Blueprint Autumn 2021

A publication for the policyholders of the Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield family of companies AUTUMN 2021
Behavioral Health in Arkansas
Funding programs, connecting people to care
PAGES 2, 4-7
Open
enrollment
PAGE 3
Virtual Health
identifies stroke
PAGE 8
COVID -19
updates
PAGE 10

aWordwith Curtis Barnett
Our President and Chief Executive Officer
Why Behavioral Health?
This past July, the Blue & You
Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas
committed $5.29 million in support
of six Arkansas-based partners and
leaders to expand behavioral health
resources across our state.
This is the largest one-time investment
ever made through the Blue & You
Foundation, and it all goes toward
innovative behavioral health programs
led by established and proven
Arkansas-based organizations. You
can read more about these programs
on pages 8 and 9.
Following the announcement, several
people asked me why – in a state
with so many critical health needs –
the Foundation selected behavioral
health as such a high priority. I want
to share what motivated us to focus
on behavioral health.
It is not an exaggeration to say that
Arkansas and the rest of the U.S.
have been experiencing a behavioral
health crisis for quite some time.
Behavioral health is the broader
term used to describe mental health
conditions such as depression,
anxiety and trauma, and substance
use disorders characterized by
overuse of drugs or alcohol.
The National Alliance for Mental
Illness (NAMI) reports that more
than 25 percent of all U.S. adults
experience some type of behavioral
health disorder. For the Millennial
generation, which includes adults
between the ages of 25 and 40, the
rate is even higher, nearly one-third.
Yet, 60 percent of those in need do
not receive care for their condition
each year.
Behavioral health is a significant
health equity issue. While most
minority groups, especially African
Americans and Hispanic Americans,
report lower rates of behavioral
health conditions than White
Americans, this is not a result of
any individual or group behavior.
Instead, it is primarily due to the
under-diagnosis of behavioral health
conditions for these groups driven
principally by access and stigma.
The behavioral health crisis has
been made worse by the COVID-19
pandemic. Research published by
the Kaiser Family Foundation on the
implications of COVID-19 for mental
health and substance abuse showed
dramatic increases in rates of anxiety
and depression for adults during
the pandemic. It also predicted that
“today’s elevated mental health
need will continue well beyond the
coronavirus outbreak.” In Arkansas,
we see rates of depression and
anxiety among adults that exceed the
national averages.
Behavioral health plays a major role in
an individual’s ability to maintain good
physical health, especially for those
with chronic health conditions like
diabetes, asthma, heart disease and
lung disease. A report from the Robert
Wood Johnson Foundation noted
that an estimated 84 percent of total
healthcare costs in the United States
can be attributed to the treatment
of chronic disease. We know that
Arkansas has some of the highest
rates of chronic disease in the nation.
Individuals with chronic disease
are twice as likely to also have
a behavioral health disorder. If
someone is depressed, anxious or
dealing with addiction, it is hard for
them to effectively care for their
chronic health condition. Physical
health and behavioral health are
intimately connected. You will not be
successful in addressing one unless
you address the other.
Impacting these statistics and
improving the quality of life for
Arkansans are part of what motivated
us to make such a significant
investment in behavioral health.
But there is also a very human side
to this crisis that deserves attention
and must be addressed.
For those in need of behavioral
healthcare, the challenges can
be overwhelming. The behavioral
healthcare system has struggled to
keep up with demand.
Too often, patients and their
families face a system that is
hard to understand, navigate and
access. A system marked by stigma,
fragmented care, high costs and
a shortage of clinicians. While we
have behavioral health providers
doing amazing work in our state,
we still have too many undiagnosed
and untreated people falling through
the cracks. Simply put, individuals
and families are suffering, and it is
affecting all aspects of their lives.
Most of us have been touched by a
behavioral health condition, either
personally or through a family
member or close friend. We have
witnessed the struggles and felt
the despair of trying to get help.
We believe every life deserves
hope! That’s the human side of the
behavioral health crisis and the part
that motivated us the most.
Behavioral health must be supported
in all stages of life – from early
childhood, through adolescence, and
into adulthood. (Continued on page 3)
2 AUTUMN 2021

