Choosing the right Medicare plan in Arkansas can save you money and provide the healthcare coverage you need. In 2025, Arkansas seniors face key changes like a $2,000 cap on prescription drug costs and lower average Medicare Advantage premiums ($7.74/month). Here's what you need to know:
- Original Medicare: Covers hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) services but lacks drug, dental, and vision coverage. Monthly Part B premium: $185.
- Medicare Advantage (Part C): Combines Parts A & B, often includes drug, dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Network restrictions apply. Average premium: $7.74/month.
- Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Stand-alone drug coverage starting at $0/month. Check formularies for your medications.
- Medigap Plans: Fills gaps in Original Medicare (e.g., deductibles, copayments). Offers broader provider access but requires separate Part D.
For free help comparing plans, contact Arkansas SHIP at 1-800-282-9134 or give us Martin Agency a call at 870-892-5222. Enrollment did run from October 15 to December 7, 2024, for 2025 coverage.
Arkansas Medicare Supplements - Three Things You Should Know
Medicare Plan Types
Explore the Medicare options available in Arkansas to find the best fit for your healthcare needs.
Parts A and B: Original Medicare
Original Medicare includes hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage. Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing, and hospice care, while Part B focuses on doctor visits, preventive care, and other medically necessary services. For most people, Part A is free, but Part B comes with a monthly premium of $185 in 2025, which may vary based on income.
Part C: Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage plans bundle Parts A and B and often include extra benefits like wellness programs. Some of the major providers in Arkansas are Arkansas Blue Medicare, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and Wellcare. These plans may also cover services not included in Original Medicare.
Part D: Prescription Drug Plans
Part D plans help cover medication costs. In Arkansas, seniors can choose from 16 stand-alone prescription drug plans, with premiums starting as low as $0 per month. Each plan has a formulary - essentially a list of covered drugs - organized into cost-sharing tiers. Compare your prescriptions to the formulary of each plan to find the right fit.
Medigap Plans
Medigap plans fill gaps in Original Medicare by covering out-of-pocket costs like deductibles and copayments. In Arkansas, insurance companies must offer at least one Medigap plan to beneficiaries under 65, though premiums may be higher for this group. Currently, 58 insurers provide Medigap plans in the state.
When choosing a plan, consider your care needs and provider preferences. Medicare Advantage plans often have network restrictions, while Original Medicare paired with a Medigap plan allows access to a broader range of providers. Take a close look at costs and benefits to narrow down your options.
Plan Costs and Benefits
Monthly and Yearly Costs
In 2025, the standard Medicare Part B premium is set at $185 per month, while Part A typically comes at no cost for individuals who have worked and paid Medicare taxes.
For those considering Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas, the average monthly premium is $7.74 (this is in addition to the Part B premium). These plans can be a budget-friendly option for many.
If prescription drug coverage is a priority, Arkansas residents can explore 16 stand-alone Part D plans, with some starting at $0 per month. However, these plans may include annual deductibles, medication copayments, and costs related to the coverage gap (commonly referred to as the "donut hole").
When deciding, it's essential to compare the benefits offered by different plans to ensure they align with your needs.
Coverage Analysis
Here's a quick breakdown of coverage options to help match your health needs:
This table highlights the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, making it easier to see which plan might work best for you.
Plan Comparison Chart
Take a closer look at how Medicare options compare across key features:
As of 2025, 45% of Arkansas Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. While this is below the national average, the number is steadily growing, reflecting increasing interest in these options.
Arkansas Medicare Resources
Arkansas seniors have access to various resources to help them navigate their Medicare options and make informed decisions.
State Insurance Office
The Arkansas Insurance Department plays a key role in managing Medicare supplement policies, handling consumer complaints, and keeping an updated list of approved Medigap policies. Insurers offering Medigap plans in the state are required to provide at least one option to Medicare beneficiaries under 65, though premiums may be higher for this group. For more details or assistance, seniors can visit the department's official website.
Free Medicare Help
The Arkansas State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free Medicare counseling by calling 1-800-282-9134. SHIP counselors can assist with:
- Comparing Medicare Advantage and supplement plans
- Exploring prescription drug coverage options
- Checking eligibility for financial aid programs
- Understanding Medicare rights and protections
Local agencies like Martin Agency can also provide in-person guidance to help seniors make confident Medicare decisions.
Local Insurance Help
The Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging (5A) connects seniors with regional offices that assist with healthcare services and insurance benefit applications.
For those in Arkansas, Martin Agency specializes in Medicare insurance guidance, helping seniors assess their coverage options and understand policy details. Additionally, licensed insurance agents familiar with both federal Medicare rules and Arkansas-specific guidelines can help compare Medicare Advantage plans and policies offered by the 58 Medigap insurers operating in the state.
Steps to Pick Your Plan
Select a Medicare plan that matches your health needs and fits your budget.
Review Your Health Needs
Start by listing your current medical treatments, medications, preferred doctors, and any care you expect to need in the future. This will help you focus on plans that cover the services you rely on.
Here’s what to think about:
- Your current medical conditions and treatments
- Prescription drugs you take regularly
- Doctors or healthcare facilities you prefer
- Any planned procedures or treatments
- Extra services like dental or vision care
Compare Plans Online
Use Medicare's Plan Finder tool to research and compare available plans in Arkansas. By entering your zip code and preferences, you’ll get a list of plans tailored to your needs.
Here’s a quick look at 2025 plan details:
- Medicare Advantage has an average monthly premium of $7.74 with available options from multiple carriers
- Prescription drug plans have average monthly premium that varies with only 16 stand alone plans
When comparing plans, keep these points in mind:
- Look at the total costs, including premiums, deductibles, and estimated out-of-pocket expenses.
- Make sure your preferred doctors and facilities are in-network.
- Check Medicare’s quality ratings.
- Review any extra benefits, like dental or vision coverage.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, consider seeking expert advice to confirm your choice.
Get Expert Help
If you’re still unsure after comparing plans, reach out to an expert for guidance. Local professionals can help clarify any confusing details and provide personalized advice.
For free and unbiased help:
- Contact Arkansas SHIP counselors.
- Visit your local Area Agency on Aging office.
- Speak with Martin Agency licensed insurance agents.
Medicare’s Star Rating system is a great way to evaluate plan quality. In Arkansas, carriers like Aetna and Cigna offer highly rated five-star Medicare Advantage plans.
Next Steps
Once you've compared your options and reviewed local resources, follow these steps to enroll. Medicare Annual Enrollment for coverage starting in January 2025 runs from October 15 to December 7, 2024.
Start by scheduling a consultation with an Arkansas SHIP counselor at 1-800-282-9134. These certified counselors can evaluate your needs and guide you through the enrollment process.
Key Deadlines to Remember
Make sure you're aware of these deadlines as you finalize your decision.
Finalizing Your Plan
Before committing to a plan, check that your healthcare providers are in-network and your prescriptions are included in the coverage. Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas will have an $8,850 out-of-pocket maximum for 2025 Part A and B services.
For further assistance, reach out to the Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging or Martin Agency licensed insurance agents. They can connect you with local resources, assist in coordinating your healthcare benefits, and help determine if you're eligible for dual Medicare-Medicaid coverage, which could lower your expenses.
Pro Tip: Keep detailed records of all conversations with insurance representatives, including notes and enrollment confirmations. Save your plan's member services contact information and note your coverage start date.
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