Arkansas Medicare Supplement Plans 2019 Medigap Plans
Arkansas Medigap Plans: What's the Difference?
Most Arkansas seniors agree: Original Medicare, combined with Medicare Supplement, offers the very best health coverage seniors can get. But, which Medicare Supplement is right for you?
The answer to that question is complex. What's best for you is very different than what's best for your spouse or your neighbor. It all comes down to your finances (what you can afford) and your health (how much risk you can take). At MedicareWire, we believe most seniors can narrow their search to three plans: F, G and N. Read on and we'll explain why.
| Insurance Carrier | Plan F | Plan G | Plan N | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $171.18 | $147.86 | $112.79 |  |
|
| American National | $150.54 | $116.39 | N/A |  |
|
| American Republic | $192.76 | N/A | N/A | |
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| American Retirement Life | $222.63 | $139.49 | $137.69 |  |
|
| Americo Life | $177.51 | $140.23 | $120.37 | |
|
| Assured Life | $208.56 | $167.18 | $106.40 | |
|
| Bankers Fidelity | $185.00 | $140.00 | N/A | |
|
| Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield | $196.70 | $143.30 | $110.00 | |
|
| Central States | $193.17 | $131.33 | $112.67 | |
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| Colonial Penn | $218.59 | $192.31 | $128.36 | |
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| Equitable Life | $229.25 | N/A | $157.33 | |
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| Gerber Life | $229.38 | $192.19 | N/A | |
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| Globe Life | $187.00 | $171.50 | $147.50 |  |
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| GPM Health and Life | $231.94 | $173.28 | $153.76 | |
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| Humana | $222.86 | N/A | $142.65 | |
|
| IAC | $249.04 | $201.77 | $171.20 | |
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| ManhattanLife | $192.00 | $145.67 | $122.08 | |
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| Medico | $208.01 | $181.31 | $155.72 | |
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| Old Surety | $172.33 | N/A | N/A | |
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| Omaha Insurance Company | $210.23 | $174.37 | $126.70 | |
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| Philadelphia American | $184.35 | $157.95 | $135.38 | |
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| Physicians Mutual | $264.62 | $191.84 | $181.05 | |
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| QualChoice Life | $189.60 | $141.65 | $114.90 | |
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| Reserve National | $174.85 | $141.80 | $129.35 | |
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| Standard Life | $206.93 | $152.78 | $99.80 | |
|
| State Farm | $218.79 | N/A | N/A | |
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| S.USA Life Insurance | $152.06 | N/A | N/A | |
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| Thrivent | $208.83 | $185.19 | N/A | |
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| United American | $218.00 | $257.00 | $156.00 | |
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| United Commercial Travelers | $256.49 | $226.98 | $179.54 | |
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| AARP | $194.41 | $128.86 | $126.96 | |
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| USAA Life | $186.15 | N/A | $124.61 | |
|
Compare Plan RatesThe average Arkansas senior compares three or more quotes before making an enrollment decision. |
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Top 10 Medicare Supplement Plans in Arkansas
Looking for the best Plan F, G or N available to Arkansas seniors?
- 10 Best Medicare Supplement Plan F
- 10 Best Medicare Supplement Plan G
- 10 Best Medicare Supplement Plan N
10 Best Medigap Plan F Policies in Arkansas
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in Arkansas. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in Arkansas based on our reviews (click for details):
| Carrier | Premium[1] | Fee | Review[2] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve National | $174.85 | None | |
| Globe Life | $187.00 | None | |
| American National | $150.54 | None | |
| USAA Life | $186.15 | None | |
| AARP | $194.41 | None | |
| Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield | $196.70 | None | |
| Standard Life | $206.93 | None | |
| Thrivent | $208.83 | None | |
| United American | $218.00 | None | |
| Aetna | $171.18 | None | |
10 Best Medigap Plan G Policies in Arkansas
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity among Arkansas seniors. With Plan F going away in 2020, it is expected to be the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan G policies available in Arkansas based on our reviews (click for details):
| Carrier | Premium[1] | Fee | Review[2] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve National | $141.80 | None | |
| Globe Life | $171.50 | None | |
| American National | $116.39 | None | |
| AARP | $128.86 | None | |
| Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield | $143.30 | None | |
| Standard Life | $152.78 | None | |
| Thrivent | $185.19 | None | |
| United American | $257.00 | None | |
| Central States | $131.33 | None | |
| Bankers Fidelity | $140.00 | None | |
| NOTE: Medigap Plan G is identical to Plan F, with one exception. A Plan G policy does not pay your Medicare Part B annual deductible. In many cases the annual cost of Plan G makes it a better deal. | |||
10 Best Medigap Plan N Policies in Arkansas
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D, but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many Arkansas seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in Arkansas based on our reviews (click for details):
| Carrier | Premium[1] | Fee | Review[2] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reserve National | $129.35 | None | |
| Globe Life | $147.50 | None | |
| Standard Life | $99.80 | None | |
| Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield | $110.00 | None | |
| USAA Life | $124.61 | None | |
| AARP | $126.96 | None | |
| United American | $156.00 | None | |
| Central States | $112.67 | None | |
| Aetna | $112.79 | None | |
| QualChoice Life | $114.90 | None | |
| NOTE: With Medigap Plan N, 100% of your Part B coinsurance is covered, except up to a $20 copayment for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits. | |||
Medicare Supplemental Insurance Reviews
We evaluate all Medicare Supplement (Medigap) companies servicing policies in Arkansas. Our reviews are unbiased. We use a mathematical formula that considers years in business, A.M. Best financial strength rating, plans serviced, plan premiums and fees. We do not evaluate rate increase history, so be sure to ask you agent to provide this information.
