Best Health Insurance in Arkansas (2026)

Key Takeaways

Octave offers the best health insurance in Arkansas, striking the strongest balance between monthly premiums, deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket costs.

Octave also offers the most affordable health insurance in Arkansas, along with competitive deductibles and out-of-pocket limits.

When shopping for health insurance in Arkansas, compare quotes from multiple providers to evaluate differences in monthly premiums, deductibles, provider networks, prescription coverage, and out-of-pocket limits. This will help to ensure you don't overpay or sacrifice important benefits.

Best Health Insurance Companies in Arkansas

Based on average monthly premiums, deductibles, out-of-pocket limits, and overall plan value, Octave ranks as the best health insurance company in Arkansas with Health Advantage and Ambetter also emerging as top choices. The table below compares leading insurers’ standardized Silver plans to help you quickly evaluate costs, financial protection, and overall quality.


Octave	$764	$4,973	$3,100	5.0	Octave Silver Standardized
Health Advantage	$796	$4,984	$3,100	4.7	Ha Silver Standardized
Ambetter	$830	$5,725	$3,100	4.0	Standard Silver (Qualchoice)

*Our picks reflect the best companies for 40-year-olds seeking Silver-tier plans. Rates vary by age and coverage level.

Octave

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$764
Average MOOP
$4,973
Average Deductible
$3,100

pros
- Lowest premiums in the state
- Competitive deductibles available on Gold and Silver plans
- Expanded Bronze through Gold tier coverage
cons
- Limited to POS plan structures only
- Higher maximum out-of-pocket limits on Expanded Bronze plans
Octave is the best health insurance provider in Arkansas, combining competitive pricing with strong cost protection across its POS plans. The insurer ranks first in both Silver and Gold tiers, led by its Silver plan, which offers the lowest out-of-pocket maximum in Arkansas at $4,973 alongside a $3,100 deductible at a $764 per month premium.

Octave’s Gold plans also deliver strong value, averaging $673 per month, roughly $33 below state average, with $2,963 deductibles and $5,325 maximum out-of-pocket limits. For shoppers seeking lower premiums, Octave’s Expanded Bronze plans start around $479 per month and include HSA eligibility, $5,400 deductibles, and $7,425 out-of-pocket limits.

With consistent below-average premiums, industry-leading Silver cost protection, and broad POS network access statewide, Octave delivers the strongest overall health insurance value for Arkansas residents.

Octave health insurance plans for 2026 in Arkansas:

Data filtered by:


Octave Bronze Exp Standardized	$447	POS	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Octave Bronze Value	$510	POS	Expanded Bronze	$7,350	$5,175	Yes

Health Advantage

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ 5

4.5/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$796
Average MOOP
$4,984
Average Deductible
$3,100

pros
- Low $553 deductibles on Platinum plans
- Expanded Bronze through Platinum tier coverage
- Platinum plans feature low $2,719 maximum out-of-pocket limits
cons
- Offers POS plans only, limiting network flexibility
- Expanded Bronze plans carry high $6,553 deductibles and $7,491 MOOPs
Health Advantage is the only insurer offering Platinum health insurance plans in Arkansas, setting it apart with a level of cost protection unavailable from other carriers in the state. Its Platinum POS plans average $873 per month and feature exceptionally low $553 deductibles and just $2,719 in maximum out-of-pocket costs. Health Advantage remains competitive across all major metal tiers beyond Platinum as well. The company's Silver plans average $796 per month with $3,100 deductibles and $4,984 out-of-pocket maximums, placing the insurer second statewide for this tier. Gold coverage costs $700 per month and includes $2,213 deductibles with $5,250 maximum out-of-pocket limits. For budget-focused shoppers, Expanded Bronze plans start around $470 per month and offer HSA eligibility but feature high deductibles and out-of-pocket limits.

