Uncover Affordable Medicare Plans in Arkansas
Arkansas is a south central state boasting a population of more than 3 million people. Of those 3 million, about 21% of Arkansas residents are currently enrolled in Medicare. Whether you are near the mountains or the forested areas, it is important to understand all of the Medicare plans available to you in Arkansas as you begin your journey through enrollment!
What are Medicare Options in Arkansas?
Arkansas, like many states, offers the standard Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans. If you are a resident, you can choose from the following plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, H, K, L, M, N, high-deductible Plan F, and high-deductible Plan G. You’re able to enroll during the year, but if you want your coverage to be guaranteed, you want to enroll during your open enrollment period in Arkansas.
What are the Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans in Arkansas?
- Medicare Supplement Plan F
- Medicare Supplement Plan G
- Medicare Supplement Plan N
When is the Open Enrollment Period in Arkansas?
As a Medicare beneficiary, you can enroll in any Medicare Supplement within your first six months of your Part B effective date. This is considered your open enrollment period. 
During this time, insurance carriers are required to approve your MediGap application, and are prohibited from declining the coverage you need because you have a pre-existing condition. You can still apply outside of this window, but you will be required to go through medical underwriting, and could be denied coverage based on your health history.
Can I Change Medicare Supplement Plans in Arkansas?
You can apply to change your Medicare Supplement during any month of the year in Arkansas, however there is one catch. Once you are more than 6 months past your Medicare Part B effective date, you must go through medical underwriting in order to be 
approved to enroll into, or change your Medicare Supplement plan. This means that insurance carriers are given the ability to assess your health history, prescriptions, height and weight, as well as other health-related factors to determine if you will be approved or denied coverage. During medical underwriting, insurance carriers have the ability to deny a Medicare Supplement plan application based on pre-existing conditions, so it is important to enroll in a MediGap plan during your open-enrollment period to guarantee your acceptance.
Medigap Plan F in Arkansas
Medicare Supplement Plan F has been a very popular plan with Medicare beneficiaries over time. The reason for the popularity of Plan F, is that it covers the gaps left by Medicare Part A and B with no out-of-pocket. However, if you became Medicare eligible after January 1st 2020, you are not eligible to enroll in MediGap Plan F. Luckily, there are other great Medicare Supplement plan options available.
Medigap Plan G in Arkansas
Medicare Supplement Plan G is a very comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan with very little out-of-pocket expense. Once you have met your Part B annual deductible, MediGap Plan G becomes a full 
coverage plan, covering all of the gaps left by Original Medicare, with no additional out-of-pocket expenses. Plan G is typically a very cost-efficient plan with an affordable monthly premium to ensure gold-standard coverage.
Medigap Plan N in Arkansas
Medicare Supplement Plan N is also a great, comprehensive MediGap plan available in Arkansas. This plan has slightly more out-of-pocket cost than MediGap Plan G, but also comes with a lower monthly premium. As with Plan G, you are still responsible for the Medicare part B annual deductible. Once you have met this deductible, your Original Medicare coverage kicks in, but you still have some cost-share. With MediGap Plan N, you will pay copayments up to $20 for office visits, and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in an inpatient admission. Plan N also has the possibility of an excess charges if you use a doctor or healthcare provider that does not accept Medicare Assignment. Excess charges can be up to 15% of the Medicare-approved payment. If the monthly premium difference between Plan G and Plan N is large enough, Plan N is often times a very attractive option for your Medicare Supplement plan.
What is the Cost of a Medicare Supplement Plan in Arkansas?
Monthly premiums for Medicare Supplement plans are based on three main factors- age, gender, and location. There are other things that may impact your premium such as tobacco use. The premium amounts will vary based on these factors, so it is important to receive a quote based on your specific demographic information.
Medicare Plans in Arkansas for Those Under 65
When it comes to Medicare in Arkansas, there is no offered open enrollment for MediGap plans required by the state for those under 65. You’ll be required to go through and pass any 
medical underwriting that is necessary for acceptance. If you’re under 65 and disabled but still qualify for Medicare, you may not pass this underwriting. If you fit within this category, there are Medicare Advantage Policies that you can look into.
Once you reach 65, more Medicare supplement plans will open up for enrollment in Arkansaswithout any health questions. This period guarantees acceptance.
Medicare Advantage in Arkansas
These plans pay instead of Medicare. You get all the same services as Part A and B but there some restrictions and rules on accessing them. You may find these plans lower in price as they restrict you to a specific network for your healthcare. Some are HMO, while others have HMO and PPO networks available. Before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan in Arkansas, it’s best to make sure your doctor is in the plan’s network.
It’s best to get someone on your side to help you make the best choice for your healthcare. There are many carriers for both Medigap and Medicare Supplement Plans in Arkansas. It can be challenging to know which is right for you.
Medicare and Medicaid in Arkansas
It is possible to qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid in the state of Arkansas. These two programs, however, are separate and have different qualifications you must meet in order to receive benefits. To qualify for Medicaid, you must meet Arkansas’ state income requirements. To qualify for Medicare, you must be either over the age of 65, or under 65 but receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for a minimum of 24 months before applying for Medicare.
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