in 40th place.
Despite the facts, Alabama made some accomplishments in lowering the incidence of binge drinking among adults and increasing its per capita public health funding.
The Alabama Nursing Home Association notes that more than 220 nursing facilities provide skilled care in the state. Based on a 2013 survey on the state’s nursing facility residents, the nursing facility quality in Alabama surpassed the average quality for the whole country.
Cost of Care
Below are the average daily cost* of long-term care services in Alabama.
| City | Nursing Facility1 | Assisted Living1 | Adult Day Care2 | Home Health Aide3 |
| Alabaster | $202 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Birmingham | $195 | $99 | $47 | $108 |
| Huntsville | $211 | $7137 | N/A | $96 |
| Mobile | $185 | $111 | $16 | $96 |
| Montgomery | $199 | $97 | $44 | $90 |
Notes:
*Costs are rounded to the nearest whole dollar.
1Daily average for a private room.
2Based on five days of care per week.
3Based on six hours of care per day, five days per week.
Insurance Options
March 1, 2009 marked the enactment of Alabama’s Long-Term Care Partnership.
Transamerica began marketing TransCare III, the insurance carrier’s newer long-term care insurance product, to individuals in Alabama on September 10, 2013. TransCare III has its maximum daily benefit amount raised to $500, and its option for elimination period lengthened to one year. Clients can take advantage of the 30% Couples Discount even if they differ in benefits. Additional riders include the Elimination Period Credit Rider and Tailored Benefit Increase Option Rider.
Aside from cancelling the option of payment through credit card, MedAmerica also oversaw changes in the marital and preferred health discount of its FlexCare LTCI product. The changes officially took effect on October 12, 2013.
Other insurers that market LTCI policies in the state include Bankers Life, Country Life, Genworth, LifeSecure, Massachusetts Life, Nationwide Life, New York Life, Northwestern, and State Farm.
State Long-Term Care Programs
More than 850,000 residents in Alabama received benefits from the Medicare government health program in 2011. This program can help long-term care recipients by paying for some skilled care, home health care, therapy, and other services. Medicare Advantage plans serve as alternative ways of getting coverage in. In 2011, Alabama had nearly 175,000 beneficiaries of Medicare Advantage plans. In fact, all Medicare clients in the state have access to an Advantage plan that does not need premium payments.
Low-income individuals who necessitate long-term care can get skilled care or custodial care through the Medicaid program. Residents can access home and community-based care through seven waiver programs, such as the State of Alabama Independent Living (SAIL) Waiver.
Applications for Medicaid go through the federally-facilitated Marketplace. While other states expanded their Medicaid coverage to more individuals in January 2014, Alabama decided not to do so.
Caregivers who provide their services to seniors in frail physical condition can benefit from respite and other support services from the Alabama Cares Program.
More Resources
To get more specific information regarding long-term care services and insurance options in Alabama, please check the following websites:
Offers resource links about Alzheimer’s, caregiving, elder law, and other LTC topics.
Provides extensive resources, with contact numbers and links, for the well-being of seniors.
Alabama Nursing Home Association
Gives the addresses and contact numbers of nursing facilities throughout the state.
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