Ambetter provides the cheapest overall health insurance in Arkansas, with an average monthly premium of $480. However, availability may vary, so we also recommend Octave, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Health Advantage for affordable health plans.
Cheapest Health Insurance in Arkansas: Affordable Plans for 2025
Updated: November 7, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Ambetter offers the most affordable health insurance in Arkansas, with an average annual savings of $314 compared to the state average.
Health Advantage provides the cheapest expanded bronze plans with rates starting as low as $405 per month.
To find the cheapest health insurance for you, decide on a coverage level within your budget, check subsidy eligibility and compare plans from several companies.
Most Affordable Health Insurance Companies in Arkansas
| Ambetter | $480 | $5,758 | $8,742 |
| Octave | $486 | $5,833 | $7,625 |
| Health Advantage | $495 | $5,940 | $7,650 |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $532 | $6,385 | $8,340 |
*These plans reflect rates for 40-year-olds who are not considered low-income.
Cheapest Health Insurance Provider Arkansas: Ambetter
Ambetter
MoneyGeek Score:
95/ 100
Overview
Ambetter offers Arkansas's most affordable Silver PPO coverage at $480 per month, saving you $26 compared to the state average. Ambetter from Arkansas Health & Wellness has been serving Arkansas since 2014 and operates in all 75 counties across the state.
Your yearly costs max out at $8,742, shielding you from devastating medical expenses. The company approves 85% of claims based on our analysis of denial rates. Members can earn up to $500 annually through the My Health Pays rewards program by completing wellness visits, preventive screenings and health challenges. You can use your rewards toward premiums, copays and deductibles.
Ambetter rebranded its provider network as Premier Network in January 2025, but your doctors and hospitals stayed the same. The PPO plan means that no referrals are needed before seeing specialists, which is why premiums are higher than those for HMO options.
Cheapest Arkansas Health Insurance Plans by Profile
While we've summarized the cheapest companies for most in Arkansas, the most affordable plan for you will differ widely depending on your desired coverage tier and age. We've broken down the cheapest companies by category for most in the state:
| Children (0-14) | Ambetter | $287 | $3,447 | $8,742 |
| Teens (18) | Ambetter | $343 | $4,114 | $8,742 |
| Young Adults (26) | Ambetter | $384 | $4,614 | $8,742 |
| Cheapest Expanded Bronze (40) | Health Advantage | $405 | $4,864 | $9,325 |
| Adults (40) | Ambetter | $480 | $5,758 | $8,742 |
| Cheapest Gold (40) | Ambetter | $578 | $6,937 | $7,700 |
| Seniors (60) | Ambetter | $1,019 | $12,228 | $8,742 |
Cheapest Health Insurance Plans by County in Arkansas
While Ambetter ranks as the cheapest provider overall, it dominates in both affordability and availability for silver plans in most counties. Below, you can review which company and plan are most affordable in your area.
| Arkansas | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Ashley | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Baxter | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Benton | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Boone | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Bradley | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Calhoun | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Carroll | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Chicot | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Clark | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Clay | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Cleburne | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Cleveland | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Columbia | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Conway | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Craighead | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Crawford | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Crittenden | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Cross | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Dallas | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Desha | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Drew | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Faulkner | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Franklin | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Fulton | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Garland | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Grant | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Greene | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Hempstead | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Hot Spring | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Howard | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Independence | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Izard | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Jackson | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Jefferson | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Johnson | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Lafayette | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Lawrence | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Lee | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Lincoln | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Little River | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Logan | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Lonoke | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Madison | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Marion | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Miller | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Mississippi | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Monroe | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Montgomery | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Nevada | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Newton | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Ouachita | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Perry | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Phillips | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Pike | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Poinsett | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Polk | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Pope | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Prairie | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Pulaski | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Randolph | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Saline | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Scott | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Searcy | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Sebastian | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Sevier | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Sharp | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| St. Francis | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Stone | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Union | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Van Buren | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Washington | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| White | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Woodruff | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
| Yell | Ambetter | $427 | Standard Silver |
How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance in Arkansas
Follow these steps to find affordable health insurance in Arkansas:
- 1Determine what coverage plan you need and can afford
Depending on your personal health circumstances and income, your type of coverage plan and tier needed will differ widely. To decide how much health insurance you should get, calculate how much income you can put aside for monthly premiums, consider your health, and determine your risk for injury or disease based on your location, age, and habits.
- 2Find out your subsidy eligibility
Individuals earning between $15,650 and $62,600 qualify for premium tax credits, resulting in 40% to 100% cost reductions. For those earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level ($39,125), cost-sharing reductions can lower out-of-pocket expenses by up to 73%. Check your eligibility to benefit from these savings.
- 3Consider federal programs if old enough
If you are eligible, explore Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Supplement plans. These programs are often more affordable than traditional health insurance and offer more flexible coverage options.
- 4Review prescription formularies
Review prescription coverages for medications you regularly take. Some insurers place common medications on lower tiers with reduced copays compared to competitors, potentially saving you hundreds annually.
- 5Compare plans during Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment runs from November 1 through January 15, but you may also be eligible for Special Enrollment if you've experienced job loss, divorce or childbirth. Evaluate types of coverage, customer ratings, costs and network availability to make an informed decision.
MONEYGEEK TIP: MAKE SURE TO APPLY PROMPTLY
Apply for coverage at least five days before the enrollment deadline to avoid potential technical issues. Prepare income verification, Social Security numbers and immigration documents to ensure a smooth application process.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Arkansas: Bottom Line
Arkansas's most affordable health insurance companies are Ambetter, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Octave, and Health Advantage. While we recommend these options, you should compare as many plan types and tier quotes as possible from multiple companies to get the best deal.
Cheap Arkansas Health Insurance: FAQ
Below are frequently asked questions about cheap health insurance in Arkansas:
What is the cheapest health insurance in Arkansas?
Ambetter offers the cheapest health insurance in Arkansas, with silver plans starting at $480 for 40-year-olds. However, alternatives from Octave, Health Advantage and others could suit your needs based on income and preferences.
What are the downsides of a cheap health insurance plan?
Lower-cost health insurance plans save on monthly premiums but can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs during medical services. Whereas, pricier plans enhance coverage and reduce out-of-pocket maximums significantly.
Do I qualify for subsidies on health insurance in Arkansas?
People earning $15,650 to $62,600 annually qualify for premium tax credits that reduce costs by 40% to 100%. Those earning under $39,125 (250% of the Federal Poverty Level) can also receive cost-sharing reductions that lower out-of-pocket expenses by up to 73%.
When can I enroll in health insurance in Arkansas?
Open Enrollment is from November 1 to January 15, though Special Enrollment is available with qualifying life events.
How We Decided the Cheapest Health Insurance Companies in Arkansas
MoneyGeek obtained data directly from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on available health insurance plans in Arkansas based on consumers aged 18, 26, 40, 50 and 60. We considered the cheapest overall to be those that have the lowest monthly premium costs for 40-year-olds due to most in the state being near this age demographically and for simplicity. However, cheaper plans tend to have higher out-of-pocket maximums and deductibles, meaning you may pay more if you receive care.
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About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like 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.