Arkansas is a mid-size Medicare Advantage market with 91 plans available statewide in 2026, down from 93 in 2025. About 314,000 Arkansans are enrolled in MA plans, representing a 46% penetration rate among the state's roughly 683,000 Medicare-eligible residents. That puts Arkansas slightly below the national average of 54%, though enrollment has grown steadily from just 18% penetration in 2013.
What defines the Arkansas market: Humana and UnitedHealthcare are the two largest carriers by enrollment. HealthSpring, now owned by Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) following their acquisition of Cigna's Medicare business in March 2025, continues to operate under the HealthSpring brand and competes heavily on low-premium HMO plans. For the Original Medicare comparison, see Medigap vs Medicare Advantage. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers locally managed plans through its Arkansas Blue Medicare division. Plan availability varies meaningfully by county, from 53-56 plans in Pulaski and Benton counties to 28 plans in rural Independence County.
One important distinction: ARHOME (Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me) is Arkansas's Medicaid expansion program for working-age adults, not a Medicare program. ARHOME and Medicare are separate. Dual-eligible Arkansans (those who qualify for both Medicare and Arkansas Medicaid) can enroll in Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs), which coordinate both programs and typically carry $0 premiums and $0 copays. There are 25 SNP-type plans available in Arkansas in 2026.
This guide covers the 2026 Arkansas Medicare Advantage market: plan count, top carriers, Star Ratings, plan type breakdowns, county variance, and key enrollment dates. Annual Election Period is October 15 to December 7, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027.
2026 Medicare Advantage Market Overview in Arkansas
In 2026, Arkansas has 91 Medicare Advantage plans available, with 314,000 beneficiaries enrolled (46% MA penetration). The average monthly premium is $6 and the statewide average Star Rating is 3.4.
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Arkansas (2026)| Carrier | Plans | Avg Star Rating | Avg Premium |
|---|
| Humana | 18 | 3.8 | $5/mo |
| UnitedHealthcare | 16 | 4.1 | $4/mo |
| Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield | 14 | 4.1 | $7/mo |
| Aetna | 12 | 4.2 | $8/mo |
| HealthSpring (HCSC) | 10 | 3.8 | $3/mo |
| Wellcare (Centene) | 9 | 3.5 | $4/mo |
| Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield | 7 | 3.5 | $12/mo |
| Devoted Health | 5 | 3.5 | $0/mo |
Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025; MedicalNewsToday Arkansas Medicare 2026; ACHI Medicare Advantage Enrollment Dashboard; NerdWallet Medicare Arkansas 2026
Plan Types in Arkansas: HMO vs PPO vs SNP
Medicare Advantage plan-type breakdown in Arkansas| Plan Type | Plans Available | Avg Premium | Best For |
|---|
| HMO | 47 | $7/mo | Lower premiums, willing to use network providers and get referrals |
| PPO | 14 | $15/mo | Flexibility to see out-of-network providers without referrals |
| Special Needs Plan (SNP) | 25 | $0/mo | Dual-eligible (Medicaid + Medicare), chronic conditions, institutional care |
| PFFS / Other | 5 | $5/mo | Private Fee-for-Service; limited availability; rare in Arkansas |
HMO plans make up roughly half of Arkansas's 91 total plans. SNP plans (25 plans) are higher than average for a state this size, reflecting Arkansas's significant dual-eligible population.
Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025; medicareadvantage.com Arkansas 2026
County-Level Variance in Arkansas
Plan availability varies by Arkansas county. Urban counties in central and northwest Arkansas offer 45-56 plans; rural counties in the Delta and Ozark regions may have 28-39 plans. Premiums tend to be $3-4 higher per month in rural areas due to lower carrier competition.
Plan count and average premium by county in Arkansas| County | Plans Available | Avg Premium |
|---|
| Pulaski County (Little Rock) | 56 | $7/mo |
| Benton County (Bentonville) | 53 | $7/mo |
| Garland County (Hot Springs) | 45 | $8/mo |
| Searcy County | 39 | $9/mo |
| Independence County (Batesville) | 28 | $10/mo |
Plan counts and premiums are from CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025 and medicareadvantage.com. Search by ZIP code at medicare.gov to see exact plans for your location.
Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder Q4 2025; medicareadvantage.com Arkansas county pages
What to Look For in a Medicare Advantage Plan in Arkansas
Picking a Medicare Advantage plan in Arkansas is not just about premium. Here is what matters most when shopping in 2026:
- Provider network. Confirm your primary care doctor, specialists, and preferred hospital are in-network before enrolling. Networks in rural Arkansas counties can be narrower than in Little Rock or the NW Arkansas corridor. HMO plans require you to stay in-network except for emergencies.
- Prescription drug coverage (formulary). Most Arkansas MA plans include Part D drug coverage built in. Check that your specific medications are on the plan's formulary. The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 across all MA-PD plans, set by the Inflation Reduction Act.
- Star Ratings. CMS rates MA plans 1-5 stars annually on quality of care, customer service, and member experience. Arkansas plans average about 3.4 stars statewide. Aetna and UnitedHealthcare plans tend to score highest in the state (4.1 to 4.2 stars). Plans with 5 stars trigger a Special Enrollment Period letting you switch into them any time of year.
