Consumer Guide

Why rates matter to me?

The increase of health insurance rates can affect the cost of your premium. A rate is a base price for health benefits. What are health insurance premiums? A premium is the specific amount you pay as a policyholder. The actual premium you pay may be higher or lower than a rate based on factors such as your age and where you live.

When a company submits a request for a health insurance premium increase at or above the 10% threshold for individual or small employer health plans, consumers will be notified through our website. There will be a 30 day public comment period.

You may email your comments to insurance.hirr@arkansas.gov or mail to: Attn: Health Insurance Premium Rate Review Division, 1200 West Third Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201. Consumer comments will be taken into consideration when the AID makes its final premium rate determinations. All comments regarding health insurance rate increases will also be posted online.

» Click Here to Search Public Filings

Here’s an overview of AID’s Health Insurance Rate Review Process.

Sample: Summary of Coverage and Benefits

Under the Affordable Care Act, health insurers and employers who offer coverage for their employees must provide clear, consistent information about health plans.

Click here to view the sample template

Helpful links:

• Health Care Government website
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
• Arkansas Insurance Department
• CMS Determination Letter
• Shedding Light on Insurance Industry Practices
• Nearly $200 Million Available to Help States Fight Health Insurance Premium Increases
• Consumer Definitions
• Bulletin 7-2011
• Bulletin 6-2011
• Rate Increase and Disclosure Rule 
• National Association of Insurance Commissioners
• Arkansas Bureau of Legislative Research

Talk to us:

For complaints or questions regarding health insurance premium rate increases, contact the Consumer's Assistance Program at 855-332-2227 or 501-371-2645.

Press releases:

• December 8, 2010 -  Nicholas to Lead Rate Review Efforts

The documents on this page are available in PDF format. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed to view the files. If you do not have the Reader installed, you may download it FREE.