Best and cheapest health insurance in Arkansas
Cheapest health insurance companies in Arkansas
Octave, Arkansas BCBS and Health Advantage have the cheapest health insurance in Arkansas, with Bronze plans starting at $447 per month before discounts.
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Affordable health insurance in Arkansas
Company |
Cost
| |
|---|---|---|
| Octave | $447-$510 | |
| Arkansas BCBS | $452-$520 | |
| Health Advantage | $463-$476 | |
| Ambetter | $500-$606 |
- Octave has the cheapest health insurance quotes throughout Arkansas, including in Little Rock, Fayetteville and Fort Smith, with plans starting at $447 per month.
- Octave is a part of Blue Cross Blue Shield, which means customers have access to the largest network of doctors in the state.
- Health Advantage and Arkansas BCBS also operate under the Blue Cross brand. Keep in mind, these are all different companies. Although they all give you access to the Blue Cross Blue Shield network of doctors, the prices, coverage, plan quality and availability differ by company.
- Octave sells good quality plans, but Ambetter is a better choice for most people because it scores well for Medical Care according to HealthCare.gov.
Best for PPO plans in Arkansas: AR Blue Cross Blue Shield
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) has the most affordable rates for PPO (preferred provider organization) plans, at an average of $486 per month for Bronze coverage. That's about $61 per month less than an average Bronze plan from Ambetter, the only other company selling PPO plans in Arkansas.
Arkansas BCBS also has a good 3-out-of-5-star rating from HealthCare.gov. That means AR BCBS customers are generally happy with their coverage.
PPO plans let you see doctors outside your network. You can also see a specialist without a referral from your primary care doctor with a PPO, but you may need permission from your insurance company first, called prior authorization.
Typically, you'll pay a higher cost when getting care outside of your network, and these plans often have higher monthly rates than other plan types.
Only two companies sell PPO plans in Arkansas. Ambetter, Health Advantage and Octave also sell what are called POS (point of service) plans, which let you see doctors both inside and outside your network. But you still need a referral from your primary care doctor before you can see a specialist.
Best health insurance companies in Arkansas
Ambetter is the best health insurance company for most people in Arkansas.
The company has an excellent 5-out-of-5-star member experience score from HealthCare.gov. That means Arkansas BCBS customers have an easy time getting appointments and services and they're generally happy with the quality of their health care.
Plus, the company has a strong 3-out-of-5-star rating for medical care, which measures how easy it is for customers to get basic medical care, such as vaccines and regular screenings.
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Best-rated health insurance companies in AR
Company |
ACA rating
|
VP rating
|
|---|---|---|
| Ambetter | ||
| Arkansas BCBS | ||
| Octave | N/A | |
| Health Advantage |
Worst health insurance in Arkansas: Health Advantage
Health Advantage is the lowest-rated health insurance company in Arkansas. HealthCare.gov only gives Health Advantage 2-out-of-5-stars overall, and the company has a low 2-out-of-5 star rating for plan administration, which measures customer service, how easy it is to get needed information and whether doctors order appropriate tests and treatments.
Health Advantage has more expensive average rates than other companies like Octave and Arkansas BCBS, which both have good 3-out-of-5-star ratings.
How much does health insurance cost in Arkansas?
A Silver health insurance plan in Arkansas costs an average of $823 per month, but you could pay an estimated average of $208 per month if you get discounts based on your income.
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- Where you live in Arkansas, whether you smoke or use tobacco, the plan tier you buy and how many people you insure all affect how much you pay for medical insurance.
- Your age has one of the biggest impacts on your health insurance rates. You'll pay more than twice as much for the same plan when you're 60 compared to when you're 40.
Health insurance discount changes in Arkansas for 2026
A Silver health insurance plan costs an average of $823 in Arkansas, or about $208 per month, on average, if you get discounts based on your income.
If you're eligible for subsidies, rates will rise from about $92 in 2025 to $208 in 2026. ** That's because smaller discounts are available for 2026. Between 2021 and 2025, you could get larger discounts, called "enhanced subsidies," if you shopped for coverage on HealthCare.gov.
You can still get discounts based on your income, but they won't be as large as in years past.
