Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) is a nonprofit health insurance company that provides coverage to more than 3 million people, commanding over 90 percent of the health insurance market in Alabama. BCBSAL is classified as a 501(m) company by the IRS. Under state law it is classified as a "special health-benefit service plan", not an insurance company, although its coverage functions like health insurance. As a special health-benefit service plan the Alabama Department of Insurance does not automatically review BCBSAL rates as long as the rating methodology doesn't change.