Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Arkansas (2026)

Key Takeaways

Arkansas offers 37 Medicare Advantage plans from seven providers, including HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, and PFFS options. While many plans have $0 monthly premiums, costs reach as high as $106 depending on the provider and plan type.

In Arkansas, Blue Cross Blue Shield leads the HMO Medicare Advantage market, while Aetna and Humana are the top providers for HMO-POS and PPO plans, respectively.

Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan in Arkansas depends on your individual health care needs. Consider which doctors and specialists you want to see, the medications you take and how much you’re comfortable spending on monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers in Arkansas

The best Medicare Advantage companies in Arkansas offer diverse coverage options, so we analyzed top providers across each plan type. We evaluated CMS star ratings, premium costs, and maximum out-of-pocket expenses to find insurers delivering the strongest value and coverage combinations.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best provider for HMO coverage, with just $9 monthly premium on average and a $6,200 maximum out-of-pocket limit. Aetna offers the strongest HMO-POS option with a 4.0 CMS star rating and $0 monthly cost, though the trade-off is a higher $9,250 out-of-pocket maximum. Humana's PPO plans feature a 4.0-star rating with no monthly premium and a $7,925 MOOP, giving you network flexibility without premium expenses.


HMO	Blue Cross Blue Shield	3.00	$9	$6,200	BlueMedicare Classic Plus (HMO)
HMO-POS	Aetna	4.00	$0	$9,250	Aetna Medicare Signature (HMO-POS)
PPO	Humana	4.00	$0	$7,925	HumanaChoice H5216-231 (PPO)

Medicare Advantage Plans Explained

Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage that Original Medicare doesn't include. Private insurance companies provide these plans, combining hospital and medical coverage into one convenient package with prescription drug benefits.

CMS Star Ratings: Medicare scores plans from 1 to 5 stars based on quality of care and customer satisfaction. Higher ratings mean better overall performance, so look for plans with 4 or 5 stars when comparing options.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your regular Part B premium plus any extra plan costs each month. Many Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas charge $0 additional premiums beyond your standard Medicare costs.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: This cap protects you from unlimited medical bills each year. Once you hit your limit, the plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
Prescription drug coverage: Most plans bundle Part D medication benefits right into your coverage. Check that your current prescriptions appear on the plan's drug list before enrolling.

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.0
Plan Types
HMO, PFFS

pros
- 2 of 4 plans charge $0 monthly premium
- Enhanced Part D drug coverage included with all plans
cons
- No PPO or HMO-POS plans
- Out-of-pocket maximums as high as $7,500
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers three HMO plans in Arkansas, each with a 3.0-star CMS rating and an average maximum out-of-pocket cost of $6,400. Two plans carry $0 monthly premiums, while the BlueMedicare Independence plan costs $8 per month. Two of the three plans include enhanced Part D prescription drug coverage, though these plans' narrower provider networks may limit doctor choices.

Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the state’s only PFFS plan, which includes basic drug coverage for $57 per month and a $7,500 maximum out-of-pocket limit. This plan holds a 3.5-star CMS rating.

Aetna Medicare

Best HMO-POS

MoneyGeek Rating

4.5/ 5

4/5Affordability

5/5Quality

4.5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.0
Plan Types
HMO-POS, HMO, PPO

pros
- $0 monthly premium
- Strong 4.0 CMS rating
- Members can see out-of-network providers
- Multiple plan types provide flexibility
cons
- Higher costs for out-of-network care
Aetna offers seven Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas, all with $0 monthly premiums across HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO options. Their HMO plans stand out with 4.0-star CMS ratings and the lowest maximum out-of-pocket costs at $6,750. Both the Aetna Medicare Signature Care and Signature Plus HMO plans provide identical coverage at no monthly cost.

The Aetna Medicare Signature HMO-POS plan also earns a 4.0-star rating and adds out-of-network flexibility, though the maximum out-of-pocket rises to $9,250. For full PPO coverage, Aetna offers four plans with 3.5-star ratings. The Aetna Medicare Elite PPO has the lowest MOOP at $7,900, while the three Signature PPO plans each have a $9,250 maximum. All Aetna plans include enhanced Part D prescription coverage with select drug tiers that have no deductible.

Humana

Best PPO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.0
Plan Types
PPO, Regional PPO, HMO-POS, HMO

pros
- Zero monthly premium
- $4,500 MOOP for PPO plans beats state average of $7,256
- Nationwide provider access without referrals
- Broad plan selection
cons
- Higher costs for out-of-network care
- Only one HMO plan available
Humana leads the PPO market with nine plan options, including two 4.5-star plans at $0 monthly premium. The HumanaChoice H7617-066 pairs that top rating with the lowest out-of-pocket maximum at $5,250, making it ideal for beneficiaries seeking both quality and affordability. For budget-conscious members, the HumanaChoice H5216-231 offers a 3.5-star rating, $0 premium, and an impressive $4,500 maximum out-of-pocket limit.

