Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in St. Francis County cost about $774 a month for 2026, and the Arkansas average for 2027 is $757 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 4 insurers offered marketplace plans in St. Francis County for 2026.
A health insurance broker in Forrest City works for you, not for one insurance company. Brokers are licensed in Arkansas to sell plans from several carriers, so one conversation can cover marketplace plans, off-exchange plans and other options side by side. Below are 6 brokerages near Forrest City, sorted by distance.
Health Insurance Brokers near Forrest City
Licensed agents can compare plans available in St. Francis County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Broker or agent: what's the difference?
A captive agent sells one company's plans. An independent agent or broker is appointed with several insurers and can compare them. In everyday use the words overlap, so ask any office which carriers it can quote in Arkansas.
Do brokers cost more?
No. Health insurers pay brokers a commission that's already part of the premium. You pay the same price for a plan whether you buy it yourself or through a broker.
What a broker can compare for you
Premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; which doctors and hospitals are in each network; whether your prescriptions are covered; and whether you qualify for a premium tax credit.
Carriers a Forrest City broker can quote
For 2026, marketplace plans in Arkansas come from 6 insurers: Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield (USAble Mutual), Health Advantage (Arkansas Blue Cross HMO), Octave (USAble HMO), Ambetter (Celtic), QualChoice (QCA Health Plan) and QualChoice Life and Health. Not every insurer sells in every county. An independent broker appointed with several of them can compare prices and networks side by side.
How to get ready
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
Checking an agent's license in Arkansas
- The Arkansas Insurance Department offers a Licensee Lookup & Report Generator, provided through State-Based Systems (SBS), where anyone can search agent and agency licenses. Source
- The Arkansas Insurance Department licenses insurance producers and agencies in the state and oversees insurers. Consumers who have a problem with an insurer or agent can file a complaint with the department. Source
Frequently asked questions
Can a broker help me get a subsidy?
Yes. Brokers certified with the marketplace can estimate your premium tax credit and enroll you in a subsidized plan.
Is there a fee to use a broker?
Most health insurance brokers charge nothing to individuals and families; the insurer pays them. Ask up front if you're unsure.
When can I buy a plan?
During open enrollment (Nov 1 to January 15 on the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace (enroll via HealthCare.gov)), or within 60 days of a qualifying life event such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage or a new baby.
Brokers in nearby cities
- Wynne, AR 15 miles
- Helena-West Helena, AR 35 miles
- West Memphis, AR 35 miles
- Marion, AR 36 miles
- Horn Lake, MS 42 miles
- Southaven, MS 46 miles
- Memphis, TN 47 miles
- Hernando, MS 47 miles
- Trumann, AR 48 miles
- Newport, AR 49 miles