We review Medicare Supplement Plans in Arkansas head-to-head, statewide. We recommend consumers use our 5-star ratings as one aspect of their decision making process. It helps compare insurance carriers at-a-glance.
Medicare Supplement Rates (Premiums)
We list monthly premiums for all Medigap plans offered by Medicare Supplement carriers in Arkansas. Rates are samples based on a 65 year old, non-smoking woman and include applicable household discounts. Use our rates for comparison purposes only. Your actual rate will be based on where you live, your age, sex and use of tobacco products.
Medigap Plans are Standardized Medicare Supplements
The Arkansas Department of Insurance and the federal government have worked together to standardize Medicare supplemental insurance policies. Insurance companies must clearly identify plans as Medicare Supplement Insurance and each Medicare Plan must use a standardized letter code, A through N. Each lettered plan offers the same benefits, regardless of the carrier offering it. Only the rates are different.
NOTE: Medigap, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Plans are all names used interchangeably for supplemental insurance that fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage.
Each Medicare supplement insurance policy sold in Arkansas offers the basic benefits of Plan A. All other lettered plans after A feature additional levels of coverage. This allows you to choose the amount of liability coverage you need.
Each insurance company decides which policies it wants to sell, although state laws might affect which ones they offer. Insurance companies that sell Medicare supplemental insurance:
- Are not required to offer every Medigap plan
- Must offer Medigap Plan A (basic benefits)
- Must also offer Plan C or Plan F
For more information, visit the Arkansas Department of Insurance website at http://www.arkansas.gov/insurance.
Why is Medicare Supplement Plan F Favored in Arkansas?
Medicare Plan F costs more than all other Medigap plans, yet it is the most popular among Arkansas seniors. In fact, more than 50% of people with supplemental coverage buy Plan F. The top reason is that it covers all gaps in Original Medicare, offering peace-of-mind and convenience.
IMPORTANT: If you need protection from high medical bills, you must buy a Medicare Supplement Plan F policy before January 1, 2020. Congress voted and supplement insurance carriers will not be able to offer these polices after December 31, 2019.
RELATED: Medicare Plan F: What Does this Medicare Supplement Offer?
Is AARP's Medicare Supplement the Best Medigap Plan?
AARP sell more Medicare Supplements in Arkansas than any other carrier. AARP Medicare Supplement plans, by United Healthcare (UHC), provide the same coverage as the standardized Medigap plans from other carriers. The most significant difference is the cost and financial stability of the carrier.
Our research shows that AARP Medigap Plans are usually more expensive than competing plans. That said, in many areas UHC has hospitals under contract, allowing them to offer Medicare SELECT plans at favorable rates. This allows them to be more competitive on monthly premiums, but you must agree to use one of their contracted hospitals.
The three most popular AARP supplements are Plan F, Plan G and Plan N. You can see the difference between these plans on the comparison chart below.
Med Supp Plan Comparison Chart
The following Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart offers a quick look at the benefits provided by each Medigap policies.
| Medigap Benefits | A | B | C | D | F* | G | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A Coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefifits are used up | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medicare Part B Coinsurance or Copayment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes** |
| Blood (First 3 Pints) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Medicare Part A Deductible | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | 50% | Yes |
| Medicare Part B Deductible | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Medicare Part B Excess Charges | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Foreign Travel Emergency (Up to Plan Limits) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Out-of-Pocket Limit*** | None | None | None | None | None | None | $5,240 | $2,620 | None | None |
* Medicare Plan F also offers a high-deductible plan. If you choose this option, this means you must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount of $2,240 before your Medigap plan pays anything.
** Medicare Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don't result in an inpatient admission.
*** After you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible, the Medigap plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.
Medicare Supplements vs Medicare Advantage
Still wondering if a Medicare Supplement is the right way to go? Considering Medicare Advantage to cut costs? For many seniors in Arkansas it's a difficult decision. Here are a couple things to consider.
First, understand the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans available in Arkansas. A Medigap plan fills gaps in your Original Medicare benefits. A Medicare Advantage plan may have a similar effect, but it replaces your Original Medicare benefits with managed care, reducing your options.
Second, if you need the most choices and flexibility, Original Medicare combined with a Medicare Supplement and a Arkansas Medicare Part D plan is the best coverage you can get.
RELATED: Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: Which Is Best?
Need Local Help?
The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. The Arkansas SHIP is a grant-funded project of the federal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). You can reach them by phone or on their website:
- 1-800-224-6330; (501) 371-2782
- http://www.insurance.arkansas.gov/shiip.htm
Looking for Insurance Carrier Contact Information?
Disclaimers
The Medicare Supplement Insurance data on MedicareWire.com comes from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and private sources and is subject to change. CMS has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information on this site.
The MedicareWire.com website is available for educational purposes. Our goal is to present information about senior health insurance accurately and without bias, based on our interpretation of factual information. However, this site is not intended as a substitute for legal, health, or financial advice from a licensed professional. On this page we help consumers:
Compare 2019 Medicare Supplement Plans in Arkansas. Get rates and reviews, including Plan F, G, and N. Find the best Medigap Plans in Arkansas at the lowest cost available. Get an AARP Med Supp plan, guaranteed issue, if you're turning age 65.
MedicareWire.com is an independent research, technology and publishing organization. We are not affiliated with Medicare, Medicare plans, insurance carriers, or healthcare providers, nor are we compensated for Medicare plan enrollments.
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Foot Notes
[1] Sample premium is for a 65 year old, non smoking, woman living in Arkansas. The rate was accurate on date of publication. Rates change frequently and they are priced by county. You must contact a licensed agent to get a current rate for your situation.
[2] Review rating stars are derived from MedicareWire reviews on our Medigap Plan pages.
The Medicare supplement insurance information on MedicareWire is maintained by David Bynon and was last updated on .