Health Advantage is best suited for Arkansas residents seeking exclusive Platinum-level protection with minimal upfront costs or strong value in mid-tier POS plans.
Health Advantage health insurance plans in Arkansas:
Data filtered by:
Metal Level
Expanded Bronze
Ha Bronze Exp Standardized $463 POS Expanded Bronze $7,500 $5,625 Yes
Ha Bronze National $476 POS Expanded Bronze $7,481 $7,481 Yes


Ha Bronze Exp Standardized	$463	POS	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Ha Bronze National	$476	POS	Expanded Bronze	$7,481	$7,481	Yes

Ambetter

MoneyGeek Rating

4/ 5

4.2/5Affordability

5/5Deductible

2.5/5MOOP

Average Monthly Rate
$830
Average MOOP
$5,725
Average Deductible
$3,100

pros
- POS and PPO plans available
- Low $750 deductible on Gold POS plan
- Expanded Bronze plans are HSA-eligible
cons
- Expanded Bronze out-of-pocket limits reach $7,663
Ambetter differentiates itself in Arkansas by offering a wide range of health insurance plan types, including both POS and PPO options across multiple metal tiers. Its POS Expanded Bronze plan leads the category at $521 per month, including HSA eligibility, $5,531 deductibles, and a $6,469 out-of-pocket maximum. Ambetter’s POS Gold plan costs $725 per month and stands out with an exceptionally low $750 deductible and a $5,513 maximum out-of-pocket limit.

For members seeking broader network flexibility, Ambetter’s PPO plans provide additional provider choice. Gold PPO coverage averages $731 per month with $1,022 deductibles, while Silver PPO plans run $854 per month with $3,100 deductibles. POS Silver plans are also available at $830 per month.

Ambetter is a strong option for Arkansas residents who value plan variety and network flexibility.

Ambetter health insurance plans for 2026 in Arkansas:

Data filtered by:


Choice Bronze Hsa (Qualchoice)	$541	POS	Expanded Bronze	$5,438	$5,438	Yes
Standard Expanded Bronze (Qualchoice)	$500	POS	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Standard Expanded Bronze	$515	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Standard Expanded Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$532	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,500	$5,625	Yes
Everyday Bronze	$513	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Everyday Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$530	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,613	$6,338	Yes
Elite Bronze	$587	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes
Elite Bronze + Vision + Adult Dental	$606	PPO	Expanded Bronze	$7,875	No Data	Yes

Best Health Insurance in Arkansas by Category

The best health insurance providers in Arkansas vary by age and plan type. For most age groups, Octave’s POS plans offer the lowest monthly premiums, while Blue Cross Blue Shield leads among PPO options for shoppers who prefer broader provider access. The breakdown below highlights the most affordable Silver plans by age group and compares the lowest-cost POS and PPO options for a typical 40-year-old, helping you quickly identify the best plan type for your needs and budget.

By Age:

Teens (18): Octave POS ($546 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($564)
Young adults (26): Octave POS ($612 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($632)
Adults (40): Octave POS ($764 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($789)
Seniors (60): Octave POS ($1,622 monthly), Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO ($1,675)

By Network Type (40-year-olds):

POS: Octave delivers the lowest rate at $764/month
PPO: Blue Cross Blue Shield costs $789/month for Silver-tier coverage

Compare Arkansas Health Insurance Providers

Use the filters below to compare Arkansas health insurance plans side by side and find options that match your needs and budget. This interactive table lets you sort plans by provider, metal tier, network type, monthly premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket limits, making it easier to evaluate coverage differences at a glance and identify the best value based on how you expect to use care.

Data filtered by:


Octave	$764	POS	Silver	$4,973	$3,100	40	No
Health Advantage	$796	POS	Silver	$4,984	$3,100	40	No
Ambetter	$830	POS	Silver	$5,725	$3,100	40	No
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$789	PPO	Silver	$4,994	$3,100	40	No
Ambetter	$854	PPO	Silver	$5,735	$3,100	40	No

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Arkansas

Finding the right health insurance in Arkansas involves evaluating your coverage needs, researching provider reputations and exploring available enrollment options.

