Understanding Medicare Plans in Arkansas: A Complete Guide for 2026

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as certain younger individuals with disabilities. If you're approaching 65 in Arkansas, understanding your options now can help you avoid coverage gaps and make a more informed decision.

At Arkansas Medicare Resource Center, Josh and Lindsay Davis work with Arkansas seniors every day to help them navigate these choices — and the most common thing we hear is: "I had no idea there were so many options." That's exactly why we wrote this guide.

Original Medicare is the traditional government-run program with two parts:

• Part A covers hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people pay $0 in premiums for Part A if they or their spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
• Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. The standard 2026 Part B premium is $185.00/month, though higher-income beneficiaries may pay more through IRMAA adjustments.

Original Medicare covers approximately 80% of approved costs — leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% coinsurance with no annual out-of-pocket maximum. That's where Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans come in.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They bundle Parts A and B (and usually Part D drug coverage) into a single plan — and many include additional benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.

Some Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas offer low or no monthly premiums beyond the Part B premium you continue to pay. However, these plans typically use provider networks (HMO or PPO), so it's important to verify your doctors and preferred hospitals are in-network before enrolling. Out-of-pocket costs, copays, and network restrictions vary significantly by plan.

If you choose Original Medicare, a Medigap plan may help cover some or all of your out-of-pocket costs — including the 20% coinsurance that Medicare doesn't pay. In Arkansas, commonly selected plans include:

• Plan G — Covers many out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible. Available to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
• Plan N — Generally carries lower premiums than Plan G, with copays for some office visits and emergency room visits.

With a Medigap plan, you can generally see any doctor or specialist in the country who accepts Medicare — without referrals. Plan availability and premiums vary by carrier and location.

If you choose Original Medicare with a Medigap plan, you'll need a separate Part D plan for prescription drug coverage. Arkansas residents have multiple Part D plans to choose from each year during the Annual Enrollment Period. Premiums, formularies, and pharmacy networks vary by plan.

We recommend reviewing your specific medications against each plan's formulary before enrolling — and we provide this comparison at no cost to our clients.

Your IEP is a 7-month window that starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after. Enrolling during this window helps you avoid potential late enrollment penalties.

If you are still working and covered by employer-sponsored insurance at 65, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Generally, you have up to 8 months from the date your employer coverage ends to enroll in Part B without a late penalty. We recommend contacting Social Security or a licensed agent before making this decision.

Every year from October 15 – December 7, you can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for the following year. Changes take effect January 1.

From January 1 – March 31 each year, if you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare (and enroll in a standalone Part D plan).

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right Medicare plan depends on:

• Your current doctors and whether they accept Medicare
• The prescriptions you take and each plan's formulary
• How often you travel or spend time out of state
• Your budget for premiums vs. out-of-pocket costs
• Whether you want the flexibility of seeing any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide

That's why we offer free consultations for every Arkansas senior. We represent multiple carriers and will walk you through your options so you can make an informed decision.

If you're turning 65 or approaching Medicare eligibility, don't wait until the last minute. Contact Josh or Lindsay Davis at Arkansas Medicare Resource Center — we're based right here in Conway, AR and serve seniors across the state.

(501) 458-9803

930 Wingate Street, Building B, Suite 3, Conway, AR 72034

Or request a free consultation online — we'll walk you through your options at no cost to you.