MONTGOMERY, Alabama --- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama recently notified about 87,000 policy holders in the state that their individual health plans will no longer be available after Dec. 31.

Blue Cross spokeswoman Koko Mackin said in an email that the plans did not meet the new requirements under the Affordable Care Act for 2014.

“To provide a smooth transition, our members were offered the option to be automatically enrolled in a new ACA-compliant plan comparable with their current coverage, or to choose from any of our new individual health plans during the six-month open enrollment period," Mackin said.

The 87,000 policy holders amount to 4 percent of Blue Cross and Blue Shield's members in Alabama. They include those who purchase individual plans to cover themselves and those who buy family coverage.

Mackin said customers were also informed that they might be eligible for financial assistance with their premiums and cost sharing.

She said a number of factors will determine whether they will pay more for new plans that meet Affordable Care Act requirements. Among those factors are whether they choose a platinum, gold, silver or bronze plan, where they live, their age and the size of their household, whether they use tobacco and whether they are eligible for an advanced premium tax credit. Mackin said premiums also include fees and taxes imposed by the Affordable Care Act.

“We will continue to provide our customers clear and transparent communications as we help them navigate the many changes brought on by healthcare reform,” Mackin said.

who buy their own insurance will receive a cancellation notice because of Obamacare. The news is gaining attention partly because President Obama had earlier said that the Affordable Care Act would not force people to change their insurance plans.

Some Alabamians have complained about paying higher premiums and deductibles because of the health care law.

Updated at 6:17 p.m. to add more information.