Medicare Help for Jonesboro Residents
Navigating Medicare can feel complicated, but you do not have to figure it out alone. American Senior Benefits of Arkansas is an independent insurance agency licensed in the state, with agents Carol Mitchell and Blake Mitchell ready to assist you.
Our physical office is located in Little Rock, but we regularly help Jonesboro and Craighead County residents by phone or video. If you prefer an in-person meeting, you are always welcome to schedule an appointment at our Little Rock office. We are here to help you understand your options without pressure.
How We Help Jonesboro Residents by Phone or Video
- Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage: We explain how Part A and Part B work alongside private Medicare Advantage plans, helping you compare structures and out-of-pocket rules.
- Medigap Plan G and Plan N Explained: We review standardized Medicare Supplement insurance plans, which help cover costs that Original Medicare leaves behind, such as copayments and deductibles.
- Part D Drug List Review: We look at your current prescription medications, check them against specific plan formularies, and verify which plans cover your preferred pharmacies.
- Turning 65 and Initial Enrollment Periods: We help you understand critical deadlines around your Initial Enrollment Period to avoid potential late enrollment penalties.
Hospitals and Networks Jonesboro Residents Use
Jonesboro serves as a regional hub for Northeast Arkansas. Healthcare access depends heavily on the specific hospital systems and doctors available in the area.
St. Bernards Medical Center
225 E. Washington Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72401
NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital
4800 E. Johnson Ave., Jonesboro, AR 72405
Insurance networks vary by plan and by county. It is essential to confirm whether your doctors and the hospital you prefer participate in a specific plan's network before you enroll. Because Jonesboro is a regional hub, the two hospital systems may participate in different plans, so check both your providers and the facility you would use.
Local Resources in Craighead County
Social Security Field Office
1809 Latourette Dr., Jonesboro, AR 72404. This office also serves many Northeast Arkansas residents. Confirm your address and hours on the SSA Office Locator at ssa.gov/locator, as Social Security asks you to make an appointment.
East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging (Region III)
Serves Craighead, Greene, Clay, Randolph, Lawrence, Mississippi, Poinsett, Cross, Crittenden, St. Francis, Lee, and Phillips counties. You can find more information at agingarkansas.org.
Please note that these local resources are independent and not affiliated with our insurance agency.
2027 Medicare Dates and Changes to Know
According to the “Medicare & You 2027” handbook, several important dates and policy updates apply:
- Open Enrollment: Runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026, and any plan changes take effect on January 1, 2027.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Runs from January 1 to March 31, 2027, for people who are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Part D Out of Pocket Cap: In 2027, out-of-pocket costs for covered Part D drugs are capped at $2,400.
- Part D Deductible Limit: A plan's drug deductible can be no more than $700 in 2027.
- Insulin Cost Sharing: Covered insulin costs no more than $35 for a one-month supply.
- Telehealth Flexibilities: Medicare extended telehealth flexibilities through December 31, 2027.
Official Medicare Help
American Senior Benefits of Arkansas is a licensed insurance agency, not a government office. For official inquiries, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, or visit Medicare.gov. Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). For free, unbiased counseling, contact the Arkansas SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program, Arkansas Insurance Department) at 1-800-224-6330.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have an office in Jonesboro?
No, we do not have a physical office in Jonesboro. Our office is located at 814 N University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72205, but we regularly help Jonesboro residents by phone, video, or in person at our Little Rock location by appointment.
How do I check if my doctor at NEA Baptist or St. Bernards is in network?
You can review the provider directory for a specific insurance plan or call the plan directly to verify participation, as networks vary by plan and may change from year to year.
What is the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging?
It is a regional resource serving Craighead County and surrounding areas that offers aging and support services, though it is not affiliated with our insurance agency.
When can I change my Medicare coverage?
You can make changes during the Annual Open Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7, with changes effective January 1, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31 if you already have a Medicare Advantage plan.
Talk With a Licensed Agent
If you have questions about your options in Craighead County, call American Senior Benefits of Arkansas at (501) 459-6953, Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, or book online for a no-obligation consultation.
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 available options.