Best Arkansas Medigap Medicare Supplement Plans
Table of Contents
What Are Medigap Plans?
A Medigap plan can help you pay some out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (Parts A and B). In this article, you will discover what Medicare Supplement plans in Arkansas cost, which Medicare plans are available, the gaps each plan fills, when and how to enroll, how to avoid underwriting, and how to get discounts and premiums on Medicare supplemental insurance where you live.
What You Need to Know
- Medicare Supplement plans in Arkansas are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.
- Plans are standardized, meaning each plan letter offers the same basic benefits regardless of the insurer.
- Medicare Supplements are available to Arkansas residents at age 65 and over who have enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- All plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B copayments or coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- Most plans cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- Supplements do not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- Supplements are available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N.
- Medicare SELECT plans require enrollees to use a local Arkansas provider network.
- Some Medicare Supplement insurers offer a household discount when both you and your spouse have a policy.
Do You Need Supplemental Insurance in Arkansas?
The way Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is designed, it pays about 80% of medically necessary healthcare costs. That leaves the remaining 20% for the Medicare beneficiary to pay through deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Without additional coverage, these out-of-pocket costs can add up quickly.
Most Medicare-approved health services have a deductible and/or a copayment or coinsurance. If you need hospital inpatient care, out-of-pocket expenses are considerable, creating bills most Arkansas seniors simply can't afford.
For instance, the Medicare Part A deductible is $1,600 per benefit period. Plus, you are responsible for 20% of all Part B medical costs.
That's where supplemental Medicare coverage in Arkansas comes in. Supplemental insurance, or Medigap, helps you with these Medicare coverage expenses. It's called Medigap because it fills many of the cost gaps in Original Medicare.
Also See: Is Supplemental Medicare Insurance a Waste of Money?
Is a Medicare Supplement Right for You?
Yes, if you:
- Expect the need for frequent healthcare services now and/or in the future and want to limit your deductibles and co-pays.
- Can afford the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid.
- Want the freedom to choose your doctors and other Medicare providers without network restrictions.
- Need nationwide coverage and/or travel abroad and need coverage for emergency care.
- Are in your initial enrollment period and have guaranteed issue rights to join a plan regardless of your health condition.
- Don’t want a Medicare Advantage plan and the hassle of referrals and pre-authorization to receive services.
No, if you:
- Don’t expect the need for frequent healthcare now or in the future.
- Missed your Medigap open enrollment period and can't pass medical underwriting to get the Medigap policy you want.
- Want a Medicare Advantage plan with low or no monthly premiums.
- Have Medicaid, VA, retiree benefits, or other coverage options that will pay for most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
- Prefer an all-in-one HMO or PPO plan that includes a Part D prescription drug plan, SilverSneakers, and routine care for dental, vision, and hearing.
- Can adhere to the rules and restrictions of a Medicare Advantage.
What Does Supplemental Medicare Insurance Cover?
Every Medigap insurance company in Arkansas is required to follow both federal and state insurance laws. Carriers must offer the standardized Medicare plans identified by letters A through N.
For instance, a Plan F from Aetna Medicare has the same coverage and benefits as a Plan F from Mutual of Omaha, AARP Medicare, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is why Medigap plans are easier to compare than Medicare Advantage plans.
Medigap policies may include the following benefits:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up
- Part A inpatient deductible
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
- Skilled nursing facility care and hospice care coinsurance
- Part B deductible
- Part B coinsurance or copayment
- Part B excess charges
- The first three pints of blood
- Foreign travel emergency services
- Out-of-pocket limits
The plan comparison chart below is the best way to compare Medicare Supplement coverage options.
There are two high-deductible plan types, Plan F and G. If you enroll in a high-deductible plan, you pay all Part A and Part B out-of-pocket costs up to the annual deductible amount.
Related: How High Deductible Plan G Works
Insurance carriers are free to choose their plans, although Arkansas state laws might affect which ones they can offer. For more information, visit the Arkansas Department of Insurance website at http://www.arkansas.gov/insurance.
Top 3 Medigap Plans Sold in Arkansas
Medicare Supplement Insurance is additional coverage sold by private insurance companies. Each lettered plan is designed to cover different Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance) out-of-pocket costs.
The best-selling Medicare Supplements in Arkansas are Plans F, G, N. Their comprehensive coverage is what makes them the best-sellers. Enrolling in one of these three plans is how most Arkansas seniors ensure they are covered and won't be strapped with excessive medical bills.
Plan F covers all gaps in Original Medicare. Plan G covers all gaps except the Part B deductible. And Plan N doesn't cover the Part B deductible or Part B excess charges. It also has a small copay when you see your doctor or use the emergency room.
NOTE: You do not qualify for Plan F if you became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Plan G is the most comprehensive coverage new Medicare beneficiaries can buy. The good news is that Medicare G plans cost less than F, even when you factor in the deductible Plan G does not cover.
Looking for a different Medigap plan? Ask us for free quotes on the top Medigap plans that interest you in your location.
Top 10 Plan F 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):
Top 10 Plan G in Arkansas
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity with Arkansas seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan G policies available in Arkansas based on our reviews (click for details):
Top 10 Plan N 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):
Cost of Supplemental Insurance in Arkansas
The Medicare.gov website has a plan finder tool. It shows the average cost of Medicare Supplement plans in Arkansas. What the government tool doesn't provide is the exact premium, rate increase history, AM Best rating score, and household discounts.
