Centene filed to raise premiums by 54%. Blue Cross wants 25.5%.
“The governor’s office released a statement Wednesday following filings from Centene Corporation and Blue Cross Blue Shield that show premium rates would rise on the insurance plans they offer in Arkansas by as much as 54% and 25.5%.” https://www.myarklamiss.com/news/arkansas-news/arkansas-gov-sanders-opposes-insurance-rate-hikes/
Sanders called the hikes “insane.” Said they violate Arkansas law.
“Arkansas’ Insurance Commissioner is required to disapprove of proposed rate increases if they are excessive or discriminatory, and these are both. I’m calling on my Commissioner to follow the law, reject these insane rate increases, and protect Arkansans.” https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/arkansas-gov-sarah-huckabee-sanders-215517954.html
Insurers blame rising hospital costs, drug prices, and ACA subsidy uncertainty.
“Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield said its rate request was in line with what other insurers nationally were seeking and cited rising costs for hospital care, surgeries and prescription drugs.” https://strategichealthcare.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/080725-AR-Gov-Opposes-Insurance-Rate-Increases.pdf
ACA tax credits may lapse. Insurers pricing in the fallout.
“Insurance companies’ proposed rates… in many cases assume the subsidies won’t be extended.” https://strategichealthcare.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/080725-AR-Gov-Opposes-Insurance-Rate-Increases.pdf
Arkansas ranks 48th for healthcare affordability. These hikes will push more families out of coverage. Kaiser Family Foundation reports nearly 20% of Arkansans delay care due to cost. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/health-care-affordability-crisis-facts/
The rising premiums will hit rural areas hardest where hospital closures limit access. Rural hospitals face higher costs and fewer patients, making insurance hikes even worse. https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/hospital-closures
Sanders didn’t hedge. She went straight to the commissioner and told him to kill the hikes. Centene and Blue Cross didn’t flinch. They filed anyway.
The rates aren’t just high. They’re historic. And they hit the poorest Arkansans first.