Viva Health is a local health care insurance provider that is a part of the University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System. While different levels of service are offered, Viva is widely accepted in Alabama by most every physician who takes Blue Cross. They provide excellent coverage at almost 1/2 the cost of Blue Cross premiums. Their customer service has so far been very helpful. The main issue that you can run into is care outside of Alabama. While Viva will cover ER visits and hospitalizations at non-Viva hospitals, the copays will be more. Also, non-Viva primary care facilities will not be covered. However, if you don't do much traveling outside of the state, the money you save each month on your premiums will certainly outweigh the increased premiums for the ER visits you have to have while you are traveling.
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