Health insurance rates in Arkansas after subsidies (2025 vs. 2026)
Income | 2025 rate | 2026 rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $49 | $155 | 216% |
| $40,000 | $154 | $287 | 86% |
| $50,000 | $283 | $415 | 47% |
| $60,000 | $423 | $498 | 18% |
| $70,000+ | $458 | $774 | 69% |
Average cost after subsidies for a single 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan.
- Who can get subsidies? To get subsidies, you have to earn between $15,650 and $62,600 as an individual ($32,150 to $128,600 for a family of four). The less you make, the higher your subsidy.
- How do subsidies work? You can apply your subsidy to your monthly rate for any Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum plan available on HealthCare.gov. You also have the option to get your subsidy, also called a premium tax credit, as a lump sum when you file your taxes.
- How much do you save? ValuePenguin's subsidy calculator lets you see how much you'll pay for coverage after discounts.
Cheap Arkansas health insurance plans by city
The Octave Bronze Exp Standardized plan costs $447 per month, making it the cheapest option in Little Rock, Fayetteville and Fort Smith.
In fact, the Octave Bronze Exp Standardized plan is the cheapest health insurance plan everywhere in Arkansas.
Cheapest health insurance plans by AR county
County | Cheapest plan | Monthly rates |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Octave Octave Bronze Exp Standardized | $447 |
| Ashley | Octave Octave Bronze Exp Standardized | $447 |
| Baxter | Octave Octave Bronze Exp Standardized | $447 |
| Benton | Octave Octave Bronze Exp Standardized | $447 |
| Boone | Octave Octave Bronze Exp Standardized | $447 |
Cheapest Bronze plan with rates for a 40-year-old
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Best health insurance plan by level of coverage
The best health insurance plan for you depends on your medical needs and budget.
Higher-tier health plans, like Platinum plans, have more expensive quotes but let you pay less when you go to the doctor. Bronze and Catastrophic plans are the opposite. They cost less each month, but you'll pay more when you need medical care.
Platinum plans: Best for people with serious or chronic diseases
| Platinum plans pay for about 90% of your medical care. |
Platinum plans in Arkansas cost $873 per month, on average.
A Platinum health plan makes sense if you think you'll need a lot of medical care in the coming year. For example, a Platinum plan can be a good choice if you have cancer or another serious condition.
Platinum plans have the highest average rates of any plan tier. But you won't have to pay much before coverage starts because these plans have an average deductible of $738.
Gold plans: Best if you have frequent or complex medical needs
| Gold plans pay for about 80% of your medical care. |
Gold plans cost an average of $715 per month in Arkansas.
Gold plans have the highest level of coverage in Arkansas, which means they have a high monthly cost. Keep in mind, Silver plans in Arkansas cost more than Gold plans, on average, because you can get extra subsidies, called cost-sharing reductions, with a Silver plan.
If you go to the doctor often, have a chronic or severe health issue or have high medical costs in general, and you're not eligible for cost-sharing reductions, it's usually worth it to get a Gold plan.
On average, you'll pay the first $1,706 per year for your medical bills with a Gold plan, called your deductible. After that, your health insurance will start to split the bill with you until you hit your plan's annual spending cap, called an out-of-pocket maximum.
Silver plans: Best for most people
| Silver plans pay for about 70% of your medical care. |
Silver plans cost an average of $823 per month in Arkansas.
A Silver plan is a good option in Arkansas if you make less than roughly $39,000 per year (about $80,000 per year for a family of four) because you may be eligible for extra discounts that help pay for medical care, called cost-sharing reductions.
If you're not eligible for cost-sharing reductions, a Silver plan is often a bad choice for Arkansans. That's because Silver plans are expensive, on average, in Arkansas for 2026. In most cases, you'll be better off with a Gold plan if you need a lot of medical care or a Bronze plan if you're young and in good health.
Silver plans in Arkansas have a $6,882 deductible for the year, on average. That's more than four times the average Gold plan deductible in Arkansas and about $300 less than the average deductible for a Bronze plan.
Bronze plans: Best if you're young, healthy and have savings
| Bronze plans pay for about 60% of your medical care. |
Bronze plans cost an average of $514 per month in Arkansas.
