Open enrollment for individual health insurance plans in Arkansas begins Sunday, Nov. 1, giving residents who lack employer-sponsored coverage an opportunity to select a plan or change their existing coverage for 2027.
The enrollment period applies especially to people who are self-employed or whose employers do not offer group health insurance. Jimmy Harris, the Arkansas Insurance Department’s insurance commissioner, said the marketplace is intended for Arkansans who do not have coverage through work.
“It’s always good to prepare for the unknown.”
Premium tax credits will be available this year to Arkansans with household incomes at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. Harris said that threshold is approximately $63,000 for one person and $132,000 for a family of four. The available subsidy will depend on the household’s circumstances and will be displayed during the online enrollment process, Harris said.
Two insurers will not offer 2027 plans
The marketplace will have fewer participating companies than it did last year. QualChoice Life and Health and Ambetter will not be available as options for 2027, Harris said. QCA Health Plan, which is also associated with Centene, will continue to be offered on the marketplace.
Arkansas had an uninsured rate of 9.3% in 2024, according to data cited from the Kaiser Family Foundation. That was the 11th-highest uninsured rate among states. The marketplace serves residents who do not receive coverage through an employer or another source.
Enrollment deadlines
Arkansans who want coverage to begin Jan. 1 must make changes or enroll by Dec. 15. Open enrollment continues through Jan. 15. People who enroll after the December deadline will have coverage beginning Feb. 1.
- Nov. 1: Open enrollment begins for most Arkansas residents.
- Dec. 15: Deadline for coverage beginning Jan. 1.
- Jan. 15: Open enrollment ends.
- Feb. 1: Coverage begins for enrollments made after Dec. 15.
Open enrollment for Arkansas state employees was already underway in October. The broader enrollment period beginning Sunday is for other residents seeking individual marketplace coverage or changes to an existing plan.
