Arkansas health insurance plans
How individual and family health coverage works in Arkansas, in plain language.
ACA Open Enrollment opens November 1st
Open enrollment starts November 1st. Not sure which Arkansas plan is right for you? Call and we'll help you find it.
Where Arkansas residents shop
Arkansas residents who buy their own coverage shop on HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace, Arkansas state-based exchange oversight) at www.healthcare.gov/arkansas/. That is also where income-based help with monthly premiums (premium tax credits) is applied. Enrollment follows the federal HealthCare.gov calendar.
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.
Enrolling
Open enrollment dates are set by the marketplace and can change from year to year, so confirm this year’s window on the marketplace site before you plan around it. Outside open enrollment you generally need a qualifying life event, such as losing other coverage, moving, or a change in household size.
What affects the plans you see
- Where you live. Plans and premiums are set by area within Arkansas, so your county matters. Find your county.
- Income and household size. These determine help with premiums and whether you may qualify for Medicaid instead.
- Plan level. Metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) trade a lower monthly premium against higher costs when you use care.
ARHOME (Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me), the state's Medicaid program run by the Department of Human Services, is the place to start for eligibility or enrollment changes.
Arkansas is one of just two states running its own state-based exchange on top of the federal HealthCare.gov enrollment platform -- you still enroll at HealthCare.gov, but the Arkansas Insurance Department sets which plans and carriers are offered.
AR SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) offers free Medicare counseling at 1-800-224-6330, run by the Arkansas Insurance Department and separate from Arkansas Medical Insurance's own free phone help.
Questions
Where do I shop for ACA health plans in Arkansas?
Arkansas residents shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace, Arkansas state-based exchange oversight) (https://www.healthcare.gov/arkansas/). An independent agent such as Lander LLC can explain the plans for you, but the marketplace is the only place premium tax credits are applied.
How do I apply for Medicaid in Arkansas?
Medicaid in Arkansas is run through Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) -- ARHOME (https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/). Eligibility depends on income, household size and other factors, and it is decided by the state, not by an insurance agency.
Who regulates insurance in Arkansas?
Arkansas Insurance Department (https://insurance.arkansas.gov) regulates insurance companies and agents in Arkansas. You can use it to check that an agent or company is licensed and to file a complaint.
Is there free, unbiased Medicare help in Arkansas?
Yes. Arkansas SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) (1-800-224-6330) offers free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), separate from any insurance agency.
Does Arkansas Medical Insurance cost anything to use?
There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent. Insurance premiums and plan costs are set by the insurance companies and are separate from our help.
Questions about Arkansas health plans? 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 855-367-1095Reviewed 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.