.svg){kind=logo}
Arkansas Health Insurance Guide
From the Ozark Mountains to the Delta plains, Arkansas offers a rich natural and cultural landscape—and understanding your health insurance options here is key to protecting your health and well-being.
As of 2025, the uninsured rate in Arkansas continues to reflect improved access, thanks in part to Medicaid expansion and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If you’re currently without coverage, here’s what you need to know about getting insured in the Natural State.
Health Insurance Options in Arkansas
Arkansas provides a range of health insurance options tailored to residents’ needs, depending on age, income, employment, and family size. Here are the most common coverage types available:
Employer-Sponsored Insurance
Many Arkansans receive health insurance through their employer. If your workplace offers coverage, this is usually the most convenient and accessible option.
ACA Marketplace Plans (Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace – Federal Platform)
Individuals and families without job-based coverage can shop for ACA health plans through the federally facilitated Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace.
Subsidies may be available to reduce premium costs. You can check your eligibility using our ACA Subsidy Calculator.
Marketplace Plans:
- Bronze: Lower monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs; suitable for those with minimal health needs.
- Silver: Moderate premiums and costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
- Gold: Higher premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs; better for individuals with ongoing medical needs.
- Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs.
Metal Tier Breakdown:
| Metal Tier | Insurance Company Pays | Consumer Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | 60% | 40% |
| Silver | 70% | 30% |
| Gold | 80% | 20% |
| Platinum | 90% | 10% |
Medicaid
Arkansas Medicaid provides comprehensive coverage for eligible low-income residents. Benefits typically include doctor visits, preventive services, hospital care, mental health services, and prescription drugs.
Arkansas is one of the states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA. It offers coverage through a unique “private option” where the state purchases private insurance plans for eligible adults using Medicaid funds.
Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
Known locally as ARKids First, this program ensures health coverage for children under 19 and certain pregnant individuals in low- and middle-income households. ARKids First offers two tiers:
- ARKids A: Coverage through Medicaid with no premiums or deductibles.
- ARKids B: Coverage for children who don’t qualify for Medicaid, with minimal cost-sharing.
Medicare
Medicare plans are available to Arkansans aged 65+ and those with qualifying disabilities. Options include:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C) – Offers all-in-one coverage through private insurers.
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) – Covers medications.
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) – Helps cover out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare.
Arkansas is among a few states with favorable Medigap pricing rules, ensuring more predictable premiums for older adults.
COBRA Coverage
If you’ve recently lost employer-sponsored insurance, COBRA allows you to temporarily continue that coverage under certain conditions.
Short-Term Plans
Short-term medical plans are available in Arkansas for up to 3 months with limited benefits. These plans may offer temporary coverage but usually do not include the full benefits required by ACA-compliant plans.
Explore all non-ACA health plans that may fit your needs and lifestyle.
Enrollment Periods in Arkansas
Open Enrollment for 2025 Coverage:
November 1, 2025 – December 15, 2025
During this window, all eligible residents can apply for, renew, or change their marketplace health plans.
Special Enrollment Period:
Available year-round for those experiencing qualifying life events such as:
- Job loss
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth/adoption of a child
- Change of residence
- Income changes
You typically have 60 days from the qualifying event to enroll.
Health Insurance Providers in Arkansas
As of 2025, these insurers typically offer individual and family plans through the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace:
- USAble Mutual Insurance Co. (Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield)
- Celtic Insurance Company (Ambetter)
- HMO Partners, Inc. (Health Advantage)
- Oscar Insurance Company
- QualChoice Life and Healthx
- QCA Health Plan
Plan availability may vary by county or ZIP code.
Understanding Health Insurance Terms
When selecting a plan, be sure to understand these common terms:
- Premium: Your monthly payment to maintain the plan.
- Deductible: The amount you pay before your insurance begins to pay.
- Copayment (Copay): A fixed amount you pay for services like doctor visits.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of costs you pay after meeting your deductible.
- Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services.
- In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Using in-network providers typically reduces costs.
Understanding health insurance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This glossary offers clear definitions of key terms—from agents to costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles—to help you make confident coverage decisions.
Bottom Line
Health insurance in Arkansas offers many options—whether through your job, the ACA Marketplace, or public programs like Medicaid and Medicare. By exploring your choices during the correct enrollment period and staying informed about your eligibility, you can secure reliable health coverage that fits your needs.
Need help choosing a plan? Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to see if you are eligible for ACA plan financial aid or speak with a licensed insurance agent about all your options.