If you're young and healthy, a Bronze plan can be a good choice. These plans have the lowest monthly rates but require you to pay more when you go to the doctor. Bronze plans have a health insurance deductible of $7,180, on average, which means you might have to pay more than $7,000 of your medical bills yourself before your plan starts to pay.
If you buy a Bronze plan, it's important to have emergency savings in case you have a severe illness or injury. Between your deductible, copay and coinsurance, you might have to pay between $7,250 and $10,500 of your medical bills out of your own pocket.
Catastrophic plans: Best for affordable monthly rates
Catastrophic plans cost an average of $356 per month in Arkansas.
Catastrophic health insurance plans have the cheapest average rates of any plan tier, but you'll have to pay $10,600 before coverage starts. It's better than no health insurance, but it's not a good deal unless you can afford to pay a lot if you get sick or hurt.
You can only get a Catastrophic plan if you're under 30 or if you qualify for a hardship exemption. Catastrophic health insurance isn't eligible for marketplace subsidies, also called premium tax credits.
Cheap or free health insurance in Arkansas if you have a low income
If you have a low income and can't afford to buy a plan, you might qualify for free health insurance with Medicaid. And if you have a Silver plan but still struggle to pay for health care, you might get discounts that lower your medical bills.
Medicaid in Arkansas
Medicaid is a type of free health insurance for people with low incomes.
To qualify, you have to make less than around $22,000 as an individual or $44,000 as a family of four. If you're pregnant or 18 or younger, you can make more and still qualify. If you are eligible for Medicaid, most of your medical insurance costs will be reduced or eliminated.
Use cost-sharing reductions for cheaper medical care
If you buy a Silver plan and have a low income, you might get discounts that can lower what you pay for health care. These are called cost-sharing reductions.
To qualify, you have to make between $15,650 and $39,125 per year as an individual or between $32,150 and $80,375 per year as a family of four. The lower your income, the bigger your discount, so the less you'll pay for medical care.
Are health insurance rates going up in AR?
The cost of health insurance in Arkansas rose by an average of 38% between 2025 and 2026.
Silver plans, the most popular plan tier in the state, cost 67% more this year compared to last year. Gold plans got 26% more expensive, on average, and Bronze plans increased by 22%, on average. The cost of a Silver plan rose by 96% between 2022 and 2026 in Arkansas.
Are health insurance rates going up in AR in 2026?
Bronze
Silver
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $413 | – |
| 2023 | $402 | -3% |
| 2024 | $414 | 3% |
| 2025 | $421 | 2% |
| 2026 | $514 | 22% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old. Expanded Bronze plans are included in 2024, 2025 and 2026 averages, when they're offered.
Bronze
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $413 | – |
| 2023 | $402 | -3% |
| 2024 | $414 | 3% |
| 2025 | $421 | 2% |
| 2026 | $514 | 22% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old. Expanded Bronze plans are included in 2024, 2025 and 2026 averages, when they're offered.
Silver
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $419 | – |
| 2023 | $456 | 9% |
| 2024 | $461 | 1% |
| 2025 | $494 | 7% |
| 2026 | $823 | 67% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Gold
Year | Cost | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $550 | – |
| 2023 | $570 | 4% |
| 2024 | $557 | -2% |
| 2025 | $569 | 2% |
| 2026 | $715 | 26% |
Monthly costs are for a 40-year-old.
Why is health insurance expensive in AR in 2026?
Medical insurance in Arkansas has become more expensive in 2026 because of rising health care costs, inflation and expiring tax credits.
Reasons for this sharp rise in the cost of medical insurance in Arkansas include more expensive health care services and prescription drugs. The growing adoption of high-cost weight-loss medications, such as Wegovy and Ozempic, is another large contributing factor in rising prescription drug spending.
Covid-era expanded health insurance subsidies won't be available in 2026, driving up rates further by lowering the amount of financial help offered by the federal government.
How to save on health insurance in 2026
- Compare quotes from several health insurance companies on HealthCare.gov to get the most affordable rates in your area.
- Choose a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and open a health-savings account (HSA) to lower your monthly rate and tax bill.
- See if your income qualifies you for free government health insurance, called Medicaid.