OPEN
Enrollment
for
2022
coverage
November 1 - December 15
Choosing a health plan is an important decision, and Arkansas Blue Cross
and Blue Shield’s friendly experts are here to help. If you need individual or
family health coverage, the open enrollment period (OEP) begins November 1.
You must enroll by December 15 for coverage that begins on January 1. If you
already have health coverage with us, this is the time for you to review your
information and decide if you want to keep your current health plan the way it
is or make changes.
The American Rescue Plan
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) could mean big savings for you and your
family. The ARP changes the size and availability of advance premium tax
credits on the Health Insurance Marketplace.
1. If you make less than 400% of the federal poverty line, you qualify for a
reduced monthly premium on a health plan through the Affordable Care Act.
2. If you make more than 400% of the federal poverty line, you may still be
eligible for advance premium tax credits. The maximum anyone pays for
a benchmark plan is 8.5% of their income. You could save hundreds of
dollars each month.
Updating your coverage
Watch your mail for your annual benefit update letter, which will explain
your options in detail. If you want to discuss a new health plan:
• Call 855-625-0376 to talk with one of our health insurance experts.
• Visit an ArkansasBlue welcome center. To find a location near you, visit arkbluecross.com/locations.
During open enrollment, some welcome center locations will even be open on Saturdays.
• Visit arkbluecross.com/ARP to shop for a new plan.
• Call your local agent.
Whether you keep your current health plan or change to a new one, Arkansas Blue Cross is happy to help
your family get the coverage you need.
(Continued from page 2)
To achieve this, we have focused our
investments on programs that are
designed to do three things:
• Build life-long health, resiliency and
well-being for children and families
by activating early intervention
practices and addressing the drivers
of behavioral health conditions.
• Expand the behavioral healthcare
workforce and better integrate
behavioral health into primary
care, which will improve access.
• Remove barriers to care, like the longstanding
stigma around receiving
behavioral health treatment.
If we are going to help people live
better and healthier lives and impact
the rate at which overall healthcare
costs are growing, we must make
progress on the behavioral health front.
We believe these investments and the
organizations we have partnered with
are going to make a difference. We
hope other organizations will join us
in making behavioral health a priority.
AUTUMN 2021 3

Blue & You Foundation
focuses on BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
ehe past year has been hard
T for us all. The COVID-19
pandemic forced us to physically
distance ourselves from friends and
loved ones and brought financial
hardship and uncertainty. This was
in addition to fears for our own
health and the health of our loved
ones. All of this contributes to
increased levels of stress, anxiety,
loneliness and even depression
– elements that are central to our
behavioral health. An increase in
behavioral health conditions like
this can lead to behaviors like
eating poorly, smoking and drinking
alcohol. These actions worsen our
behavioral health and can have a
direct impact on our physical health.
Behavioral health issues touch
people in all walks of life in
Arkansas. But, many people don’t
get the help they or their children
need to treat these issues. As part
of our commitment to a healthier
Arkansas, we are taking action to
support proven behavioral health
resources for the unique needs of
our community.
health programs focused on our
community. We are giving money
to six organizations across
Arkansas. Each is a proven
expert on addressing behavioral
health needs in children and
adults. Also, they help grow our
state’s network of behavioral
health medical professionals.
Investing in our future
The health and well-being of
our children is something we all
care deeply about. Too often,
behavioral health conditions in
children are not detected until
later in life. Untreated behavioral
health conditions early in life, such
as anxiety, depression or issues
related to childhood trauma,
can lead to significant health
problems as children age. The
Blue & You Foundation is investing
in two programs that will help
address the causes of behavioral
health conditions in children and
support them and their families in
identifying the care they need.
• HealthySteps, a pilot program led
by Arkansas Children’s, places
behavioral health specialists in
pediatric primary care clinics
in Arkansas to help families
better understand and recognize
symptoms of behavioral health
conditions in children and
connect them to care.
• Arkansas Trauma Resource
Initiative for Schools provides
resources to school employees
to recognize signs of childhood
trauma and support children
and their families by connecting
them with local behavioral
healthcare resources. The
program also provides
behavioral health resources to
schools during times of crisis.
In Arkansas the need for childhood behavioral
healthcare is greater than across the country.
Taking action now
Through our Blue & You
Foundation for a Healthier
Arkansas, we are investing
$5.29 million in Arkansas-based
programs to improve access to,
and awareness of, behavioral
4 AUTUMN 2021
Percentage of children who need
behavioral healthcare but do not receive it.
Arkansas
National
65.7 %
58.5 %

