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Healthcare and Health Insurance in Arkansas | Expat Exchange
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11 Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Arkansas

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Feb 12, 2023

Summary: The quality of medical care in Arkansas is generally comparable to the rest of the United States. Arkansas has a wide range of medical facilities, including hospitals, clinics, and specialty care centers. Emergency services are available throughout the state, and ambulances can be called by dialing 911.

How are healthcare services Arkansas?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Arkansas, they replied:

"Arkansas offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialty care, mental health services, and preventive care. The state is home to a number of excellent hospitals and medical facilities, including Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock, UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock, and Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas in Rogers. These hospitals provide comprehensive care for a variety of medical conditions, from cancer to heart disease. In addition, Arkansas has a number of rural health clinics and community health centers that provide care to underserved populations," said one expat.

What are medical services in Arkansas like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Arkansas, they replied:

"Arkansas offers a wide range of medical services to its residents. The state has a network of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that provide quality care to patients. Arkansas also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized treatments for specific conditions. Additionally, Arkansas has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to finding new treatments and cures for various diseases. The state also has a number of medical schools that provide training for medical professionals. In addition, Arkansas has a number of health insurance plans that provide coverage for medical services," said an expat in Arkansas.

Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Arkansas?

"Healthcare and health insurance in Arkansas can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and provider. Generally, health insurance premiums in Arkansas are higher than the national average, and out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services can also be high. Additionally, Arkansas has some of the highest rates of uninsured residents in the country, which can lead to higher costs for those who do have insurance," remarked one expat in Arkansas.

What are emergency services like in Arkansas?

When we asked about emergency services, members in Arkansas wrote:

"In Arkansas, emergency services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To call for an ambulance, you can dial 911 from any phone. The operator will ask for your location and the nature of the emergency, and will then dispatch an ambulance to your location. Emergency services in Arkansas are provided by local fire departments, police departments, and ambulance services," said an expat in Arkansas.

Will I need to travel to see a specialist?

"Cities in Arkansas with a strong selection of medical specialists include Little Rock and Fayetteville. In Little Rock, Arkansas’s capital, there are a wide variety of medical specialists available, ranging from family physicians to neurologists. Fayetteville, located in Northwest Arkansas, also has a strong selection of medical specialists, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and psychiatrists. Other cities in Arkansas that have good selections of medical specialists include Jonesboro, Fort Smith, Springdale, and North Little Rock," wrote an expat living in Arkansas.

Are common prescription medications available in Arkansas?

"Yes, common prescription medications are available in Arkansas. Pharmacies in the state are able to fill prescriptions for medications that are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These medications can be obtained from a variety of sources, including retail pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, and online pharmacies. Additionally, many health insurance plans provide coverage for prescription medications, allowing patients to access the medications they need at a lower cost," commented one expat who moved to Arkansas.

Do you have anything more to add about local medical facilities in Arkansas?

"Medical facilities and medical care in Arkansas are generally of high quality, with 154 hospitals across the state, each providing a wide range of medical services. The state offers a variety of specialized medical centers, such as Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and UAMS Medical Center, that provide advanced medical treatment and care. The medical staff in the state is composed of well-trained, experienced and qualified professionals who continually strive to provide the best in healthcare to their patients. Similarly, the state also offers numerous medical universities and schools, as well as nursing and allied health schools, which are dedicated to producing well educated and knowledgeable healthcare professionals," said one expat.

As a foreigner living in Arkansas, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?

"Yes, as a foreigner living in Arkansas, you will have access to public healthcare. Arkansas has a Medicaid program that provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families. The program covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription drugs, and preventive care. The quality of care provided by the program varies depending on the provider, but overall it is considered to be of good quality," wrote an expat living in Arkansas.

What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?

We asked expats in Arkansas if they have access to public healthcare in Arkansas. And, if they do have access, what is it like. They wrote...

"My experiences with the local healthcare system in Arkansas during the pandemic have been mostly positive. The healthcare providers in my area have been very responsive and accommodating to my needs, and I have been able to access the care I need in a timely manner. The healthcare system has also been proactive in providing information and resources to help me stay safe and healthy during this time. I am grateful for the care and support I have received from the healthcare system in Arkansas during this difficult time," said one expat living in Arkansas.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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