Hundreds of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries across the state are currently enrolled in Arkansas Medicare Advantage plans. Little Rock, AK, the city with the largest population of Medicare Advantage enrollees, has 88,225 on its own.
But before you consider joining that growing population of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries, it’s essential to understand what these plans are, what they provide, and how you can apply.
Arkansas Medicare Advantage plans
Private insurance carriers build and distribute Medicare Advantage plans, unlike Original Medicare, which the federal government oversees and standardizes.
This difference can have pros and cons; fewer restrictions mean these private companies can offer extensive coverage outside what Original Medicare includes, like vision and prescription drug insurance.
On the other hand, less standardization means insurance plans will have wildly different prices and coverage from provider to provider.
There are several counties throughout Arkansas with at least 25 Medicare Part C plans available from various providers, and it’s essential to carefully sort through all of them to find one that meets your health needs and budget restrictions.
Medicare Advantage plans offers in Arkansas
Arkansas Medicare Advantage plans are often confused with Medigap plans since they both provide additional insurance benefits beyond Original Medicare.
But while Medigap plans have the same benefits regardless of where you live, the prices and coverage specifics in a Medicare Advantage plan will change dramatically from zip code to zip code.
Below, we’ll examine the average prices for plans in Arkansas and list some of the most affordable and comprehensive options. However, because of the high variance, your plan’s specifics will likely look slightly different than those listed below.
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero dollar premium in Arkansas
There are several Arkansas Medicare Advantage plans with cost-free premiums across the state. However, these plans typically have higher out-of-pocket requirements and deductibles to account for the premium savings.
Humana offers the most affordable of Arkansas’ zero-dollar premium plans, with a maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) expense rate of $4,400. This plan also has a four-star rating, a scale that measures a Medicare Advantage plan’s effectiveness from one-to-five.
offers another well-regarded, zero-dollar premium plan. It has a four-star rating and a $5,900 MOOP.
Wellcare also has a zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plan in most Arkansas areas. The policy has a three-star rating and a relatively low $4,900 MOOP.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Humana | $0 | $4,400 | HMO | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,000 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| $0 | $5,900 | LOCAL PPO | 4 | |
| Wellcare | $0 | $4,900 | HMO | 3 |
| Arkansas Blue | $0 | $5,500 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
Medicare Advantage plans with a zero dollar drug deductible in Arkansas
Not all Arkansas Medicare Part C plans offer prescription drug coverage, but some do include zero-dollar deductibles on all prescriptions.
Humana’s zero-dollar premium Medicare Advantage plan also has cost-free drug deductibles and has the lowest MOOP ($4,400) of similar providers.
Wellcare has the second most affordable Medicare Advantage plan with cost-free premiums and drug deductibles. Its HMOPOS plan also has a four-star rating.
Aetna has a zero-dollar premium, zero-dollar drug deductible plan for those looking for an HMO option. This plan also has a four-star rating.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Humana | $0 | $4,400 | HMO | 4 |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,000 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Cigna | $0 | $6,700 | HMO | 4 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $5,700 | HMOPOS | 4 |
| Humana | $0 | $6,00 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
Medicare Advantage plans with a Part B reduction in Arkansas
Original Medicare Part B has a regular monthly premium, but a few Medicare Advantage plans mitigate that cost. Arkansas has three plans with Part B reductions, but those benefits might not be available in your area.
Humana offers two of Arkansas’ Part B reduction plans. One of them is a three-star package with a $3,900 MOOP and a $26 monthly reduction. The other is a four-star plan with a slightly higher $4,500 MOOP but an increased $50 monthly reduction.
Wellcare has the final Arkansas Medicare Advantage plan with Part B reductions. This option has the most significant reduction at $60 but the highest MOOP at $7,550.
All three plans have a zero-dollar premium.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PART B REDUCTION | STAR RATINGS |
| Humana | $0 | $4,500 | $50.00 | 4 |
| Humana | $0 | $3,900 | $26.00 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $7,550 | $60.00 | 3 |
Ancillary/DVH
Arkansas Medicare Advantage Plans are similar to Medigap supplemental plans because they provide extra coverage to improve your Medicare. However, these plans differ significantly in what services they cover.
Medicare Advantage offers dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage, while Medigap’s primary benefits are for hospitals and specialized care facilities. Of course, not every Medicare Advantage plan offers all these benefits, but the right one will insure you for all your basic health needs.
Arkansas cities with Medicare Supplement estimated premiums
Below, you can find charts with estimated premiums for Medicare Supplement coverage for the following cities:
FAQs
What is the average cost for Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas?
The average premium paid for Arkansas Medicare Part C plans is roughly $14.50. However, the additional fees and exact monthly price largely depend on your provider and where you live.
What is the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plan in Arkansas?
Aetna’s zero-dollar premium plan is one of the most well-regarded options in Arkansas. Other popular options include Humana Gold Plus and Cigna Preferred Medicare.
How do I choose the best Medicare Advantage plan for me in Arkansas?
The perfect Medicare Advantage plan primarily comes down to price, rating, and what it offers. Examine each plan closely if you want your Arkansas Medicare Advantage plans to address specific healthcare needs. And if you’re unsure about the coverage you want, look closely at the rating to see how strong each plan is.
Does getting a Medicare Advantage plan make you lose Original Medicare in Arkansas?
You’ll maintain Medicare Part A and B when enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan. However, you can’t enroll in Medigap coverage if you sign up for Medicare Advantage.
Why does zip code affect Medicare Advantage in Arkansas?
Insurance providers can adjust coverage levels with each policy because Medicare Advantage plans aren’t federally standardized like Original Medicare. That variance has a significant impact on your Medicare Advantage price.
How to get help enrolling in an Arkansas Medicare Advantage plan
Finding the right Arkansas Medicare Advantage plan can feel like a hassle between the countless options you’ll need to sort through. But our team makes it easy for you to compare policies and find the best way.
Our licensed insurance agents will compare prices from all Arkansas insurance companies for free to get the coverage you deserve at no charge.
So call our team today. Or complete our online rate form to be connected with the best rates in your area.
