Extended Short Term Health Insurance in Arkansas

Arkansas law allows an initial term under 12 months, renewable to a 36-month total, and applies state-mandated benefits unless specifically exempted.

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Matthew T. Giberti Matthew T. Giberti Published July 2026 3 min read
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At a glance

Extended (long duration) short term coverage is available in Arkansas: an initial term of less than 12 months, renewable up to a 36-month total by statute.
The duration rests on Arkansas's own law (Ark. Code Ann. 23-79-2002), so it doesn't depend solely on the federal posture.
Arkansas applies its state-mandated benefits to these plans unless specifically exempted, the ID card must indicate the coverage is short term limited duration, and applications carry a 14-point-font notice that the plan doesn't meet ACA requirements.
It's still not ACA coverage, for a genuinely long term need, compare an ACA plan. Arkansas markets its exchange as the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace (AHIM) but enrollment runs through HealthCare.gov, and Arkansas has expanded Medicaid.
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What Arkansas allows for extended coverage

Arkansas permits short term plans to run beyond a single short term, and it does so by statute. The initial term is less than 12 months (Ark. Code Ann. 23-79-2002(5)), and the total duration, taking into account renewals or extensions, may reach 36 months.

Arkansas layers on real consumer-protection requirements. State-mandated benefits apply to these plans unless specifically exempted (Ark. Code Ann. 23-79-2003), which is a genuine product-design constraint. The ID card must indicate that the coverage is short term limited duration insurance, and the application must carry a 14-point-font notice explaining that preexisting exclusions exist, that the plan does not meet ACA requirements, and that the buyer may have to wait for open enrollment for comprehensive coverage.

For context, the 2024 federal rule that would cap short term plans at a 3-month initial term and a 4-month total is currently not being enforced (per the August 7, 2025 federal statement), so Arkansas's own framework, under 12 months initial, up to a 36-month total, is what applies. These plans remain medically underwritten, may exclude preexisting conditions, and are not ACA minimum essential coverage. Deductibles, coinsurance, and copays apply.

Your extended options in Arkansas

For a longer coverage gap, here's what's realistically on the table (described as coverage types, not specific products):

Renewable or consecutive term short term plans, designed to run up to the Arkansas 36-month total. Some carriers cap their forms below 36 months, so confirm the renewal terms on the specific plan before you rely on them.
ACA marketplace plans, the comprehensive route for a genuinely long term need: they cover essential health benefits, are guaranteed issue, and may come with income based subsidies.
Supplemental products such as fixed indemnity exist, but they aren't comprehensive coverage and aren't a substitute for a major medical plan.

As an independent, carrier neutral brokerage, we don't push any single insurer. Extended short term coverage can bridge a longer gap, but if you need comprehensive coverage for the long haul, an ACA plan is usually the better fit.

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How enrollment works here

Extended short term coverage isn't tied to Open Enrollment, you can generally apply year round, subject to the Arkansas duration limits and the carrier's underwriting. It can start quickly and outside of Open Enrollment, but it won't qualify you for ACA subsidies.

For comprehensive coverage, Arkansas brands its exchange as the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace (AHIM), but enrollment for plan year 2026 runs through HealthCare.gov, where ACA plans have an annual Open Enrollment (typically each fall through early winter) and Special Enrollment Periods for qualifying life events like losing job based coverage, moving, or having a baby. Arkansas has expanded Medicaid through its "Arkansas Works" private-option model, so it's worth checking your eligibility there as well.

What it costs

We don't quote premiums here, prices depend on your situation, but the cost of extended short term coverage in Arkansas is driven by:

Your age, older applicants generally pay more.
Where you live in Arkansas, pricing varies by county and rating area.
Tobacco use, often affects the rate.
Who's covered, an individual, a couple, or a whole family.
The deductible and coverage level you choose, lower out of pocket exposure usually means a higher premium.
The length of the term, pricing reflects how long the coverage runs, and Arkansas allows renewals toward a 36-month total.
Medical underwriting, because these plans are underwritten at application, your health history can affect both eligibility and price.

For an ACA plan, cost works differently: it depends on income (which determines subsidy eligibility), age, county, tobacco use, and the metal tier you pick.

Matthew T. Giberti Matthew T. Giberti Licensed Insurance Producer · National Producer Number: 20698856 Licensed Insurance Producer · National Producer Number: 20698856 About Matthew →

Extended short term health insurance is a longer duration form of short term, limited duration coverage. It is not major medical coverage and is not minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act. These plans are medically underwritten, may exclude preexisting conditions, and are not required to cover the full set of essential health benefits such as maternity care, prescription drugs, mental health services, or preventive care. They may impose annual or lifetime dollar limits and are generally not guaranteed renewable. Short term coverage does not qualify you for ACA premium subsidies.

GetHealthPlans.com® is operated by MTG Insurance Agency, an independent, carrier neutral brokerage. We do not issue insurance and are not a government agency or the health insurance marketplace. Regulatory details on this page reflect Arkansas law and Arkansas Insurance Department guidance as of the last reviewed date and can change; confirm current terms and the specific plan's approved form before you enroll.