Arkansas BCBS allegedly considers merger: Report

Little Rock-based Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is discussing a potential merger with Cambia Health Solutions, Arkansas Business reported Jan. 21. 

Arkansas Business cited a source with knowledge of the potential deal. 

Portland, Ore.-based Cambia Health Solutions is the parent company of Regence BlueShield, which operates in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Utah. 

A spokesperson for Cambia Health Solutions told Becker's the company does not comment on "speculation." Cambia Health Solutions has worked with Arkansas BCBS on several previous ventures, including Echo Health Ventures. The fund, backed by Cambia, Arkansas BCBS and BCBS Tennessee, invests in healthcare companies. 

In 2021, USAble, a Arkansas BCBS affiliate, purchased LifeMap, a supplementary insurance company from Cambia. USAble also manages Cambia's dental plan offerings.

A spokesperson for Arkansas BCBS told Arkansas Business talks and collaboration are common in healthcare, especially among BCBS companies. 

"We have frequently formed partnerships to bring increased efficiencies, more value and new health care options for our members," the spokesperson said. 

The rumored combination comes after Arkansas BCBS reported a loss of more than $100 million in the first three quarters of 2024. The nonprofit insurer will lay off 75 employees by March 21. 

Other BCBS companies have pursued mergers in recent years. In 2023, BCBS Vermont became a subsidiary of BCBS Michigan. In 2024, a deal for Elevance Health to acquire BCBS Louisiana fell apart over opposition from state regulators and lawmakers. 

Becker's has reached out to Arkansas BCBS for comment and will update this article if more information becomes available. 

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