Arkansas Health Insurance

If Arkansas health insurance premiums have discouraged you from buying medical coverage for yourself and your family, explore the affordable alternatives offered by the leading AR insurance providers. With growing awareness of the impact of high insurance rates, some of the top providers are focusing their attention on affordable personal health plans for individuals and families. If you aren't covered under an Arkansas employer's group policy, compare quotes on individual health insurance policies from several companies.

The state of Arkansas incorporates a range of geographical features, from the Ouachita and Ozark mountains to the low lying regions that border the Mississippi River. The state's naturally occurring geothermal hot springs have made Arkansas a center of natural healing for centuries, as these mineral-rich waters are reputed to have therapeutic properties. Today, residents of AR can benefit from a number of Arkansas health insurance policies that protect families against the rising costs of medical care.

High Deductible Health Insurance Plans

As the cost of Arkansas health insurance premiums increase, many residents are exploring the advantages of High Deductible Health Plans, or HDHPs. Also known as catastrophic insurance policies, these plans have traditionally covered hospital treatment and emergency care. However, more recent versions of the HDHP also include routine preventive services. With an HDHP, the policyholder assumes a larger share of the financial responsibility by paying for care until the annual deductible has been met.

Once you've reached the annual deductible, most HDHPs pay for a certain percentage of your medical costs. For instance, the provider may pay for 80 percent of the cost of your care, while you will be responsible for the remaining 20 percent. In addition to the high deductible, the policyholder may be charged a monthly premium, which does not apply to the deductible. The premium for an Arkansas HDHP is generally lower than premiums for managed care programs, like HMOs or PPOs.

Many HDHPs are issued in combination with Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs. The funds deposited in an HSA can be deducted from your paycheck before taxes, reducing your tax burden. This money can be used to cover copayments and the deductible. You may also utilize your HSA funds to cover services like physical therapy, prescription medication and other medically necessary treatments or services.

The advantages of high deductible Arkansas health insurance include lower out of pocket costs to the policyholder and greater flexibility in medical treatment. Because HDHPs typically do not restrict coverage to a provider network, you have the opportunity to see any doctor you choose, provided you can pay for the cost of service out of pocket. In addition, policyholders who choose this form of Arkansas health insurance pay lower premiums each month. When you need specific services, you can pay for the consultation or treatment you require.

High deductible Arkansas health insurance policies aren't for every AR resident. For many families, a managed care Arkansas health insurance plan offers the advantages of more comprehensive benefits and lower out of pocket expenses. If you have young children who need frequent doctor visits, paying a monthly premium may be more convenient than paying for each consultation separately. A plan with a low deductible and a higher monthly premium is easier for many families to work into their household budget.

Health Insurance for Arkansas Children

The state of Arkansas offers several innovative plans for residents who might not otherwise be able to afford medical coverage. Some of these residents are the youngest people in the state. ARKids First is a state sponsored program that offers affordable coverage to the children of low income families. [1] The program offers two levels of coverage for families in different income categories. In response to the need to offer quality Arkansas health insurance to children, these programs provide a wide range of benefits for kids under the age of 19.

Under the ARKids First program, children must have a primary doctor who organizes their treatment. The primary doctor may order services like specialist consultations, diagnostic tests, hearing tests, psychiatric treatment, home nursing services and medical equipment at home. Services like emergency treatment, ambulance services, vision services and family planning do not require a referral. There are no copayments, premiums or deductibles with ARKids First plans, but some services or supplies require cost sharing.

Finding reasonably priced Arkansas health insurance for yourself or your loved ones shouldn't be a frustrating experience. Request quotes from several of the top insurers in your area to find a policy that fits your price range. State assistance is available for applicants who can't afford the cost of basic coverage and for high risk applicants who have been turned down because of serious conditions. Look for a policy that gives you the financial protection you need to stay active and healthy.

[1] http://www.arkidsfirst.com/home.htm 09/04/2011

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