The planned affiliation between Cambia Health Solutions and Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield has taken another step forward.
Oregon-based Cambia revealed late last week that the deal had secured approval from regulators at the Arkansas Insurance Department. The affiliation plans were first revealed in November 2025, with the two Blues plans saying that joining forces would support efforts to improve access and simplify the healthcare journey.
The partners said that despite the integration, Arkansas Blue Cross will maintain its local identity, and combining will allow the Natural State plan to tap into Cambia's "robust technology infrastructure." The combination enables the insurers to unify operations and share expertise around innovation and personalization.
“For nearly eight decades, Arkansas Blue Cross has served generations of Arkansans,” said Curtis Barnett, president and CEO of Arkansas Blue Cross, in the announcement. “Our affiliation with Cambia Health Solutions marks a significant new milestone in our history, bringing together two organizations committed to improving healthcare for our members and communities."
"Our commitment to Arkansas remains unchanged," Barnett continued. "By combining local expertise, trusted relationships, innovation and scale, we can strengthen our impact, better serve our customers and position ourselves for a strong future."
The partners expect the deal to close on Oct.1 with the latest regulatory hurdles cleared, and Arkansas Blue Cross will join Cambia's affiliate network across four states—Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington—as Regence as well as Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.
Arkansas Blue Cross will keep its local board of directors and philanthropic foundation. It will also continue as a "not-for-profit, mutual insurance company."
Cambia will also maintain its foundation, per the announcement.
“Reaching this milestone puts us one step closer to better serving members, customers and communities through shared innovation, expertise and resources,” said Cambia President and CEO Jared Short in the press release. “We look forward to welcoming our Arkansas colleagues and working together to ensure a smooth integration as we create a system that makes healthcare easier and lives better for the people we serve.”