A flame retardant poly(arylene ether) composition is described. In addition to the poly(arylene ether), the composition includes a polyolefin component, and a flame retardant composition that includes a metal dialkyl phosphinate but excludes melamine phosphate, melamine pyrophosphate, and melamine polyphosphate. The polyolefin component can be a polyolefin polymer and/or the polyolefin block of a poly(alkenyl aromatic)-polyolefin block copolymer. The composition is particularly suitable as a replacement for poly(vinyl chloride) in insulation for wire and cable.