- Supplemental benefits (dental, vision, hearing, OTC). Most Arkansas MA plans include some dental, vision, and hearing coverage that Original Medicare does not. OTC (over-the-counter) allowances of $25 to $100 per quarter are common. Compare Evidence of Coverage documents to see exact annual limits.
- Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP). MA plans cap your annual in-network out-of-pocket spending. The 2026 federal in-network MOOP ceiling is $9,250 (down $100 from $9,350 in 2025). Arkansas county averages run $5,500 to $6,250, below the federal ceiling. Original Medicare has no MOOP.
- Prior authorization requirements. MA plans can require prior authorization for surgeries, imaging, and specialist referrals. If you have a chronic condition or expect significant care, check CMS published denial rates for the plan you are considering.
Key Medicare Dates in Arkansas
Medicare Advantage has several enrollment windows. Missing a window can mean waiting months before you can make a change.
- Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 - December 7, 2026 — Switch between Original Medicare and MA, change MA plans, or change Part D plans. Coverage starts January 1, 2027.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1 - March 31, 2026 — If you are already in an MA plan, you can switch to a different MA plan or return to Original Medicare. One switch only.
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthday — Starts 3 months before your 65th birthday month, includes the birth month, and runs 3 months after. Enroll in Medicare Parts A and B first, then choose MA or Original Medicare plus Part D.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Varies by qualifying event — Triggered by moving outside your plan's service area, losing employer coverage, qualifying for Arkansas Medicaid (dual-eligible status), or other life events. Typically a 2 to 3 month window.
Notable Extras in Arkansas Plans
Arkansas Medicare Advantage has several state-specific features worth knowing before you enroll:
- ARHOME is NOT Medicare. Know the difference: ARHOME (Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me) is Arkansas's Medicaid expansion program for working-age adults, funded through private insurers like Arkansas Blue Cross, Ambetter, and QualChoice. ARHOME is completely separate from Medicare. If you are 65 or older and eligible for Medicare, you are not in ARHOME. Dual-eligible Arkansans who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid can enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which coordinates benefits from both programs.
- Strong D-SNP market for dual-eligible beneficiaries: Arkansas has 25 Special Needs Plans in 2026, a relatively high count for a state with 91 total MA plans. Multiple carriers offer D-SNPs statewide, including UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Wellcare, and Anthem. These plans typically carry $0 premiums, $0 copays for primary care, and $0 prescription costs for most drugs. Qualifying Arkansans can change D-SNP plans once per quarter in Q1, Q2, and Q3 each year.
- HealthSpring brand under new HCSC ownership: In March 2025, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) completed its acquisition of Cigna's Medicare Advantage business. In Arkansas, those plans continue operating under the HealthSpring name. If you were enrolled in a Cigna Medicare or HealthSpring plan, your coverage, network, and benefits for 2026 are managed by HCSC. Check your plan confirmation materials or call 1-800-MEDICARE if you have questions about your specific plan's ownership.
- Rural access and SHIIP counseling: Many Arkansas Medicare beneficiaries live in rural counties where plan networks may exclude the nearest specialist. Arkansas's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, unbiased counseling to help compare plans. SHIIP counselors are available statewide. Call 1-800-224-6330 or visit Arkansas.gov/insurance to find a counselor near you.
Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare in Arkansas
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plus a Medigap supplement and a standalone Part D drug plan gives you nationwide provider freedom and no prior authorization for most services. In Arkansas, that combination typically costs $150 to $300 per month in Medigap premiums plus a Part D plan. The 2026 standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month regardless of whether you choose Original Medicare or MA.
Medicare Advantage bundles hospital, medical, and usually drug coverage into one plan with an average premium around $6 per month statewide in Arkansas. The trade-off is a defined provider network and prior authorization requirements for many services. For most rural Arkansans, MA makes economic sense, but confirming in-network specialist access is critical before enrolling.
Unlike California, Arkansas does not have a state Medigap birthday rule. Once you leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare, Medigap insurers in Arkansas are generally not required to sell you a policy without medical underwriting outside of specific guaranteed issue rights. This makes timing your decision carefully especially important if you anticipate needing significant care.
Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare in Arkansas detail| Factor | Original Medicare + Medigap | Medicare Advantage |
|---|
| Monthly cost | $200-$400 (Medigap + Part D) | Avg $6 in Arkansas |
| Provider choice | Any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare | In-network providers (HMO) or higher cost out-of-network (PPO) |
| Prior authorization | Rarely required | Common for specialists, imaging, surgery |
| Annual out-of-pocket cap | None (Medigap covers most cost-sharing) | Up to $9,250 federal ceiling; AR county averages $5,500-$6,250 |
| Dental, vision, hearing | Not covered | Included in most Arkansas MA plans |
Costs shown are illustrative. Actual Medigap premiums in Arkansas depend on age, plan letter, and carrier. Run a personalized comparison at medicare.gov.
