LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Filings with the Arkansas Insurance Department show health insurance rates will see a big increase for some Natural State residents in 2026.
The average proposed health insurance rate increase for individuals for 2026 is 26.2%, significantly higher than in previous years. In comparison, for 2025, the rate increase was 6.2% and in 2024, it was 4.1%.
Neil Sealy, an advocate for low-income Arkansans, calls the new proposed rate increase a disaster.
“Insurance companies, we don’t want you to raise your rates,” Sealy said. “And you shouldn’t for this particular population.”
A Blue Cross Blue Shield representative stated that its proposed 25.7% increase will affect individual policyholders under the age of 65 who do not have coverage through their employer.
“I think yes, they will struggle with that,” Sealy said. “And some may not be able to afford it.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield stated that the rate increase is due to recent federal and state requirements, including the upcoming expiration of enhanced premium tax credits, a program under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
Sealy said the proposed rate is yet another obstacle for low-income Arkansans.
“Yes, this could be a barrier,” he said. “But it is a barrier that could very easily be taken down.”
Under state law, the Arkansas Insurance Department reviews the proposed rates to ensure that plans are priced appropriately and then either approves or rejects them before they take effect on Jan. 1.
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