‘‘
Even when people feel that they may be
experiencing symptoms of a behavioral health
condition, they often don’t know where to
go to get help. By making these services
available, we’re making it easier for people
to access the care they need right from their
primary care provider’s office.
Strengthening our care
provider network
You can’t access behavioral
healthcare services if there aren’t
enough trained care providers.
Unfortunately, Arkansas faces
a shortage of these providers.
To support a stronger, healthier
future, grants to Arkansas State
University, University of Arkansas
– Fayetteville and University
of Arkansas – Little Rock, will
expand Master of Social Work
programs, training new specialists
and placing them in primary care
settings here in the Natural State.
Breaking down the
stigma associated
with behavioral health
Improving access to behavioral
healthcare is important, but
we know that there are other
things preventing people from
taking that first step to care.
Needing behavioral healthcare
is completely normal, but
‘‘
unfortunately there is often
stigma or shame associated
with these conditions that might
prevent people from seeking care.
The Blue & You Foundation’s
investment in AR-Connect and
our state chapter of the National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI
Arkansas) will focus on improving
awareness and acceptance of
behavioral health symptoms
and the care available to all
Arkansans. AR-Connect also
provides access to those in
crisis through a hotline available
24-hours a day, seven days a
week. With programs that help
children and adults, these support
groups can make a difference for
those who may not know where
to start with care, have questions
about the cost of care or have
concerns about seeking care
because of stigma.
Behavioral health is as critical
to a person’s health, wellbeing
and ability to thrive as any
physical health concern. It is
part of what we call our whole
REBECCA PITTILLO
Executive Director
Blue & You Foundation
for a Healthier Arkansas
person approach to healthcare—
our mission to address all the
elements that influence health
and wellness for Arkansans.
We are proud to make this
new investment in support of
Arkansas-based programs that
provide resources to people who
seek behavioral health support,
while also investing in the future
of care in our communities
by supporting the training
and placement of healthcare
professionals.
If you are struggling with
mental health issues like
depression, anxiety and/
or stress, call AR-Connect
at 501-526-3563
or 1-800-482-9921.
AUTUMN 2021 5

“I was a school-based mental
health provider then – BOOM –
the schools were closed.”
Christie was furloughed for
two months with a reduction
in time and a cut in pay. She
did, however, maintain her
caseload of counseling with
approximately 30 students a
week by meeting with them
virtually via Zoom.
“They were so grateful we were
still there for them,” Christie
said. “They were impacted by
deaths in the family, by kids
staying home from school, by
parents becoming teachers
– and I walked through the
transition with them as they
learned to do life from home.”
But, Christie was still struggling
to navigate a work world turned
upside down.
COVID dramatically changed
“Jim’s” job, too. He lost it. A
50-something husband and
father who worked a blue-collar
job, Jim suddenly found himself
at home, largely responsible
for his elementary-school-aged
son’s education and with a lot
of time on his hands. He was
trying to do life from home, too.
But he didn’t have anyone to
talk to or help him identify the
healthcare need he had lived
with for years.
The COVID pandemic – apart
from the virus itself – created a
secondary healthcare crisis that
many may not even be aware of.
AR-Connect:
Helping Arkansans with the unseen costs of COVID-19
When COVID-19 hit, it dramatically changed Christie Kelly’s job
Christie Kelly
“There’s a strong mental health and behavioral
health component to COVID. We need to be aware
that it’s not just a virus that affects the rest of
your body,” said Richard Smith, M.D., the recently
retired director of the Psychiatric Research
Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical
Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock. “There are
multiple psychological and social psychiatric
issues that come into play during this pandemic.”
To address this mental health crisis within the
COVID crisis, UAMS launched AR-Connect, a
treatment program providing mental healthcare to
individuals experiencing any number of issues. A
team of board-certified mental health professionals
offers immediate care and can help callers
recognize warning signs and explore treatment
options in their local area – all through a 24/7 crisis
hotline that doesn’t need referrals or insurance.
“The AR-Connect program was born out of the
pandemic,” said Dr. Smith. “We were up and
running, operating 24/7 within four weeks of the
public health emergency.”
The AR-Connect program turned out to be exactly
what both Christie and Jim needed.
In their search for qualified people to staff AR-
Connect, UAMS identified newly unemployed
school-based mental health providers, like Christie.
“UAMS said, ‘Hey, we have a
whole team of providers who
might be looking for work,’”
Christie said. “I love how UAMS
utilized school therapists to
launch this program. I love that
I get to be a part of this.”
In fact, Christie was one of the
first hires. She was a part of the
team that joined AR-Connect
Program Director Anthony Boaz,
LCSW, in the planning stage. “We
mapped out on a whiteboard
how to do this,” she said.
Christie took on a supervisory
role. As the clinical supervisor for
AR-Connect, she helped build a
staff that now includes eight fulltime
therapists – each one seeing
an average of 30 patients a week.
AR-Connect even gave Christie
the opportunity to work with the
parents of many of the students
she worked with at school.
“Before, I was only treating the
child,” she said. “But, once AR-
Connect launched, I could tell the
parents ‘this is your session.’”
But there were many, many
more parents out there who
needed help, too. Like Jim.
“Jim called AR-Connect
because he had lost his job and
was at home with his son, and
he recognized that he needed
help,” Christie said. “It turns
out Jim had experienced a
childhood trauma that he had
never dealt with. He suppressed
it by going to work early in
life and by self-medicating
with alcohol. He became a
functioning alcoholic.”
6 AUTUMN 2021

