Medicare Plans in Arkansas

What Arkansas Medicare Plans Are Available?

Medicare is the program that provides insurance coverage to those 65 and older as well as some individuals with disabilities. The program consists of several parts, each of which provides a different purpose for beneficiaries. 

HelpAdvisor Editorial Team analysis of data from the 2024 MA Landscape Source Files and carrier-provided plan data supplied by SunFire, Inc., a private company that creates software solutions for agents and brokers to compare Medicare plans. For more information, visit www.sunfireinc.com.

What Arkansas Medicare Plans Are Available?

Medicare is the program that provides insurance coverage to those 65 and older as well as some individuals with disabilities. The program consists of several parts, each of which provides a different purpose for beneficiaries. 

Part A

Medicare Part A provides a more traditional component of coverage, geared toward benefits that service those requiring hospital care and other inpatient services (skilled nursing, hospice, surgical center and some home health care). 

Premiums for this part of Medicare are based on inclusion in the federal payroll tax system. 

Part B

Medicare Part B covers preventative care, including annual physician visits, screenings and diagnostic testing. Premiums for Part B are based on income, and beneficiaries are responsible for copays and deductibles. 

Medicare Advantage

The Medicare Advantage Plan is a supplemental policy that can replace some of the components of Parts A and B, both of which an individual must have before signing up for an Advantage program. Some Medicare Advantage plans also cover some prescription medications, as well as dental and vision services.   

This program is different from the original parts of Medicare in that it is administered through private insurers. Plan options include a Special Needs Plan, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Private Fee-for-Service. 

Part D/Prescription Drug Plan

This component of the Medicare program is the prescription drug benefit that provides coverage for necessary medications for beneficiaries. It is a complementary plan to Parts A and B

Those with Advantage plans can opt to forgo Part D entirely if needed. It is an option plan when signing up for Parts A and B; however, those who do not opt to enroll when it is designated can do so at a later date. There may be a penalty for doing so. 

Medigap

Medigap is a supplement program that helps with out-of-pocket expenses for those individuals who are covered under some of the other program parts. Arkansas residents have their choice of several Medigap program options. 

Within the Arkansas population, there are more than 664,000 residents enrolled in a Medicare program. Of this, 43% of individuals are enrolled in an Advantage program. There are 52 Medigap insurance providers in Arkansas and 23 standalone Part D programs. 

Who Is Eligible for Arkansas Medicare?

Eligibility is automatic for those turning 65 who are already receiving benefits from the Social Security Administration. Those who are part of this group will receive information about the different program parts three months prior to their 65th birthday. Those who are not automatically enrolled have several other options: 

  • Initial Enrollment: Those interested in signing up can do so three months before turning 65, during their birthday month and three months thereafter. 
  • Annual Enrollment: Medicare also has specific enrollment periods. The first spans January 1 through March 31, with benefits kicking in on July 1. The second enrollment period spans October 15 and December 7, with benefits kicking in on January 1. Beneficiaries must enroll during this time to avoid incurring a penalty. The fall enrollment period is the point at which beneficiaries can choose a new Part D or Advantage program. 
  • Special enrollment: Those who have recently moved back into the country or lost employer-sponsored coverage can sign up for a Medicare program at any time without incurring a fee. 

How Do I Enroll in Medicare in Arkansas?

There are several ways to enroll in one of the Medicare programs in Arkansas: 

  • Head to the Social Security Administration website and apply online. 
  • Call the Social Security Administration office at (800) 772-1213. 
  • Visit the local Social Security Administration office (appointments are recommended)  and sign up in person. 

HelpAdvisor Editorial Team analysis of data from the 2024 MA Landscape Source Files and carrier-provided plan data supplied by SunFire, Inc., a private company that creates software solutions for agents and brokers to compare Medicare plans. For more information, visit www.sunfireinc.com.

Average Cost of Medicare Advantage Plans in Arkansas

Average Cost of Medicare Advantage Plans in Arkansas
Average Monthly Premium $42.93
Average in-network out-of-pocket spending limit $6,220.96
Average drug deductible in 2024 (weighted) $351.01
Percentage of plans rated 4 stars or higher 58.8%
Average Cost of Medicare Advantage Plans in Arkansas
Average Monthly Premium
$42.93
Average in-network out-of-pocket spending limit
$6,220.96
Average drug deductible in 2021 (weighted)
$351.01
Percentage of plans rated 4 stars or higher
58.8%

Arkansas Medicare Advantage Plans by County

The chart below provides more information about Medicare Advantage plan costs and enrollment in Arkansas by county in 2024.