ACA minimum essential coverage
In Arkansas, you can buy Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans, sometimes called "Obamacare" plans, on HealthCare.gov between Nov. 1 and Jan. 15 each year. You might qualify to buy a plan outside this time period if you've moved, gotten married, had a baby or experienced another life change.
No matter what level of plan you buy — Catastrophic, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum — you'll have coverage for at least 10 health care situations.
- Doctor visits
- Preventive and wellness care
- Emergency care
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medications
- Lab services
- Pregnancy, maternity and newborn care
- Pediatric care
- Mental health and substance use care
- Rehab services
No matter what plan tier you buy, your plan will pay for at least some of the cost for these medical needs. Catastrophic plans pay the lowest amount, while Platinum plans pay the highest. So if you need a prescription medication, you'll pay less for it if you have a Platinum plan compared to a Catastrophic plan.
Average cost of health insurance plan by family size in Arkansas
In Arkansas, the average cost of a Bronze health insurance policy for a family of four is $1,642 per month. Each child you add to your plan costs an average of $307 per month.
The ages of the people on your plan also affect how much you pay each month. For children under age 15, the monthly medical insurance premium remains flat. However, once a child turns 15 years old, their monthly rate will increase each year.
Family size | Average monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Individual | $514 |
| Individual and child | $821 |
| Couple | $1,027 |
| Family of three | $1,335 |
| Family of four | $1,642 |
Averages based on a Bronze plan for 40-year-old adults and children who are under age 15.
COBRA insurance plans in Arkansas
COBRA costs $702 per month for an individual in Arkansas.
Since a Bronze plan from HealthCare.gov costs $514 per month, on average, it's usually cheaper to buy marketplace insurance than to get COBRA insurance. But if you need specific coverage that your employer plan has, COBRA is probably worth it.
COBRA is a program that lets you keep the health insurance you had with your job if you quit, are fired or retire. In most cases, you can keep the coverage for up to a year and a half after you leave.
But because you're no longer an employee, your job doesn't chip in to cover some of the cost for your medical insurance. When you use COBRA to continue your plan, you have to pay the full price. COBRA tends to be more expensive than a plan you can buy on HealthCare.gov.
Short-term health insurance plans in Arkansas
In January 2025, the Trump administration rolled back a rule that would limit the length of a short-term health policy to three months. That means you can buy short-term health insurance in Arkansas for up to 364 days at a time or three years total, including renewals.
Short-term medical insurance is an option if you need temporary coverage, but these plans aren't as good as HealthCare.gov plans.
It's usually a better idea to buy a plan from HealthCare.gov if you need a temporary health insurance plan. That insurance gives you better coverage than short-term plans, and you can cancel them at any time.
Pros of short-term health insurance plans in Arkansas
Cons of short-term health insurance plans in Arkansas
Health insurance enrollment by income level in Arkansas
In 2025, roughly three-quarters of Arkansans with marketplace coverage made less than $37,650.
Arkansas residents who earn low incomes will be most impacted by lower discounts in 2026. That's because these people are more likely to get medical insurance from Healthcare.gov than other groups.
Enrollment by income
Income | % of total enrollment |
|---|---|
| Less than $15,060 | 0% |
| $15,060 to $20,783 | 9% |
| $20,784 to $22,590 | 27% |
| $22,591 to $30,120 | 23% |
| $30,121 to $37,650 | 14% |
Enrollment in 2025 marketplace plans made during the 2024-2025 Open Enrollment period. Total may not be 100% due to rounding
Frequently asked questions
Is $200 a month expensive for health insurance in Arkansas?
No, $200 per month for an individual is an affordable price to pay for medical insurance in Arkansas. That's less than half the statewide average for a 40-year-old with a Bronze health plan and about a quarter of what an average 40-year-old pays for a Silver plan.
It's important to note Arkansas residents who get discounts, called subsidies, pay just $208 per month for a Silver plan, on average.
Are ACA subsidies going away in Arkansas in 2026?
No, ACA subsidies aren't going away for 2026. But the amount of subsidies you can get will be lower than in years past because pandemic-era "enhanced subsidies" will go away at the end of 2025.
