Alabamians looking for health insurance will likely have more choices in the second year of the insurance marketplace. A spokesman for the state insurance department said that United Healthcare has filed plans with state and federal regulators to offer coverage in all 67 counties during the second year of the program. United Healthcare did not offer individual plans in any country during the first year. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama says it again intends to offer individual plans in all of the state's counties. Humana has applied to continue offering plans in the three counties it serves now: Jefferson, Shelby and Madison. Open enrollment for the second year begins November 15th.
Free Breakfast and Lunch
Several Alabama schools systems, including Montgomery Public Schools, will be offering breakfast and lunch free to all students when classes resume in August. The state Department of Education says school systems qualifying for the free meals under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act have poverty levels that are 40 percent and higher. The free meals apply to all students regardless of their family income. Students will pay for extra meals or for purchasing items individually.
Alabama Races
The Republican ballot has far more contested races than the Democratic ballot in Tuesday's runoff election in Alabama. Republicans face off in three statewide races, one Congressional office, six legislative seats and a number of county offices. The Democratic Party has no runoffs for statewide or congressional office and only one for a legislative seat. This will be the second election following the June Primary for the new Photo ID requirement at the polls. Turnout is expected to be light. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.