Humana provides six premium-free PPO plans with MOOPs ranging from $4,500 to $7,925, along with three plans priced $46 to $55 per month. In addition, Humana offers HMO and HMO-POS plans for Arkansas beneficiaries who are comfortable with network restrictions. The Humana Gold Plus H5619-111 HMO-POS features a $0 monthly premium and the lowest out-of-pocket maximum across all Humana Arkansas plans at $3,700. The Gold Plus H5619-122 HMO plan carries a $5,900 MOOP with a $13 monthly premium.

Best Arkansas HMO Medicare Advantage Providers

There are eight HMO Medicare Advantage plans from five providers available in Arkansas, six of which have $0 monthly premiums. Out-of-pocket costs for HMO plans in the state vary from $3,350 to $6,750, averaging $5,841 per year. Star ratings average 3.56 across all plans, with four earning 4 stars or higher. All plans include enhanced Part D prescription drug coverage.

Blue Cross Blue Shield leads with three HMO plans, holding a 3.0-star rating. Two plans offer $0 monthly premiums, with an average out-of-pocket limit of $6,200.
Essence Healthcare offers one plan at $0 monthly premium, providing the state’s lowest $3,350 maximum out-of-pocket limit and an impressive 4.5-star rating.
Cigna HealthCare also offers a single $0 premium plan, earning a solid 4.0-star rating with an average out-of-pocket limit of $4,778.


Blue Cross Blue Shield	3.00	$9	$6,200	3	5.00
Essence Healthcare	4.50	$0	$3,350	1	4.75
Cigna HealthCare	4.00	$0	$4,778	1	4.40
Aetna	4.00	$0	$6,750	2	4.27
Humana	3.00	$13	$5,900	1	3.53

HMO PROS AND CONS

HMO Medicare Advantage plans require you to stay within a provider network and get referrals for specialists, which limits your flexibility. However, you'll pay lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs while getting coordinated care through a primary care physician. These plans work well for Arkansas residents who want predictable healthcare expenses and don't regularly need out-of-network doctors.

Best Arkansas HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Providers

HMO-POS plans in Arkansas provide out-of-network flexibility not available with standard HMOs. The state has 11 plans available from four providers, nine of which have $0 monthly premiums. Including out-of-network access, average premiums rise to $3 per month. Maximum out-of-pocket limits range from $3,700 to $9,250, averaging $6,845 annually, offering protection for members who occasionally seek care outside their network. All plans include Part D prescription coverage and enhanced benefits, with an average CMS rating of 3.55 stars.

Aetna has the best Arkansas HMO-POS options with one $0 premium plan, averaging a $9,250 maximum out-of-pocket limit and earning a 4.0-star CMS rating.
Humana offers two plans averaging $2 per month, featuring the lowest MOOP at $4,144 but rated 3.0 stars.
UnitedHealthcare provides four plans at an average $10 monthly premium, with 4.0-star ratings and $6,838 average maximum out-of-pocket costs.


Aetna	4.00	$0	$9,250	1	4.45
Humana	3.00	$2	$4,144	2	4.36
UnitedHealthcare	4.00	$10	$6,838	4	4.17
Wellcare	3.30	$0	$7,126	4	3.95

HMO-POS PROS AND CONS

HMO-POS plans suit Arkansas residents who want coordinated, affordable care but need flexibility to visit out-of-network specialists or providers. These hybrid plans let you keep most cost benefits of standard HMOs while accessing out-of-network care when necessary, though you'll pay additional expenses for that flexibility.

Best Arkansas PPO Medicare Advantage Providers

PPO plans in Arkansas provide out-of-network flexibility but have higher costs than more restrictive plan types. There are 15 PPO Medicare Advantage plans from five providers in the state, averaging $9 per month in premiums, though 12 plans have no premium at all. Maximum out-of-pocket limits average $7,256, ranging from $4,150 to $9,250 due to the added costs of out-of-network care.

These plans carry an average CMS rating of 3.67 stars, with nine plans rated 3.5 stars. All 15 plans include enhanced Part D prescription coverage, and all waive deductibles on select drug tiers.

Humana has the best Arkansas PPO plans with eight options featuring $0 premiums and 4.0-star CMS ratings, though maximum out-of-pocket limits are high at $7,925.
UnitedHealthcare has one $0 premium plan with a 4.0-star rating and a $6,200 maximum out-of-pocket limit.
Essence Healthcare provides the state’s lowest MOOP for this plan type at $4,150 with a $0 premium, though its single plan carries a 3.0-star rating.