But, what really motivated Jim to
call was when he looked at his son
and realized his son was about the
same age he had been when he had
suffered his childhood trauma. Jim
realized his son needed a father to
prevent that from happening to him.
And calling the hotline was simple.
“He loved the fact that our sessions
were virtual,” Christie said. “He could
just pick up the phone for treatment.”
The fact that AR-Connect is virtual
probably contributed to Jim making
contact in the first place.
“If it was an in-person appointment,
he would have had any number of
opportunities to back out,” Christie said.
“He could have found an excuse to not
leave the house, not get in the car. He
could have decided to drive somewhere
else, to the store. Even if he arrived in
our parking lot, he could have found
an excuse to not come inside – there
would have been four or five roadblocks
that could have stopped him.”
But he did call.
“Jim was diagnosed with posttraumatic
stress with delayed onset,”
Christie said. She went back to the
original whiteboard mapping session
to see what kind of treatment was
best for him. It called for an 8-week
protocol. They began sessions.
One of the things Christie prescribed
for Jim was for him to find an activity
that he enjoyed doing and then to
engage in that activity with his son a
couple of times a week – whether he
felt like it or not.
“He did wonderfully with it,” Christie
said. “Before long he started sharing
with me, ‘I haven’t had a drink in two
days, one week, three weeks.’”
And before long Christie and Jim had
reached the end of their 8-week plan.
“We are a short-term program,” Christie
said. “So, when we completed our
Christie Kelly talks with a
fellow UAMS co-worker.
protocol with Jim, we tried to get
him into something more longterm.”
Jim sat in on a session of
AlcohOlics Anonymous.
“That wasn’t his cup of tea,” Christie
said, “but he found a sobriety app
where he could connect to others
sharing his struggle and it has
really worked for him. He has since
replaced drinking with a new hobby
and has poured himself into a
different activity.”
Funding Behavioral Health
It is stories like Jim’s that illustrate the
importance of investing in behavioral
care in Arkansas. That is why the
Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier
Arkansas was compelled to provide
Arkansas-based programs (including
AR-Connect) $5.29 million in grants to
improve access to, and awareness of,
behavioral health programs.
“Arkansans with mental health
conditions should be able to easily
access treatment, but lack of
awareness of behavioral health
conditions and resources, and the
stigma associated with receiving this
care remain significant barriers,” said
Rebecca Pittillo, executive director of
the Blue & You Foundation. “Our goal
is to build these programs and connect
them in such a way that everyone can
easily receive the care they need.”
In addition to quality therapists,
AR-Connect provides access to
vital resources.
“We have a whole team of care
coordinators whose job is to connect
people with the resources they need,”
said Christie. “Food pantries, shelters,
help with rent, medical care and so on.”
A virtual resource center on the AR-
Connect webpage includes a map of
Arkansas divided into regions. “You
just click on your region, and it will
take you to all the resources in your
area,” Christie said. “You can even
break it down by category, like food,
rent, medical, whatever.”
AR-Connect even has a “gap group”
to help patients after they’ve finished
their program while they wait for longterm
care.
What makes these resources even
better is their availability to patients
at no cost.
“What sets us apart is that our patients
don’t have to pay,” said Christie. “This
will never have the power it does, right
now, when people have to start paying.”
The cost of care is yet another
roadblock that can prevent a patient
from reaching out. But that roadblock
was not in the way for Jim.
“Every now and then I’ll get a text
from Jim,” Christie said. “’Back in the
workforce,’ ‘Sober five months and
started my own business.’”
The day Christie agreed to be
interviewed by Blueprint, she received
another text from Jim.
“Nine months sober today.”
AUTUMN 2021 7

