Understand Medicare Part C in Arkansas
Medicare Advantage Plans offer a few key differences that distinguish them from Parts A and B of the Original Medicare system managed by the federal government. While Part A pays for inpatient care at a hospital and Part B covers services and supplies used to treat or prevent medical conditions, Medicare Advantage Plans come with a few added benefits. Plans are required to offer the same level of care as Original Medicare and may include additional health care benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, routine hearing, vision, and dental exams, and fitness club memberships:
- In 2023, there are 85 Medicare Advantage Plans available in Arkansas.
- 100% of the total Medicare population in Arkansas has access to a Medicare Advantage Plan with a $0 monthly premium in 2023.
- In 2023, the average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Arkansas is $11.16, a decrease from $11.82 in 2022.
- Twenty-one Medicare Advantage Plans offer innovative benefits, such as wellness and health care planning, reduced cost-sharing, and rewards and incentives programs in 2023.
Designed to be an all-in-one solution, Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. There are several types of Medicare Advantage Plans available, depending on your insurance provider and location. Learn the differences between these plans and how they affect your coverage so that you can make the right choice for your medical situation.
Medicare Advantage Plans in Arkansas
Compare ratings of some of Arkansas’ Medicare Advantage Plan providers:
Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in Alabama | |||||
Insurance company | Medicare rating | A.M. Best rating | BBB rating | NCQA rating | J.D. Power ranking |
Aetna | 4 stars | A | A+ | 2.5 to 4.5 stars | 5 out of 10 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield | 4.5 stars | A | A+ | Not rated | Sixth out of 10 |
Humana | 4 stars | A- | A+ | 1.5 to 4.5 stars | Third out of ten |
UnitedHealthcare | 3.5 stars | A- | A- | 4 stars | Fourth out of 10 |
What Medicare Advantage Plans cover
Medicare Advantage Plans cover benefits from Original Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance), usually Part D (prescription drug coverage), and sometimes additional benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Each Medicare Advantage Plan insurer sets the rules about how you receive and pay for these benefits.
Medicare Advantage Plan Benefits | ||
Hospital and skilled nursing facility inpatient care | Home health care | Prescription drug coverage (if included in your plan) |
Medically necessary outpatient services, such as:
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Preventive services, such as:
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Additional benefits (depending on your plan), such as:
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Types of Medicare Advantage Plans in Arkansas
There are four types of plans available in Arkansas’s Medicare Advantage program: Health maintenance organization (HMO), preferred provider organization (PPO), private fee-for-service (PFFS), and special needs plan (SNP). Each offers a different level of flexibility in your network of care providers and varies in price. All Medicare Advantage Plans provide the same coverage as Original Medicare, but additional benefits may come with an increased premium.
HMOs
HMOs typically require that you receive all services from in network providers:
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PPOs
PPOs include a preferred network of providers, but you have the option of choosing doctors or hospitals from outside of the network for a higher cost.
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PFFS Plans
PFFS plans don’t require a primary care physician or referrals for specialists:
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SNPs
SNPs are only for people with specific conditions and characteristics, and include care coordination and targeted benefits tailored to meet your specific needs:
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When to sign up for Medicare Advantage Plans in Arkansas
If you want to enroll in an Arkansas Medicare Advantage Plan, you need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and you cannot be enrolled in Medigap. Enrollment is available to seniors 65 and older and those with a qualifying disability.
Your disability typically qualifies if you’ve received at least 24 Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Disability Insurance payments. You can also enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
There are three periods when you can enroll:
- The first is the Initial Coverage Election Period when you first become eligible. This period includes the three months before your 65th birthday, the month of your birthday, and the three months following. If you have a disability, this period will occur three months before or after your 25th month of receiving benefits.
- The Annual Election Period runs from October 15 to December 7. During this period, you can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you’re already enrolled in Medicare Advantage, you can switch between plans during this period.
- The Open Enrollment Period takes place between January 1 and March 31. You can switch between Medicare Advantage Plans or go back to Original Medicare during this period.
Medicare provides special enrollment periods for unusual life circumstances, such as losing your job (and health coverage) and moving out of the area your insurance carrier services.
How to Choose a Medicare Advantage Plan in Arkansas
Consider these factors as you compare Medicare Advantage Plans available in your area:
Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in Arkansas | ||||
Insurance company | Medicare rating | A.M. Best rating | BBB rating | J.D. Power ranking |
Aetna | 4 stars | A | A+ | 6th out of 9 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield | 4.5 stars | A | A+ | Not rated |
Humana | 4 stars | A- | A+ | 2nd out of 9 |
UnitedHealthcare | 3.5 stars | A- | A- | 4th out of 9 |
Medicare Advantage Resources in Arkansas
If you’re feeling confused by the multitude of plan options available, getting in touch with trained, unbiased counselors can be a good first step. Arkansas is home to several organizations that can help you make an informed decision.
Arkansas Medicare Advantage Resources | ||
Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging) | Website| 866-292-7165 | Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging can connect you with one of its regional agencies, all of which provide comprehensive selection of services for the region’s older adults. The agencies have programs designed to help seniors 60 and older maintain their health and independence, including resources to guide you through the Medicare enrollment process, and the counselors will help you understand the available benefits fully. |
Arkansas Insurance Department | Website| 800-282-9134 | The Arkansas Insurance Department has a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) that connects you with certified counselors so you can ask questions about Medicare and Medicare Advantage. The assistance is free. |
Arkansas Department of Human Services | Website| 501-582-8292 | The Division of Medical Services within the Arkansas Department of Human Services oversees the state Medicaid program and can offer resources for Medicare. |
Arkansas Attorney General Consumer Protection | Website| 800-482-8982 | The state’s Attorney General’s office can work with you to navigate complex Medicare and Medicaid issues, including information about individual coverage and claims status. |
Learn More From Our Sources
- Medicare | Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) | Last accessed September 2023
- Medicare | How do Medicare Advantage Plans work? | Last accessed September 2023
- Medicare | How Original Medicare works | Last accessed September 2023
- Medicare | Joining a Health or Drug Plan | Last accessed September 2023
- Medicare | Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) | Last accessed September 2023
- Medicare | Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) Plans | Last accessed September 2023
- Medicare | Special Needs Plans (SNP) | Last accessed September 2023