Humana	4.00	$0	$7,925	8	5.00
UnitedHealthcare	4.00	$0	$6,200	1	4.73
Essence Healthcare	3.00	$0	$4,150	1	4.25
Aetna	3.50	$0	$8,902	4	4.17
Cigna HealthCare	3.00	$0	$7,250	1	3.97

PPO PROS AND CONS

PPO Medicare Advantage plans provide maximum flexibility, letting you visit any Medicare-approved doctor without referrals and choose between in-network and out-of-network care. You'll pay higher monthly premiums and out-of-pocket maximums than HMO options, but you gain the freedom to see specialists without getting permission first and keep your preferred providers even when traveling outside Arkansas.

How to Find the Best Arkansas Medicare Advantage Plans

You'll want to consider your preferred doctors, prescription medications and total costs when selecting Medicare Advantage coverage.

1
Check Your Doctor and Hospital Network
Confirm your current doctors, specialists and preferred hospitals participate in the plan's network. HMO plans restrict you to in-network providers except for emergencies, while PPO plans allow out-of-network access at higher costs. Understanding these differences helps you avoid unexpected bills and ensures you can keep seeing your preferred providers. Learn more about health insurance network types.
2
Compare Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs
Don't focus only on monthly premiums. The maximum out-of-pocket limit represents the most you'll pay for covered services annually, which matters more for your budget planning. For example, a plan with a $0 premium but $7,833 maximum out-of-pocket costs might exceed a $29 premium plan capped at $6,750 if you need regular medical care in Fayetteville or other Arkansas locations.
3
Review Prescription Drug Coverage
Check that your medications appear on the plan's drug formulary and understand their tier placement, which directly affects your costs. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage, though some require separate enrollment.
4
Evaluate Additional Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans offer extras, including dental care, vision services, hearing aids, fitness center memberships and transportation to medical appointments.
5
Consider CMS Star Ratings
Review each plan's CMS star rating, which measures quality and performance on a scale of one to five stars. Higher-rated plans deliver better customer service, care coordination and health outcomes for Arkansas residents. Plans earning four or five stars demonstrate superior performance.

Average Arkansas Medicare Advantage Cost

Medicare Advantage costs in Arkansas vary by plan type and network flexibility. Plans with more restrictive networks generally offer lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses compared with options that provide broader access.

HMO plans provide the most affordable coverage, with a $0 median monthly premium and an average maximum out-of-pocket cost of $5,841.
HMO-POS plans also start at a $0 median premium, averaging $5 per month, with an average MOOP of $6,845 for limited out-of-network access.
PPO plans offer greater provider choice, averaging $10 per month in premiums and $7,257 in maximum out-of-pocket costs.
PFFS plans carry a $57 monthly premium with a $7,500 MOOP.
Regional PPO plans are the most expensive, with $78 monthly premiums and $8,350 maximum out-of-pocket expenses.


HMO	$0	$3	$5,841
HMO-POS	$0	$5	$6,845
PFFS	$57	$57	$7,500
PPO	$0	$10	$7,257
Regional PPO	$78	$78	$8,350

Best Arkansas Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Get answers about Arkansas Medicare Advantage coverage:

When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Arkansas?

Arkansas residents can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7) or the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1-March 31). You may also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you experience qualifying life events like relocating or losing other health coverage.

Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Arkansas?

Yes, most Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas include prescription drug coverage as part of their benefits. Before enrolling, confirm your medications appear on the plan's formulary and review their tier levels, since higher tiers result in increased copay expenses at the pharmacy.

Do I need to change Medicare Advantage plans if I move to a different county in Arkansas?

Moving within Arkansas may require changing your Medicare Advantage plan since coverage networks differ by county. You must notify your current insurer within 30 days of relocating and can utilize a Special Enrollment Period to switch plans if your current option becomes unavailable.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Arkansas Medicare Advantage Plans

MoneyGeek assessed Medicare Advantage plans in Arkansas using a scoring system and three core criteria:

Affordability (50%): Costs represent half the total score due to their influence on your spending. We analyzed combined monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage (weighted at 30%) and in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (weighted at 20%). Plans with lower premiums and MOOP thresholds score higher by reducing annual health care expenses.
Star Ratings (40%): CMS star ratings evaluate plan performance in care quality, customer service and member experience. The Overall Star Rating merges Part C (medical benefits) and Part D (prescription drug coverage) scores into one rating on a 1 to 5-star scale. Higher-rated plans score better in our evaluation.
Availability (10%): We consider each insurer's coverage area across the United States. Providers serving more states score higher, as broader availability indicates more robust infrastructure, better support and better continuity if you relocate.

These factors create a fair comparison of Medicare Advantage plans, weighing costs against care quality and service.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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