Private plans in Arkansas

Oct 12, 2025

I don’t want Obamacare. Can I still get a private plan?

Short answer: Yes—“private” coverage is still available. But it helps to know what “Obamacare” actually means so you don’t accidentally give up important protections or overpay.

What “Obamacare” really is

“Obamacare” is the nickname for the Affordable Care Act (ACA). ACA-compliant health plans are still private insurance (from companies like the ones you already know). The difference is consumer protections: guaranteed coverage regardless of health history, no pre-existing condition exclusions, and capped out-of-pocket costs. You can buy these plans on the Marketplace (HealthCare.gov) or off-exchange (direct from the insurer). Both are private; both follow ACA rules. The big advantage of the Marketplace is eligibility for tax credits that can lower your monthly premium—often dramatically for self-employed Arkansans.

Your main choices in Arkansas

1. ACA plans (on- or off-exchange).

• Who it fits: Most self-employed individuals, families, and folks retiring before Medicare.
• Pros: Full protections, broad range of metal tiers (Bronze–Platinum), pediatric dental/vision, and access to premium tax credits if you enroll through HealthCare.gov.
• Consider: Networks and drug formularies differ—check your doctors and medications.

2. Employer coverage through a spouse (if available).

• Pros: Often subsidized by the employer.
• Consider: Adding family members can be pricey; review the “family glitch” implications.

3. COBRA (if you recently left a job).

• Pros: Keep the same doctors and benefits for a time.
• Consider: Usually expensive; typically a short-term bridge to ACA or Medicare.

4. Short-term medical plans (STM).

• Pros: Lower premiums, quick start—can work as a temporary bridge.
• Consider: Not ACA-compliant (can underwrite, exclude pre-existing conditions, limit benefits). Not ideal for ongoing needs or known conditions.

5. Medi-Share / health care sharing ministries

• Pros: Christian values, lower monthly costs
• Consider: Not insurance. No guarantee of payment, no ACA protections

How to choose wisely

1. Decide your must-haves: doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions.
2. Run both prices: Marketplace (with tax credits) and off-exchange direct quotes.
3. Mind the fine print: If it’s not ACA-compliant, assume underwriting, exclusions, and caps.
4. Plan the bridge: Retiring soon or between jobs? We can map a short-term to ACA/Medicare timeline.

What to do next

If you’d like to avoid “Obamacare” pricing but keep robust protections, we’ll compare subsidized ACA options versus off-exchange private plans in Arkansas—side-by-side with your doctors and meds. If a temporary solution makes sense, we’ll use it as a bridge, not a blind spot.