Essence Healthcare Announces 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas

Trusted health plan introduces high-quality Medicare Advantage options with new benefits and flexibility, while maintaining year-over-year stability for seniors

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Essence Healthcare, a leading Medicare Advantage plan, announced its 2026 Medicare Advantage plan offerings for beneficiaries in the Southwest Missouri & Northwest Arkansas area. With more than two decades of experience, Essence offers reliable Medicare Advantage plans that provide stability, support quality care and help members manage their health and spending.

More than 253,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas are eligible to enroll in an Essence Medicare Advantage plan during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

"Essence has been a stable presence in Medicare Advantage for more than two decades, offering reliable coverage and access to quality care," said Jordan Reigel, president of Essence Healthcare. "Our 2026 plans reflect that ongoing commitment, giving members access to a trusted network of providers, affordable options, and benefits that support their health."

Medicare beneficiaries in Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas will have access to a robust selection of plans that include:

• Enhanced drug coverage with $0 insulins and fixed copays through key tiers.
• Stronger dental benefits through a new LIBERTY Dental partnership.
• Flexible spending options with generous Flex Cards.
• Innovative wellness tools including the Oura Ring on all plans.
• $0 copays for preventive services and primary care.
• SilverSneakers fitness programming.
• Coverage for over-the-counter (OTC) items.

Essence Healthcare has been recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) with 4.5 Stars or higher for five consecutive years (2021–2025) for its HMO plans, and received a strong 4-Star rating in its first year offering PPO plans.^* Essence has also been named a "Best Medicare Advantage Plan" by U.S. News & World Report for five consecutive years.

Enrollment Details

To enroll in an Essence plan, individuals must have both Medicare Parts A and B and reside in the plan's service area. Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. Eligible beneficiaries can learn more and sign up by visiting www.essencehealthcare.com or calling 1-866-509-5398 (TTY: 711).

About Essence Healthcare
Essence Healthcare provides over 55,000 people with comprehensive and affordable Medicare health insurance that focuses on wellness, care coordination and personal service. Essence's Medicare Advantage plans offer complete hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage and include additional benefits not covered under the Original Medicare program. Powered by the nation's leading population health services and technology of Lumeris, Essence is earning national recognition for its commitment to service and quality, including being consistently highly rated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Essence HMO plans (H2610 contract) received a 5-out-of-5-star Overall Plan Rating for 2022-2024 and a 4.5-star rating for 2025. Essence PPO plans (H6200 contract) achieved a 4-star Overall Plan Rating for 2025. Top-rated plans receive 4 stars or higher from CMS. Essence was also named a Best Medicare Advantage Plan for Missouri and Illinois for 2021-2025 by U.S. News & World Report. In 2026, Essence's Medicare Advantage plans are available in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Kentucky and Indiana. To learn more about Essence Healthcare, please visit EssenceHealthcare.com. Essence Healthcare includes HMO and PPO plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in Essence Healthcare depends on contract renewal.

*Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star ratings may vary by contract or market.

 Y0027_26-379_M

SOURCE Essence Healthcare