Arkansas Health Insurance Made Simple: 7 Steps to Lower Your Costs (and Avoid Common Mistakes)

Choosing health insurance shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Whether you’re looking at ACA Marketplace plans, Medicare options, RX coverage, or dental & vision, this quick guide shows you how to compare apples to apples—and when to ask for expert help.

We’re local and licensed to serve all of Arkansas. Want a human to walk you through it? Book your appointment with Sandra or send your info securely here so we can run comparisons for you.

Step 1: Start with your must-have doctors, hospitals, and meds

Before looking at premiums, make a short list:

  • Your primary care and any specialists you want to keep

  • Preferred hospital/clinic networks

  • Current prescriptions (name, dosage, frequency)

Plans vary by network and formulary. If your doctor isn’t in-network or your medication moves to a higher tier, your total cost can jump—even if the premium looks low.

Pro tip: Upload your med list via our Update/Intake form and we’ll check it against plan formularies to flag tier changes and preferred pharmacies for you.

Step 2: Compare total cost, not just the premium

Look at the “big four”:

  1. Premium

  2. Deductible

  3. Copays/Coinsurance

  4. Max out-of-pocket

A plan with a slightly higher premium can save money if copays are lower and your doctors are in-network.

Step 3: For ACA shoppers—check your savings eligibility

Marketplace plans can include premium tax credits based on household size and income. We can help you estimate eligibility and show how different metal tiers (Bronze/Silver/Gold) balance monthly costs vs. usage. Learn more on our ACA page.

Step 4: For Medicare—review MA vs. Medigap + Part D

If you’re Medicare-eligible, decide whether Medicare Advantage (MA) or Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D is the better fit for your budget and providers. Each path has tradeoffs in network flexibility, travel coverage, and drug costs. See our Medicare Advantage guide and RX Insurance overview. paulmichaelagency.com

Step 5: Don’t forget dental & vision

Routine care can prevent bigger bills later. If your main plan doesn’t include it, consider standalone dental and vision options. (We can quote these alongside your medical selection.) Book a call now!

Step 6: Small employers—consider ICHRA for flexible benefits

If you run a small business, an ICHRA lets you set a monthly allowance employees can use for individual plans that fit them best—often with less admin burden than group plans. Start with our ICHRA primer and we’ll model a budget that works for your team.

Step 7: Time it right (deadlines matter)

Enrollment windows differ:

  • ACA Open Enrollment: typically Nov–Jan

  • Medicare Annual Enrollment: typically Oct 15–Dec 7 (with other periods for Special Enrollment)

  • Life events (move, birth, loss of coverage) may trigger Special Enrollment windows

If you’re not sure which window applies, we’ll check for you—just book time or send your details so we can verify eligibility and deadlines.

What we’ll do for you (free review)

  • Verify doctor & hospital networks

  • Check drug tiers and preferred pharmacies

  • Compare premiums vs. total cost scenarios

  • Explain benefit tradeoffs in plain English

  • Provide side-by-side options so you choose with confidence

Ready to see your best-fit options?
? Book your appointment with Sandra (fastest)
? Or complete the Update/Intake form and we’ll start your comparisons now.

About Paul Michael Agency

Paul Michael Agency provides high-quality, affordable health insurance solutions for all of Arkansas. We’re local, independent, and here to help you navigate ACA, Medicare, RX, dental/vision, and ICHRA choices with clarity. Licensed in Arkansas (#100103947).