Arkansas

The following information details health insurance and assistance programs available to uninsured people in Arkansas. If you currently have health insurance or have just lost health insurance coverage within the past 60 days, visit the health insurance section of our Web site for additional options available to you.

Arkansas Insurance Department - (800) 282-9134
In Arkansas, state law allows health insurance companies to turn people down for individual health insurance coverage based on the status of their health. In most cases, diabetes is considered an “uninsurable” condition. Even though you can be turned down for an individual policy in Arkansas, you can never be turned down for health insurance that is offered through an employer.  

If you are having a problem with your state-regulated health plan and you are unable to resolve it with the plan directly, file a complaint with the Insurance Department. They may be able to provide you with assistance in reaching a conclusion.

Arkansas Medicaid - (866) 695-6508
This program is available to anyone who meets income and eligibility criteria. Even if your income meets the criteria, you must fall into one of the eligibility categories in order to qualify. Contact your state Medicaid program for more information. 

Arkansas Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan - (800) 285-6477
The Arkansas Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan (CHIP) is the Arkansas state high-risk pool. This program allows individual health insurance policies to be sold to people who might otherwise be considered “uninsurable” because of a chronic illness. Premiums may be high, and a pre-existing condition period may apply. Contact CHIP for more information.

ARKids First - State Children’s Health Insurance Program - (888) 474-8275
ARKids First is the children’s health insurance program designed to provide health insurance to children and teens under age 19 whose families may have too great an income to qualify for Medicaid, but who may not be able to afford health insurance. Visit the Web site to find out if you or your child meets the income guidelines. 

If you or your loved one is unable to see a physician due to the cost of care, there may be a local community health clinic in your area. These clinics generally are free to patients or require a very small fee. Find a clinic in your area.

Having trouble finding or keeping adequate or affordable health insurance coverage? Become a diabetes advocate!