How do I get health insurance in Arkansas?
Shopping for coverage on HealthCare.gov is the best way to get health insurance in Arkansas. You can easily compare quotes from companies in your area. Plus, the website automatically calculates your monthly rate after income-based discounts.
What is the best health insurance in Arkansas?
Ambetter sells the best medical insurance plans in the state. Ambetter has an excellent 5-out-of-5-star score from HealthCare.gov for member experience and a strong 3-out-of-5-star rating for patients getting routine medical care.
What is the cheapest health insurance in Arkansas?
The cheapest Bronze plan in Arkansas is the Octave Bronze Exp Standardized, which costs as little as $447 per month. Bronze plans can be a good option if you are on a budget, but make sure you have good emergency savings in case you need expensive medical treatment.
How much does Obamacare cost in Arkansas?
Obamacare medical insurance costs an average of $514 per month in Arkansas for an individual with a Bronze plan. Rates vary based on your age, family size, tobacco use, where you live and the level of coverage you buy. You can buy Obamacare plans, also called Affordable Care Act plans, on HealthCare.gov.
Methodology
Arkansas health insurance rate data for 2026 is from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. ValuePenguin used the CMS public use files (PUFs) to find average rates for different plan tiers, geographic locations and family sizes.
Rates
Rates are based on a 40-year-old with a Silver plan, unless otherwise noted. Rates for Bronze plans include regular and Expanded Bronze plans for 2024, 2025 and 2026, when the plans are available. Your costs and plan options will vary; plans aren't always available in all parts of a state or county.
Subsidies
Rates after subsidies are estimates for a 40-year-old with a Benchmark Silver plan and are based on how subsidies were structured before 2021. Prices are calculated using KFF's rates for full-price Benchmark plans, federal poverty levels (FPLs), IRS rules about premium tax credits and Congressional reports about expanded tax credits. The total cost in the state uses rates calculated by income, which are weighted using CMS data on the incomes of those who purchased plans during last year's open enrollment. The median was used for each income range. Unknown incomes were excluded from the calculations. Incomes of 100% of the federal poverty level and 500% of the federal poverty level were assumed for enrollees who earn less than 100% FPL and more than 500% FPL, respectively. Information about state subsidies, when available, was sourced from state marketplaces.
Ratings
ValuePenguin's experts rank companies based on cost, coverage options, customer satisfaction and unique value. Ratings are out of 100 possible points. ACA ratings show how the company performs in Arkansas for medical care, member experience and plan administration. This 2026 plan quality data from CMS is based on data from last year. Ratings are not available for new plans or plans with low enrollment.
More sources
Enrollment trends, including plan selections by tier and enrollment by income, are from CMS data for the 2025 open enrollment period.
Other sources include S&P Global Capital IQ and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Senior Writer
Talon Abernathy is a ValuePenguin Senior Writer who specializes in health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. He's also contributed to other insurance verticals including home, renters, auto, motorcycle and flood insurance.
Talon came to ValuePenguin in 2023. Since his arrival, he's helped to expand the site's health insurance-related content offerings. He enjoys helping readers understand the ins and outs of America's all too complicated health insurance landscape.
Before coming to ValuePenguin, Talon worked as a freelance writer. His prior work has touched on a broad range of personal finance-related topics including credit-building strategies, small business incorporation tactics and creative ways to save for retirement.
Insurance tip
In many parts of the country, you can qualify for a free Silver health insurance plan if you meet certain income requirements. Government subsidies in the form of premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions may mean you'll pay nothing for coverage.
Expertise
- Health insurance
- Medicare and Medicaid
- Flood insurance
- Homeowners insurance
- Renters insurance
- Auto and motorcycle insurance
Referenced by
- The Miami Herald
- Money.com
- MSN
- Nasdaq
- The Sacramento Bee
- Yahoo! Finance
Education
- BA, University of Washington
- Certificate in Copyediting, UC San Diego
Credentials
- Licensed Life & Disability Insurance Agent
- Licensed Property & Casualty Insurance Agent
Editorial note: The content of this article is based on the author's opinions and recommendations alone. It has not been previewed, commissioned or otherwise endorsed by any of our network partners.
