Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the cheapest overall health insurance in Arkansas, with an average monthly premium of $295. However, availability may vary, so we also recommend Octave, Health Advantage, Ambetter and Health First for affordable health plans.
Most Affordable Health Insurance in Arkansas
Updated: June 6, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the most affordable health insurance in Arkansas, with an average monthly savings of $251 compared to the state average.
Ambetter provides the best full coverage (gold) plans with rates starting as low as $528 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
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $295 | $251 |
| Health Advantage | $359 | $187 |
| Octave | $500 | $46 |
*These plans reflect rates for 40-year-olds who are not considered low-income.
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:
- Cheapest For Young Adults: Ambetter ($362 monthly)
- Cheapest For Seniors: Ambetter ($959 monthly)
- Cheapest Expanded Bronze Plan: Octave ($389 monthly)
- Cheapest Silver Plan: Ambetter ($452 monthly)
- Cheapest Gold Plan: Ambetter ($528 monthly)
While these are a good measure of the most affordable plans, this only represents the cheapest for 40-year-olds (26-year-olds for young adults and 60 for seniors), and your cheapest company and plan may differ for your profile. Below, we've created a filterable table that you can modify for plan tier and age to find your lowest rate match.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Plan Level:Silver
Select
Age:40
| Ambetter | Standard Silver (QualChoice) | $452 | $42 | $8,000 |
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:
- 1
Determine 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.
- 2
Find out your subsidy eligibility
Individuals earning between $14,580 and $54,000 qualify for premium tax credits, resulting in 40% to 100% cost reductions. For those earning below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level ($36,450), cost-sharing reductions can lower out-of-pocket expenses by up to 73%. Check your eligibility to benefit from these savings.
- 3
Consider 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.
- 4
Review 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.
- 5
Compare 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 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?
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers the cheapest health insurance in Arkansas, with silver plans starting at $295 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 $14,580 to $54,000 annually qualify for premium tax credits that reduce costs by 40% to 100%. Those earning under $36,450 (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.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.