Arkansas Medicare Plans provide health insurance for people over 65 and individuals with long-term disabilities.
Medicare beneficiaries in Arkansas can enroll in either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans provide an alternative way to get Medicare Part A and B coverage.
Arkansas Medicare Facts and Figures
Arkansas has 460,689 Original Medicare enrollees and 183,683 Medicare Advantage enrollees. The information below pertains to Original Medicare enrollment, service use, and demographic information based on Arkansas beneficiaries.
- About 468,473 enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Of those, the total disabled participants include 84,844.
- The total aged-in enrollees have risen to 383,629.
- Over 451,970 beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Part D plans.
Medicare Costs in Arkansas for 2024
Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, nursing home care, and hospice care. An inpatient hospital stay for 60 to 90 days currently costs [GCBB#part-a-inpatient-coinsurance-days-61-90] per day, and the annual deductible amount for Part A coverage amounts to $1,632.
Medicare Part B provides medical insurance for doctor visits, medical equipment, preventative services, physical therapy, etc. Part B follows an 80/20 split, where you pay 20% out of pocket. The annual deductible for Part B coverage amounts to $240.
| Medicare Part A Costs in 2023 | Medicare Part B Costs in 2023 |
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Original Medicare Coverage
Original Medicare includes coverage for Medicare Part A and Part B. It allows you to visit any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
In Arkansas, the total number of Medicare Part A and/or Part B aged participants has risen to 383,629. The Part A and/or Part B disabled participants amount to 84,844.
Medicare Part A (Hospital Coverage)
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Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)
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Supplemental Medicare Plans in Arkansas
A Medigap policy or supplemental insurance pays for gaps in Original Medicare. Most importantly, these plans provide extra coverage to pay for out-of-pocket expenses. Medigap also pays for copayments, deductibles, and travel-related health costs.
After you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B, you have a one-time, six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period. You have the right to buy any Medigap policy included in the approved Arkansas Medicare plans during this period.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage or Part C plans offer coverage for Medicare with additional benefits. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will receive Medicare coverage for Part A and Part B that follows the terms of your new Advantage Plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans have become popular as they offer routine health care benefits, including vision, hearing, and dental.
Other perks include gym memberships, transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, and food delivery. Advantage Plans have a set annual rate on the maximum out-of-pocket expenses you must pay for Medicare Part A and Part B.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans
Part D provides coverage for outpatient prescription medications. Individuals enrolled in Original Medicare can purchase Medicare Part D as a standalone or part of a Medicare Advantage plan. Normally, you should enroll in Medicare Part D when you first sign up for Medicare.
Part D coverage includes the most common drugs prescribed to Medicare beneficiaries according to federal standards.
A formulary lists specific brand names and generic drugs covered by Part D. The plan also supports commercial vaccines not covered by Part B.
Arkansas Medicare Resources
The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIP) offers aid to Medicare enrollees in Arkansas. SHIIP helps individuals make informed decisions about Medicare. Another local resource includes the Arkansas Medicaid Program, which provides information on government benefit programs.
The Arkansas State Insurance Department protects individual rights by enforcing the state’s rules and regulations. The insurance department also prevents insurance fraud and can assist you with legal insurance matters.
The Arkansas Medicare and Medicaid Issues office exists to teach individuals how to navigate the complex Medicare system. This resource can help you with individual coverage and medical claims.
The Arkansas Medicare Retiree Rates gathers and compiles the monthly and state contribution costs to provide Medicare coverage. View the data to find the total monthly retiree cost.
Lastly, Medigap Supplemental Plan Enrollment offers a one-stop, all-in-one solution for finding Medicare plans. Medigap can find the best plan for you across Arkansas and other states.
Cities in Arkansas with Estimated Premiums for Medicare Supplement Coverage
There are charts with estimated premiums for Medicare Supplement coverage for the below places in Arkansas:
FAQs
Is Original Medicare mandatory in Arkansas?
No. Opting out of Original Medicare has benefits. The main reason to delay Medicare involves putting money into a Health Savings Account (HSA), which allows you to save tax-free. Medicare may impose a penalty on people who decide to enroll after declining coverage.
Do I have to pay for Medicare Part A in Arkansas?
Medicare Part A charges no fees to individuals dependent on Social Security. Should you enroll in Medicare Advantage plans, the fee can go as high as $499 per month. Original Medicare Part A programs in Arkansas have no premium fees.
Does Medicare come out of Social Security in Arkansas?
Yes. As long as you enroll in Social Security and Medicare Part B, the Social Security Administration will automatically deduct your monthly premium. Social Security can pay the provider directly if you enroll in Medicare Advantage or Medicare Part D plans.
When is Medicare deducted from Social Security in Arkansas?
Social Security in Arkansas deducts Medicare fees on the 25th of the month. Medicare Part A and Part D require monthly payments, while Part B requires payments every three months.
Social Security automatically deducts these payments, so you may not receive any bills.
How do you pay for Medicare Part B if you are not collecting Social Security in Arkansas?
Paying for Medicare Part B has become an easy process. Conveniently pay online using a valid credit or debit card. Other accepted forms of payment include checks, money orders, bank transfers, or Medicare Easy Pay.
How To Sign Up for Supplemental Medicare in Arkansas
Choosing the right Supplemental Medicare plan depends on what the policy offers and your medical needs. A good supplemental plan should fill coverage gaps to reduce your healthcare expenses.
Our free service can help you compare carriers and find Arkansas Medicare Plans best suited for you.
Fill out Medigap’s online rate form or give us a call to get rates on supplemental Medicare plans available in Arkansas.