Our FREE Medicare Supplement Plan Rate Quote Service provides rates for all insurers, household discounts, AM Best ratings, Medigap rate increases by company, and more.
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
How to Choose the Right Medicare Supplemental Insurance
Everyone on Medicare has different needs. Your age, gender, Arkansas zip code, use of medical services, providers, emergency care, supplies, and durable medical equipment are all factors you need to consider. That's because all of these things play a role in your plan options.
When "Best" Means "Most Coverage Available"
If you are signing up for Medicare with chronic health issues, or if you have done a good job saving for your retirement, most experts agree that Plan G is the best option in Arkansas. It offers the most coverage you can buy if you're getting your Medicare benefits in 2023.
When "Best" Means "Good Coverage and Monthly Savings"
If you are signing up for Medicare in excellent health, or if you need good coverage but can't handle the cost of Plan G, Plan N is a good option. Plan N offers comprehensive inpatient coverage for hospital stays, while also covering most medical care expenses.
When "Best" Means "Lowest Cost Coverage"
Not everyone in Arkansas can afford or needs the comprehensive coverage provided by Plans F, G, and N. When the amount of your monthly premium is a concern, ask your insurance agent to give you advice about Plan K and High Deductible Plan G (HDG). These are the two lowest-cost plans available.
Medigap Eligibility Requirements
You can apply for a Medicare Supplement plan in Arkansas during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Your OEP is a six-month period of time that starts when you initially sign up for Medicare Part B at age 65.
During your OEP, federal law gives you guaranteed issue rights. This Medigap protection allows you to get the Medicare Supplement plan of your choice, regardless of any chronic health conditions you might have.
It is more difficult to get Medicare supplemental insurance after your Medigap open enrollment period is finished. It's one of the disadvantages of Medigap plans.
An insurance company may ask you questions about your health and charge you higher premiums. They might also reject your application because of your past health. A six-month waiting period may be offered by the carrier before coverage starts.
NOTE: If You take early retirement, Medicare eligibility does not change. Unless you have Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, the Medicare eligibility age is 65.
Arkansas Enrollment Process for Medicare Supplements
Arkansas Medigap plan enrollees require the assistance of a licensed insurance agent. Before you can apply, you need to be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You can do this through the Social Security Administration website, or by calling them directly at 800-772-1213.
If you don't have an insurance agent, we recommend HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Call them at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They work with all major Arkansas plans. There's no obligation.
Another option is your local SHIP. The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries. Arkansas's SHIP is available by phone (1-800-224-6330; (501) 371-2782) or through their website.
Adding a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
In the past, Medicare Supplements sold in Arkansas were allowed to add extra benefits, including prescription drug coverage. This is no longer the case.
The only way to get coverage on prescriptions with a Medigap policy now is to get a Arkansas Medicare Part D plan. In most areas of Arkansas, basic prescription drug plans start at less than $20 per month.
Arkansas Medicare Supplements vs. Medicare Advantage
It's natural to compare the best Medigap insurance with other health insurance plans, like Medicare Advantage. On the surface, Medicare Advantage plans appear to cost less. And, in some cases, they do save money. However, the out-of-pocket expenses in most Arkansas Medicare Advantage plans are as much or more than Original Medicare.
Original Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket maximum. However, all health insurance companies offering Medicare Advantage plans are required to set an annual out-of-pocket limit, up to the annual limit set by CMS. A Medigap plan's coverage creates an out-of-pocket limit for Original Medicare.
Can I Get a Policy If I'm On Medicaid in Arkansas?
It is not legal for a health insurance company or insurance agents licensed in Arkansas to sell individuals a Medigap policy if you have Medicaid benefits.
If you can't afford a Medigap plan or the co-insurance costs in Medicare Advantage policies, there is a third option. Many areas of Arkansas have access to dual-eligible Medicare Special Needs Plans (D-SNP). If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a Arkansas Special Needs Plan plan might be your best option.
What About Dental, Vision, and Hearing Benefits?
We all need routine dental care and dental restoration work as we age, but it's not covered by Original Medicare or a Medigap plan. For coverage, you'll need a stand-alone Arkansas dental insurance policy.
Next Steps
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
Our free report will show you rates from all carriers without a sales pitch. No Calls. No Email Spam. No Kidding!
If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Medicare Supplement Plan G premiums vary per. Premiums are based on things like your age, gender, zip code, use of tobacco, and more. We offer a Free Medicare Plan Quote Service to help you find the lowest price available on Plan G in Arkansas.
You have many options in Arkansas. Here are some of the best:
- Reserve National
- Globe Life
- AARP
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Standard Life
Citations & References
medicare.gov- Costs of Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
- What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 2, 2023
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
- How to compare Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
- How Original Medicare works, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 3, 2023
- Your Medicare coverage choices, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed February 5, 2023
- The United States Social Security Administration https://www.ssa.gov/
- Medicare Benefits | SSA https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/
The Medicare insurance plans and Medicare Supplement companies on this page originate from CMS Data Files. Content is maintained by David Bynon, and was last updated on .