1
Assess your health care needs
Review your current medications, planned procedures and how often you visit doctors to determine which coverage level makes sense. Past medical expenses help predict future costs and guide your deductible choice.
2
Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Request rates from at least three Arkansas health insurance companies to spot price differences and coverage variations.
3
Check provider networks
Verify your preferred doctors, specialists and hospitals accept plans you're considering. Out-of-network care costs more and may require full payment upfront.
4
Review out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles
Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums but increase upfront costs when you need care. Your MOOP caps annual expenses, limiting your total costs.
5
Evaluate plan types
HMOs, PPOs, EPOs and POS plans each offer different trade-offs. HMOs require referrals but cost less, while PPOs offer flexibility to see specialists without approval at higher premiums. EPOs and POS plans fall between these options.
6
Explore federal programs
Subsidies and Medicare plans make health insurance more affordable. If you have a low income, a qualifying disability or are 65 or older, explore Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement options.

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Arkansas?

Health insurance costs in Arkansas increase steadily as coverage levels rise, with POS plans consistently priced lower than PPO options across comparable metal tiers. Expanded Bronze POS plans average $490 per month versus $532 for PPOs, while Silver coverage costs $805 for POS and $839 for PPO plans. Gold plans remain competitively priced, averaging $706 per month for POS and $723 for PPO options. Platinum coverage is available only through POS plans, with average premiums of $873 per month.


POS	$490	$805	$706	$873
PPO	$532	$839	$723	No Data

*Rates are averages for 40-year-olds in Arkansas. Your rates will vary based on your age and location.

Best Health Insurance in Arkansas: Bottom Line

Blue Cross Blue Shield, Octave and Health Advantage are the top health insurance providers in Arkansas. The best plan for you depends on your age, health care needs, preferred network and budget. Get quotes from multiple insurers and compare premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums to find your ideal coverage.

Best Arkansas Health Insurance: FAQ

Here are key questions about the best health insurance in Arkansas:

Is health insurance required in Arkansas?

Arkansas does not require residents to have health insurance at the state level. You won't face penalties for being uninsured. However, residents can still access federal subsidies through the health insurance marketplace to make coverage more affordable if they qualify based on income.

When is open enrollment in Arkansas?

Arkansas's open enrollment for 2026 health coverage begins November 1, 2025, and ends January 31, 2026. You must select your plan by December 31, 2025, to start coverage on January 1, 2026.

Can you get free health insurance in Arkansas?

Yes, Arkansas residents can get free health insurance through Medicaid if they meet income requirements. Many others qualify for premium subsidies through the federal marketplace that significantly reduce monthly costs or make coverage completely free based on household income.

Our Review Methodology

Our analysis of the best health insurance in Arkansas emphasizes affordability by weighing three essential cost components: monthly premiums, deductibles and maximum out-of-pocket limits.

Scoring breakdown

Monthly premium (60%): Insurance companies with the cheapest average monthly costs earn the top ratings.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) score (20%): MOOP sets the annual spending cap for your healthcare costs beyond premiums. Insurers with lower MOOP limits receive higher ratings.
Deductible (20%): This amount must be paid before insurance begins covering expenses. Plans with smaller deductibles achieve better scores.

We normalized all scores within their respective categories. The leading provider earns a perfect 5.0 rating, with remaining plans scored relative to this benchmark.

MoneyGeek analyzed every 2026 health plan offered in Arkansas for people ages 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. Premium costs represent 40-year-old rates unless stated otherwise. Our analysis covers all available metal tiers: Catastrophic, Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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Best Health Insurance in Arkansas (2026)

Best Health Insurance Companies in Arkansas

Best Health Insurance in Arkansas by Category

Compare Arkansas Health Insurance Providers

How to Choose the Best Health Insurance in Arkansas

How Much Does Health Insurance Cost in Arkansas?

Best Health Insurance in Arkansas: Bottom Line

Best Arkansas Health Insurance: FAQ

Is health insurance required in Arkansas?

When is open enrollment in Arkansas?

Can you get free health insurance in Arkansas?

Our Review Methodology

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