Scroll to the right to continue reading the chart
County Average Premium Average Annual Drug Deductible % of Plans Rates 4 Stars or Higher # of Plans Available
Lee $43 $343 58.3% 48
Phillips $47 $360 50.0% 36
Clay $45 $382 42.9% 35
Pike $43 $333 60.9% 46
Pulaski $40 $331 63.3% 60
Stone $43 $343 60.0% 50
Yell $45 $343 59.2% 49
Saint Francis $45 $343 59.2% 49
Monroe $35 $356 47.1% 34
Mississippi $45 $375 52.4% 42
Lonoke $43 $331 57.7% 52
Clark $43 $333 63.0% 54
Carroll $43 $343 62.3% 53
Drew $45 $382 37.9% 29
Jefferson $43 $331 56.5% 46
Conway $41 $337 59.3% 54
Garland $40 $337 65.5% 58
Arkansas $41 $343 59.1% 44
Saline $40 $337 65.5% 58
Montgomery $41 $343 63.0% 54
Independence $41 $361 53.5% 43
White $35 $344 45.0% 40
Nevada $45 $347 53.8% 39
Sharp $45 $382 41.9% 31
Crittenden $42 $340 58.3% 48
Fulton $45 $360 52.6% 38
Izard $44 $360 52.6% 38
Desha $39 $360 48.6% 35
Newton $43 $356 60.8% 51
Cross $41 $361 51.2% 41
Grant $43 $343 60.0% 50
Chicot $39 $360 48.6% 35
Searcy $45 $343 60.9% 46
Union $42 $347 55.0% 40
Bradley $47 $360 50.0% 36
Greene $42 $360 56.5% 46
Craighead $42 $351 53.2% 47
Ashley $42 $375 51.4% 37
Calhoun $47 $360 52.4% 42
Le Flore $47 $360 50.0% 36
Dallas $45 $360 53.8% 39
Ouachita $42 $375 51.4% 37
Poinsett $44 $360 55.6% 45
Prairie $41 $343 60.8% 51
Perry $43 $343 62.3% 53
Lawrence $40 $375 54.5% 44
Cleburne $41 $343 63.0% 54
Randolph $42 $360 55.6% 45
Cleveland $47 $360 50.0% 36
Jackson $42 $382 44.4% 36
Van Buren $41 $343 61.5% 52
Mccurtain $43 $343 60.0% 45
Hot Spring $41 $343 63.6% 55
Woodruff $35 $361 45.9% 37
Faulkner $42 $328 70.4% 54
Columbia $47 $379 60.0% 30
Polk $45 $363 60.0% 30
Miller $44 $361 61.3% 31
Scott $44 $342 70.8% 48
Johnson $44 $342 70.2% 47
Crawford $42 $347 70.2% 47
Washington $44 $334 70.2% 47
Benton $44 $334 70.8% 48
Logan $44 $342 70.8% 48
Lafayette $47 $389 47.8% 23
Hempstead $44 $361 61.3% 31
Franklin $44 $342 70.2% 47
Baxter $46 $361 62.5% 32
Madison $47 $342 69.6% 46
Sebastian $44 $334 70.8% 48
Little River $44 $361 61.3% 31
Boone $47 $342 68.4% 38
Pope $45 $337 64.1% 39
Howard $47 $389 47.8% 23
Sevier $44 $361 61.3% 31

Contact Information for Arkansas Medicare, Medicaid and Insurance Help

Take advantage of any number of programs in Arkansas to help learn more about signing up for a Medicare program in Arkansas. 

  • HelpAdvisor:The HelpAdvisor website provides information on signing up for one of the Medicare programs and information on resources for seniors around the state. 
  • Arkansas State Health Insurance Program (SHIP):The Arkansas SHIP program offers information on senior resources for those who need help in Arkansas in signing up for a Medicare program. 

Arkansas Rx Assistance Programs: Arkansas has numerous drug assistance programs for those who need help paying for their medications.