- Overview Of Health Insurance In Arkansas
- Finding Health Coverage In Arkansas
- Arkansas Medical Insurance Numbers
- Is Health Insurance Mandatory In Arkansas?
Overview Of Health Insurance In Arkansas
Arkansas, nicknamed both The Natural State and The Bear State, is known as the birthplace of Wal-Mart, it’s prized black bears, and the stunning Mount Ida. As the 25th state to enter the Union, Arkansas is currently the 29th largest state in land size, and 33rd in total population.
The US has long struggled to maintain a healthy population, and Arkansas is no exception. The Bear State finds itself at number 49 in the state health rankings (out of 51), and cracks the top 5 in both cancer and chronic lower respiratory disease, but that doesn’t mean can’t take good care of your own health.
Finding Health Coverage In Arkansas
If you live in the great state of Arkansas, you want to make sure you’re taking steps to promote a healthier lifestyle for yourself. That includes eating healthy, staying active, and enrolling in a comprehensive health insurance plan. Health insurance doesn’t just protect you in the event of a medical emergency, but also provides a ton of additional benefits including access to preventive services and a primary care physician that can put you on a path to a long and healthy life. If you need health coverage, here’s how to get started.
Arkansas Open Enrollment Dates
Once a year, Arkansa residents will have the ability enroll in health insurance plans regardless of the medical history during the time known as Open Enrollment. While some states created their own marketplaces and Open Enrollment Periods, Arkansas chose to participate in the federally managed exchange, and holds their Open Enrollment through the following dates:
- November 1, 2018 - December 15, 2018
During this time, residents can enroll in Arkansas health insurance marketplace plans, and also apply for subsidies. For those who are eligible for subsidized health coverage or living with pre-existing or chronic health conditions, the marketplace may be your best option for affordable health insurance.
Arkansas Health Insurance Quotes
If you are one of the millions of Americans who don’t qualify for a subsidy based on your income, then you may find yourself priced out of the Arkansas marketplace. Don’t worry though, the private sector still offers comprehensive health insurance plans in Arkansas that could end up saving you some money.
At FirstQuote Health, we specialize in helping individuals and families like yourself find cheap and affordable health insurance in Arkansas, without sacrificing quality or coverage. FirstQuote Health is completely free to use, and lets you shop and compare quotes in your area in a matter of minutes, and even puts you in contact with experienced agents who can help you find the perfect plan. To get started, enter your zip code, and get covered as soon as today.
Coverage From Arkansas’s Best Health Insurance Companies
If you already have health coverage with a company you like, or have a provider in mind, you can bypass the marketplace and just enroll directly with one of the best health insurance companies in Arkansas. Luckily for you, there are a ton of reputable insurers in the state, and some of the most popular options include:
- Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Catholic Health Initiatives
- Centene
Keep in mind, if you plan to enroll directly with one top health insurance companies in Arkansas, it’s still important to do your research. Everyone’s needs are different, meaning, just because you are familiar with the big brand name, doesn’t mean that it’s the best or right coverage for you. Make sure to do your research and see what other members are saying about their experience. You can also read reviews on FirstQuote Health to help make your decision.
Arkansas Medical Insurance Numbers
| Employer | Individual/Family | Medicaid | Medicare | Other Public | Uninsured |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 44% | 9% | 21% | 17% | 2% | 8% |
Is Health Insurance Mandatory In Arkansas?
No, starting in 2019, health insurance will no longer be mandatory in the state of Arkansas. Under the Affordable Care Act, passed by President Obama and his administration, Americans were required to have health insurance by a piece of legislation known as the individual mandate. As recently as 2018, if any individual or family, with few exceptions, opted to forego enrolling in coverage, they would face a tax penalty.
When President Trump was running for office, he promised to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, including it’s individual mandate. However, while he was unable to fully make good on his promise, he did sign an executive order that eliminated the mandate. Some states did choose to implement their own versions, but Arkansas was not one of those states.