Howard County, Arkansas: health insurance
What Howard County residents should know about Medicare, marketplace plans and Medicaid.
Howard County at a glance
| State | Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Population (2023 est.) | 12,533 |
| Population rank in Arkansas | 55 of 75 |
| Land area | 587 square miles |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (Population Estimates 2023; Gazetteer 2023).
Medicare plans leaving Howard County for 2027
10 Medicare plans from 4 companies are listed in Howard County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 48 people enrolled in the plans below today.
- HealthSpring Assurance Rx (PDP) (S5617-225, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
- HealthSpring Extra Rx (PDP) (S5617-369, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| Wellcare Simple (HMO-POS) H9630-002 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 19 |
| Wellcare Giveback (HMO-POS) H9630-008 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 16 |
| UHC Medicare Advantage AM-0002 (Regional PPO) R3444-012 | UnitedHealthcare | 13 |
| Aetna Medicare Dual (PPO D-SNP) H1608-077 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 10 or fewer |
| Aetna Medicare Dual Extra (PPO D-SNP) H1608-076 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 10 or fewer |
| UHC Complete Care AM-1 (Regional PPO C-SNP) R3444-009 | UnitedHealthcare | 10 or fewer |
| UHC Complete Care Support AM-1A (Regional PPO C-SNP) R3444-008 | UnitedHealthcare | 10 or fewer |
| Wellcare Patriot Giveback Preferred (HMO-POS) H9630-015 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 10 or fewer |
A plan can be listed because it was renumbered or replaced, not only because a company is leaving the county. When the same company keeps other plans there, members are usually moved to a replacement plan. Your plan should send you a notice, and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when you can compare and switch. “People enrolled” is the number enrolled in that plan today (CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer). Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2026 and 2027, and CMS enrollment data from September 2026.
Is your plan on this list? Call 855-367-1095 and we will look at what is available where you live, with no obligation to enroll.
Why your county matters for coverage
In Arkansas, the health plans you can choose depend on where you live. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are offered by service area, usually county by county, and marketplace premiums and carriers are set by area as well. Living in Howard County means the options on this page apply to you, and plans in a neighboring county may differ.
- Medicare: Arkansas SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) gives free, unbiased counseling at 1-800-224-6330. Ask which plans serve Howard County specifically.
- Marketplace plans: shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace, Arkansas state-based exchange oversight); enter your Howard County ZIP code to see what is offered.
- Medicaid: apply through Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) -- ARHOME.
Arkansas note: Arkansas and Oklahoma are the only two states that run their own state-based marketplace while still using HealthCare.gov's federal technology to enroll people -- a hybrid setup that puts plan approval and rate review in the Arkansas Insurance Department's hands even though the enrollment website itself is federal.
Questions about Howard County
Are the same Medicare plans offered everywhere in Arkansas?
No. Plans are offered by service area. A plan available in one county may not be offered in Howard County, so check by county.
Where do Howard County residents get free Medicare counseling?
Arkansas SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) (1-800-224-6330) is Arkansas's free SHIP program.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. Calling is a conversation about your options, and you are never required to enroll.
Howard County residents: call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095Other large counties
Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.