By PHILLIP RAWLS

Associated Press

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - With Alabama's federally facilitated health insurance marketplace launching next week, the Obama administration has released figures showing the typical plan in Alabama will near the national average or slightly less.

The basic plan is called bronze. The Department of Health and Human Services says lowest-cost bronze plan in Alabama averages $247 a month, while the national average is $249. The next step up is the silver plan. The average cost for the lowest-priced silver plan is $303 and then $318 for the second lowest-priced silver plan. That compares to national averages of $310 and $328. Those prices are before tax credits.

The federal government created Alabama's marketplace because Gov. Robert Bentley chose not to have a state-run marketplace.

Consumers can begin reviewing the plans Tuesday. Coverage will start Jan. 1.