Source: CMS 2026 Plan Finder; Medicare.gov Medigap comparison
How Star Ratings work and what to expect in Arkansas
CMS publishes Medicare Advantage Star Ratings every October, scoring plans 1 to 5 stars across roughly 40 quality measures: chronic condition management, customer service, member complaints, and Part D drug safety. Plans rated 4 stars or higher receive quality bonus payments from CMS, which typically fund richer benefits the following plan year.
Arkansas's statewide weighted-average Star Rating is approximately 3.4 for 2026, below the national average of about 3.8. Several plans in the state are rated 'too new to be measured,' which pulls the average down. Among measured carriers, Aetna averages 4.2 stars and UnitedHealthcare averages 4.1 stars in Arkansas. HealthSpring (HCSC) and Humana plans average below 4.0 stars.
When comparing Arkansas MA plans, a 4-star or higher plan is preferable if all else is equal. Also confirm your doctors are in-network before enrolling. You can filter for high-rated plans on the CMS medicare.gov Plan Finder by selecting '4 stars or more' in the quality rating filter. If a 5-star plan becomes available in your county, you have a year-round Special Enrollment Period to join it.
Dual eligibility and Special Needs Plans in Arkansas
If you qualify for both Arkansas Medicaid and Medicare, you are dual eligible. Checking whether you also qualify for Extra Help with drug costs can lower your expenses further. Dual-eligible Arkansans can enroll in a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP), which coordinates both programs. D-SNPs in Arkansas typically offer $0 premiums, $0 copays for primary care visits, and $0 or very low costs for most covered prescriptions. Major D-SNP carriers in Arkansas include UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Wellcare, and Anthem.
Dual-eligible beneficiaries also have expanded enrollment rights: they can change MA plans once per quarter in Q1, Q2, and Q3, in addition to AEP. Arkansas's Medicaid program operates separately from ARHOME. ARHOME covers working-age adults under 65 who are not Medicare-eligible. Once you turn 65 and qualify for Medicare, your coverage transitions away from ARHOME, and you should evaluate Medicare and D-SNP options during your Initial Enrollment Period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Arkansas in 2026?
Arkansas has 91 Medicare Advantage plans available statewide in 2026, down from 93 in 2025. The exact number available in your area depends on your county and ZIP code. Pulaski County (Little Rock) and Benton County (Bentonville) offer the most plans, 56 and 53 respectively, while rural counties like Independence County may have as few as 28. Search by ZIP code at medicare.gov to see plans available where you live.
What is the average Medicare Advantage premium in Arkansas for 2026?
The statewide weighted-average Medicare Advantage premium in Arkansas is approximately $6 per month in 2026, well below the national MA average of $14. Many Arkansas HMO plans charge $0 monthly premium, especially in competitive urban markets like Little Rock and the Fayetteville-Bentonville metro. Premiums tend to be slightly higher in rural counties and for PPO plans with broader network access.
When can I sign up for Medicare Advantage in Arkansas?
The main enrollment window is the Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. You can also enroll during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday, or during a Special Enrollment Period triggered by events like moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Arkansas Medicaid (dual-eligible status). Existing MA enrollees can switch plans during the MA Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31, 2026).
What is ARHOME, and is it the same as Medicare Advantage?
No. ARHOME (Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me) is Arkansas's Medicaid expansion program for working-age adults under 65 who meet income requirements. It is run through private insurers like Arkansas Blue Cross, Ambetter, and QualChoice. Medicare Advantage is a federal program for people 65 and older (or under 65 with certain disabilities). If you are 65 or older and eligible for Medicare, you are not on ARHOME. Arkansans who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible) have a different option: Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs).
What happened to Cigna Medicare plans in Arkansas?
In March 2025, Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) completed its acquisition of Cigna's Medicare Advantage business. In Arkansas, those plans now operate under the HealthSpring name, managed by HCSC. If you were enrolled in a Cigna Medicare plan, your plan is now a HealthSpring plan for 2026. Your benefits, network, and formulary may have changed. Review your 2026 Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) or call 1-800-MEDICARE with questions.
Who are the top Medicare Advantage carriers in Arkansas?
The leading carriers by plan count and enrollment in Arkansas are Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna, and HealthSpring (HCSC). Aetna and UnitedHealthcare hold the highest average Star Ratings (4.1 to 4.2 stars). Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Arkansas Blue Medicare) is a local option with strong brand recognition. Devoted Health and Wellcare (Centene) also offer plans in select counties.
Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Arkansas?
Most Arkansas Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage built in (called MA-PD plans). The 2026 Part D annual out-of-pocket cap is $2,100 across all plans, set by the Inflation Reduction Act signed in August 2022. Insulin is capped at $35 per month. Always check a plan's formulary to confirm your specific medications are covered and at what cost tier.
Are dental, vision, and hearing covered under Medicare Advantage in Arkansas?
Most Arkansas Medicare Advantage plans include some dental, vision, and hearing benefits that Original Medicare does not cover. Coverage ranges from basic preventive dental (cleanings, exams) to more comprehensive plans covering fillings, extractions, and partial denture coverage. Hearing aid allowances of $500 to $2,000 per year are available on select plans. Always review the Evidence of Coverage document for exact limits before enrolling.
