Short answer: With Original Medicare, you can generally use any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. With a Medicare Advantage plan, networks matter: HMO plans usually require in-network care except for emergencies and urgent care, and PPO plans usually cost more out of network. Before you enroll, confirm each doctor and hospital with the plan itself. Networks can change every year. Information current as of October 2026.
Major Central Arkansas Hospitals to Check
Hospital names and addresses below were taken from each hospital's official website (checked October 13, 2026).
| Hospital | Address |
|---|---|
| UAMS Medical Center | 4301 W. Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205 |
| Baptist Health Medical Center–Little Rock | 9601 Baptist Health Dr., Little Rock, AR 72205 |
| Baptist Health Medical Center–North Little Rock | 3333 Springhill Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72117 |
| CHI St. Vincent Infirmary | 2 St. Vincent Circle, Little Rock, AR 72205 |
| Arkansas Heart Hospital | 1701 S. Shackleford Rd., Little Rock, AR 72211 |
| Baptist Health Medical Center–Conway | 1555 Exchange Ave., Conway, AR 72032 |
| Conway Regional Medical Center | 2302 College Ave., Conway, AR 72034 |
Veterans: the Eugene J. Towbin Healthcare Center (VA) is at 2200 Fort Roots Dr., North Little Rock, AR 72114. VA care is a separate benefit from Medicare. See the FAQ below.
Hospitals are often part of larger systems with many clinics. Being "in network" at a hospital doesn't automatically mean every doctor, clinic or specialist there is in network, so check each one. Provider directories and drug formularies can change, so always confirm current information directly with the plan and the provider.
Step-by-Step: How to Check a Network
1. Make your list
Write down every doctor (full name and practice), specialist, hospital, surgery center and pharmacy you use or expect to use.
2. Use the plan's provider directory
Every Medicare Advantage plan publishes a provider directory. Search for each provider by name and location, and make sure the directory is for the 2027 plan year.
3. Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder
At Medicare.gov you can compare plans in your ZIP code and see plan details. Medicare's Care Compare tool also helps you find doctors and hospitals that accept Medicare.
4. Call the plan, then the provider
Directories can be out of date. Call the plan's member or prospective-member services number and ask: "Is [doctor/hospital] in network for this specific plan in 2027?" Then call the doctor's office and ask whether they participate in that exact plan, not just "that insurance company."
5. Ask about referrals and prior authorization
Some plans require a referral to see a specialist or prior approval for certain services. Ask how this works for the providers you use.
6. Write it down
Note the date, the name of the person you spoke with and what they said.
What We Do in a Network Review
At American Senior Benefits of Arkansas, we go through your doctor and hospital list with you and look up provider participation for the plans we offer in your area. We'll show you where to confirm it with the plan. There's no cost for a review.
- Office: 814 N University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72205 (by appointment)
- Phone: (501) 459-6953 · Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Request a network check · Little Rock Medicare guide
We also help residents of North Little Rock, Conway, Sherwood, Cabot and Bryant. Annual Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7. See the 2027 Open Enrollment guide.
Free, unbiased help is also available from Arkansas SHIIP at 1-800-224-6330, or from 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources: hospital addresses from uamshealth.com, baptist-health.org, commonspirit.org (CHI St. Vincent), arheart.com, conwayregional.org, va.gov; Medicare.gov. Checked October 13, 2026. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. American Senior Benefits of Arkansas is a licensed insurance agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
