Medicare Part D Arkansas: Your Guide to Drug Plans in 2025
Finding the perfect Medicare Part D plan in Arkansas can be a tough slog. You've got premiums, deductibles, and formularies to sort through, but don't worry, we've got your back. With 21 Medicare Part D Arkansas plans available in 2025, we'll help you narrow it down to the one that fits your health needs and budget.
We'll walk you through everything you need to know so you can make a confident, informed decision about your Medicare Part D Arkansas coverage options.
Medicare Part D Arkansas: The Complete List
Plan Name | Premium | Deduct. | Benefit | LIS | Gap | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AARP Medicare Rx Preferred from UHC | $99.20 | $0 | Enhanced | No | No | |
AARP Medicare Rx Saver from UHC | $51.80 | $545 | Basic | No | No | |
AARP Medicare Rx Walgreens from UHC | $45.90 | $410 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
BlueMedicare Premier Rx | $123.90 | $0 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
BlueMedicare Value Rx | $40.30 | $495 | Basic | No | No | |
Cigna Extra Rx | $90.60 | $145 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
Cigna Saver Rx | $19.20 | $545 | Enhanced | No | No | |
Cigna Secure Rx | $36.40 | $545 | Basic | Yes | No | |
Clear Spring Health Value Rx | $14.50 | $545 | Basic | Yes | No | |
Humana Basic Rx Plan | $40.40 | $545 | Basic | No | No | |
Humana Premier Rx Plan | $99.70 | $100 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
Humana Walmart Value Rx Plan | $33.00 | $545 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
Mutual of Omaha Rx Essential | $22.80 | $545 | Enhanced | No | No | |
Mutual of Omaha Rx Plus | $37.70 | $545 | Basic | No | No | |
Mutual of Omaha Rx Premier | $74.80 | $349 | Enhanced | No | No | |
SilverScript Choice | $37.50 | $545 | Basic | Yes | No | |
SilverScript Plus | $95.60 | $200 | Enhanced | No | Yes | |
SilverScript SmartSaver | $9.90 | $280 | Enhanced | No | No | |
Wellcare Classic | $33.80 | $545 | Basic | Yes | No | |
Wellcare Medicare Rx Value Plus | $78.90 | $0 | Enhanced | No | No | |
Wellcare Value Script | $1.60 | $545 | Enhanced | No | No |
Understanding Medicare Part D Arkansas
First, let's simplify what Medicare Part D is and why it's so important, particularly here in Arkansas. Simply put, Medicare Part D is designed to help cover the cost of prescription drugs. Private insurance companies run it, which is a key difference from Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
This year, the average deductible in Arkansas for Medicare Part D is $380, but 3 plans offer a $0 deductible, which could translate into significant savings for you. It all depends on your prescriptions.
Decoding How Medicare Part D Plans Work
Every Medicare Part D plan covers a wide range of drugs categorized into what’s known as a formulary. Formularies list all the medications covered by that specific plan. Each plan may have different formularies, which is why it’s essential to check and make sure yours includes the prescriptions you need.
Also, every formulary has different “tiers” which categorize medications based on cost. Generally, lower-tier drugs have lower copayments, while higher-tier medications will come with higher out-of-pocket costs.
For example, Tier 1 drugs might include generic medications and have the lowest copayments. Tier 2 might be preferred brand-name drugs and have slightly higher costs. Tiers 3, 4, and 5 might include specialty medications with higher price tags.
Your out-of-pocket costs can vary depending on factors like your chosen plan, the tier level of your medications, and which coverage phase you’re currently in (deductible phase or initial coverage phase, for example).
Key Factors to Consider When Before a Medicare Part D Arkansas Plan
Finding a Medicare Part D Arkansas plan that aligns with your individual needs requires careful review of various factors. This ensures that your plan provides the right coverage while minimizing your out-of-pocket costs.
Monthly Premium
This is the amount you pay each month for your Medicare Part D plan. Think of it like a subscription fee. While it’s tempting to go for the lowest possible premium, remember to factor in deductibles, copayments, and coverage details.
A lower monthly premium often means a higher deductible or more limited coverage. The goal is to find a good balance that won't result in unexpected expenses later.
Annual Deductible
Similar to deductibles with other types of insurance, this is the amount you need to pay out of pocket for covered medications before your Medicare Part D plan starts covering costs. It’s the amount you pay before your insurance kicks in.
If you regularly take prescription medications, opting for a plan with a lower deductible can often lead to greater savings. If you rarely need prescriptions, choosing a plan with a higher deductible might be a better option.
Drug Formulary
Review the plan’s formulary, or list of covered medications, to ensure your prescriptions are included. Since formularies can change throughout the year, it’s a good idea to check during the Annual Enrollment Period to confirm that your necessary medications remain covered.
Also, take note of your medication's tier within the formulary, as this will directly impact your costs.
Pharmacy Network
Many plans have preferred pharmacy networks that offer discounted prices on medications, which can result in substantial savings. Ensure that your preferred pharmacies are in-network, and check if mail-order pharmacy options are available. Mail-order services can be particularly convenient and cost-effective for long-term prescriptions.
How Part D Plans Coordinate with Other Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part D gives you prescription drug coverage, but you might wonder, "How does it fit in with my other Medicare coverage?" It's simpler than you think! Let's break it down:
Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare)
With Original Medicare, Part A takes care of hospital stays, and Part B covers doctor visits and other medical services, including medications administered during your visit. Part D is designed to step in and cover the cost of prescription drugs you take at home, rounding out your overall coverage and ensuring you're protected on both fronts.
Medicare Supplement Plans
Medicare Supplement plans, or Medigap, help fill in the gaps left by Original Medicare, covering things like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. However, they don’t cover everything.
One notable exclusion is prescription drugs. If you want coverage for your medications, you'll need to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan.
Combining a Medicare Supplement plan with a Part D plan can be especially beneficial if you take multiple prescriptions. Though you’ll pay separate monthly premiums for both, the combined coverage can help provide peace of mind, ensuring that both your medical and drug costs are well-covered.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
For those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Part C, Part D coverage works a bit differently. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, meaning your medical care and medications are bundled together in one plan.
However, some Medicare Advantage plans do not include drug coverage, giving you the option to enroll in a stand-alone Part D plan instead.
Whether you opt for Original Medicare with a separate Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage, it’s all about finding the right fit for your needs. Consider the medications you take and your budget to choose the best option for your healthcare.
Add These Medicare Part D Enrollment Dates to Your Calendar
Medicare has specific timeframes for enrolling in or modifying your coverage. Here are the key enrollment periods to keep in mind:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): This begins three months before your 65th birthday and lasts for a total of seven months.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Occurring each year from October 15th to December 7th, this period allows you to make changes to your coverage.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Held annually from January 1st to March 31st, this period is for those who already have a Medicare Advantage plan.
For more details, be sure to checkout and bookmark our Medicare Enrollment Periods Guide.
Finding Help With Medicare Part D Arkansas Enrollment
Finding and comparing Medicare Part D California plans alone can sometimes feel daunting. But there’s help available. Our team of experienced, licensed insurance agents is available by phone (1-877-388-0596) from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Sunday (Eastern Standard Time).
We can answer your questions and assist with plan comparisons to guide you through the process.
Plans Offered Through Medicare.org
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Cigna Healthcare, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Premera Blue Cross, Medica Central Health Plan, SCAN Health Plan, Scott and White Health Plan now part of Baylor Scott & White Health, UnitedHealthcare(R), and Wellcare.
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