Best Medicare Plans in Arkansas for 2024

Original Medicare, also known as Medicare Part A and B, covers hospital stays, doctor’s visits, and more, but not everything. Luckily, there are Medicare Supplement Plans or Medigap that can help pay for the health care copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) in Arkansas

Medicare Supplement Insurance or Medigap works like this: first, your Original Medicare coverage will pay the Medicare-Approved amount. If the health care costs exceed your Medicare coverage, your Medicare Supplement plan or Medigap will pay the remaining amount as long as it is within your Medigap’s coverage.

Medicare Supplement Insurance or "Medigap" plans are sold by private companies and can be used at any doctor or hospital that accepts or Original Medicare. 

There are three popular Medicare Supplement Plans in Arkansas: Plans F, G, and N. Knowing which plan suits your desired health care needs will depend on your coverage preference, overall health, and budget.

Medicare Supplement Plan F

Medicare Supplement Plan F covers most of the Original Medicare policy. Here’s a quick list of the coverage:

• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs with additional 365 days after Original Medicare benefits
• Part B coinsurance or copayment 
• 3 pints of blood
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Part A deductible
• Part B deductible
• Part B excess charge (if the doctor or other health care provider is legally permitted to charge higher than the Medicare-Approved amount)
• 80% foreign travel exchange up to plan limits

Although Plan F covers a lot of medical services, it is only available to people who were eligible for Original Medicare before January 1, 2020. Eligible Medicare beneficiaries  without Medigap Plan F may still purchase the policy and a high-deductible option is offered in some states. The same rule applies for Medigap Plan C.

The deductible amount is $2,800 in 2024 and must be paid before the Plan F policy can pay anything. The premium for Medigap Plan F can be as low as $150 per month but may reach as high as $410+ depending on your location, gender, age, current health condition, and plan provider.

Medicare Supplement Plan G

Medicare Supplement Plan G is the next best option for those who prefer the comprehensive benefits of Plan F but are not elible to purchase the policy. The only difference would be that Plan G does not cover the Medicare Part B deductible which is $240 in 2024.

The premium cost will also depend on your location, gender, age, current health condition, and the insurance company you choose. Below is a list of the Medigap Plan G coverage and benefits:

• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs with additional 365 days after Original Medicare benefits
• Part B coinsurance or copayment 
• 3 pints of blood
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Part A deductible
• Part B excess charge (if the doctor or other health care provider is legally permitted to charge higher than the Medicare-Approved amount)
• 80% foreign travel exchange up to plan limits

Medigap Plan G also offers a high-deductible option in some states. The deductible amount is $2,800 in  and must be paid before the Plan G policy can pay anything. 

Medicare Supplement Plan N

Unlike Plan F and Plan G, the Medicare Supplement Plan N is more affordable with additional out-of-pocket costs. The premiums may also be as low as $80, depending on your location, gender, age, and plan provider.

Here’s a list of what Medigap plan N covers:

• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs with additional 365 days after Original Medicare benefits
• Part B coinsurance or copayment (Part B coinsurance is covered at 100% except for a copayment of $20 in some office visits and $50 for emergency room visits that do not require inpatient admission; no copayment is charged for urgent care center visits)
• 3 pints of blood
• Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment
• Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
• Part A deductible
• 80% foreign travel exchange up to plan limits

Medicare Supplement Plan N is a great option for people who are looking for an affordable Medigap plan with comprehensive coverage. 

 

Chart of Medicare Supplement Plan Benefits

Prices for Medicare Supplement Plans in Arkansas for 2024

 

*Plan F is only available to people who became eligibe for Medicare Part A or turned 65 prior to January 1st 2020.

What do I need to know when comparing plans?

When comparing Medicare supplement Plans, it is essential to learn which coverage suits your health and budget the most. There are other Medigap plans available that may suit your needs as well. Call us at (800) 208-4974 if you want to explore other Medigap options. 

Medigap plans A, B, C, F, G, K, L and N will have the same exact coverage regardless of the insurance company offering it, the only difference is the price. However, keep in mind that there are special types of Medigap plans in Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Availability of Medigap plans may also be different for every state.

When is the best time to buy a plan?

The open enrollment for Medicare Supplement begins on the 1st day of the 1st month when you are 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B.  As long as you meet the criteria and apply during the Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment  period, or qualify for guaranteed issue, you cannot be denied coverage due to health conditions. 

In addition, you are able to change your Medicare supplement plan from one company to another any time of year, subject to health underwriting. In some states such as CA, NA and OR you can change around your birthday without any health questions asked. Also, in NY there is no health underwriting for Medicare Supplement plans at anytime. 

Other Plan Options

In addition to Medicare Supplement plans there are Medicare Advantage plans. These plans often come in the form of an HMO and PPO plan. Premiums range between $0-$100 per month on average and often include drug coverage. Plan availbility depends on your location. Call us at (800) 208-4974 to compare plans in your area.

Compare Plans in Your Area

If you are interested in getting quotes and learning what plan options are available in your area call us today for a free comparision at (800) 208-4974 or you can submit an online request here. We are independent and work with all the top rated insurance companies.