Medicare Advantage is an optional component of Medicare that allows beneficiaries to receive healthcare benefits from private insurance plans instead of the federal government. These plans cover all services included under traditional Medicare, typically include additional benefits, and always have an out-of-pocket spending maximum, but they may also involve narrower provider networks, more prior authorization requirements, and more complex cost-sharing rules.
This dashboard shows how enrollment in Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare has changed over time in Arkansas. The line graph compares trends in Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare enrollment statewide or for a selected county. The map shows the share of beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage by county for the selected year. When no county on the map is selected, statewide numbers are displayed in the line graph.
Enrollment in Medicare Advantage has been increasing among Arkansans, with 47% of Medicare beneficiaries in the state enrolled in Medicare Advantage in 2026, up from 18% in 2013. In 25 counties, Medicare Advantage enrollment in 2026 exceeds traditional Medicare enrollment (note that percentages on the dashboard are rounded to the nearest whole number). The share of Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage varies widely from county to county, which may reflect differences in plan availability, provider participation in Medicare Advantage networks, marketing, and beneficiary preferences.
For more on Medicare Advantage, see our explainer on plan options and enrollment trends in Arkansas.
Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Monthly Enrollment Data