Short-Term Health Insurance in Arkansas

What Is Arkansas Short-Term Health Insurance?

Short-term health insurance in Arkansas provides temporary medical coverage for people who need an alternative to ACA-compliant plans. Policies can last up to 364 days, and you may be able to renew them for up to 36 months under federal rules.

Unlike Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, short-term policies are not required to cover all essential health benefits and may:

• Deny coverage based on health history

• Exclude preexisting conditions

• Omit key services like maternity, prescriptions, or mental health care

Arkansas also requires insurers to cover certain state-mandated benefits not typically included in short-term plans elsewhere, such as preventive care for children, autism spectrum disorder support, diabetic education, newborn care, and some therapies for speech and hearing.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently updated the federal definition of short-term insurance, though strict enforcement will be delayed while changes are reviewed.

Healthcare.com, the parent company of Healthcare Insider, develops and markets short-term and supplemental insurance products in other states under the Pivot Health brand.

What Short-Term Health Insurance Includes

Short-term medical insurance in Arkansas generally helps with unexpected health costs. Coverage often includes:

• Doctor visits

• Emergency care

• Hospitalization

• Surgical procedures

• X-rays and lab tests

Limitations and Common Exclusions

Despite being flexible, short-term policies are not comprehensive. They often exclude:

• Preexisting conditions

• Maternity care

• Routine preventive care

• Dental and vision care

• Mental health and substance use treatment

Short-term health insurance is designed as temporary protection and should not be considered a replacement for ACA-compliant major medical coverage.

Who Should Consider a Short-Term Plan in Arkansas?

Short-term plans may be a good fit if you are:

• Between jobs and waiting for employer coverage to begin

• Healthy and needing minimal coverage

• A young adult aging out of a parent’s plan

• Waiting for Medicare eligibility

• Someone who doesn’t qualify for ACA plan subsidies and needs a lower-cost option

When it may not be a good fit:

• You have ongoing or preexisting medical conditions

• You need essential benefits such as maternity, prescriptions, or mental health coverage

See more cases where short-term medical plans can make sense.

Pros and Cons of Short-Term Plans

Pros

• Lower monthly premiums than unsubsidized ACA plans

• Available year-round

• Useful as temporary coverage

Cons

• May deny applicants based on medical history

• No coverage for preexisting conditions

• Limited benefits compared to ACA plans

Types of Costs with Short-Term Plans in Arkansas

If you buy a short-term plan, you may encounter the following costs:

• Premiums: Ongoing payments to keep your plan active

• Deductibles: The amount you pay before coverage begins

• Copayments: Fixed fees for services like doctor visits

• Coinsurance: A percentage of costs you share after the deductible

• Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you’ll pay during the plan’s term

Other Alternative ACA Plan Options to Consider

If short-term coverage isn’t the right fit, other low-cost or supplemental options may help:

Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance can fill gaps in coverage with accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, or cancer policies.

Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Bundling dental and vision coverage helps manage out-of-pocket expenses and supports long-term preventive care.

Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

A faith-based plan allows members to share medical costs, offering a community-based alternative to traditional insurance.

Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays set cash amounts for services, offering predictable protection and flexibility.

Explore more Arkansas health insurance plan options.

Next Steps: Is a Short-Term Plan Right for You?

If you’re considering short-term coverage in Arkansas, here’s how to decide:

• Compare quotes with ACA Marketplace or employer-sponsored plans

• Review policy details: deductibles, coinsurance, copays, and exclusions

• Make sure the plan covers your likely healthcare needs

If you’re ready to explore your options, licensed insurance agents can help you find a plan that works for your situation.