Virtual
Health
visit leads
to stroke
treatment
Pat’s crooked smile
was cause for alarm
On March 3, 2021, Pat Francis and her husband took a short walk
to enjoy a beautiful spring evening in Northwest Arkansas. The air
felt great after a dismal February, and they stopped to take a selfie
to post to their walking group’s Facebook page.
After smiling for the camera, Pat looked at the picture and
thought, “That’s weird, my smile is crooked.” She and Mark posed
again, this time turning away from the sun. Again, a crooked smile.
F
A
Act F.A.S.T.
during a stroke
If you think someone may be having
a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the
following simple test:
S
T
FACE: Ask the person to smile.
Does one side of the face droop?
ARMS: Ask the person to raise both
arms. Does one arm drift downward?
SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat
a simple phrase. Is the speech
slurred or strange?
TIME: If you see any of these
signs, call 9-1-1 right away.
8 AUTUMN 2021
“Mark, does my smile look crooked to you?” Pat asked and smiled
for her husband. He looked closely and had to admit, something
seemed off. Pat remembered years ago when she had Bell’s Palsy
and hoped that she wasn’t in for another round.
When they got home, Pat decided to consult with Virtual Health. She
had contacted them about four times previously and loved how fast
and convenient it was to talk directly to a doctor, any time, day or
night. She filled in the online form and received an email notification
that a doctor would call soon. In the meantime, she checked in with
her son Jake, who is a neuroscience nurse in Little Rock.
“Mom, stick out your tongue,” Jake directed after seeing her lopsided
smile. Pat stuck out her tongue and was surprised to see it jut to the
left side of her mouth. “Mom, you need to go straight to the ER,” Jake
insisted. Still, Pat thought maybe Jake was overly concerned for his
mom. About that time the telehealth doctor called.
As soon as the doctor saw Pat’s condition, he quickly agreed with
Jake and urged her to go to the ER immediately. Even though she
was able to speak and think clearly, Pat decided to heed their
advice, but she still took time to change clothes and gather her
study books, thinking she would have a long wait to see anyone at
the hospital.
At the ER, Pat went to the front desk to check in. “The Virtual
Health doctor said I should come in just as a precaution because I
might have signs of a stroke ...” she started to explain.

“STROKE!” yelled the desk clerk toward the back of
the ER, and large group of medical professionals
immediately came running. From there Pat was wheeled
into the CT scan, asked a million questions, had lights
shown in her eyes, blood drawn, IV needles inserted and
finally was placed on a stretcher and told not to move.
In the midst of the chaos, a nurse practitioner came in
close and looked directly into Pat’s eyes.
“We are pretty sure you are having a stroke right now,”
she said. “We’ve talked with your husband, and we want
to give you tPA.” Pat couldn’t believe her ears. Tissue
plasminogen activator (tPA) is a blood thinner that helps
restore blood flow to the brain and can help reverse a
stroke if given to carefully selected patients within a few
hours of the onset of symptoms.
“They don’t just give it to anyone,” Pat said, looking back.
“It’s the best thing they’ve found to help during a stroke,
but it can have side effects.” Since she was still thinking
and talking clearly, Pat said it didn’t seem possible that
she needed tPA.
Since Pat’s son is a neuroscience nurse, he was allowed
to come in and talk with her during her stay. “I was
really lucky. He was able to tell me in detail what was
happening. Even with the tPA, Pat required extensive
physical and occupational therapy and still has
swallowing and mild short-term memory issues.
Still, she thinks about what might have happened
if she hadn’t made that call to Virtual Health.
What is Virtual Health?
With just a click on your smartphone or computer, you
can connect with experienced board-certified physicians
and pediatricians around the clock. Virtual Health
(powered by MDLIVE) gives you peace-of-mind if
you’re a senior, parent, or just busy and on-the-go.
“I was really lucky,” Pat said of her experience. She is
back to work and back to walking with Mark. When friends
ask how she is doing, she shares pictures of her crooked
smile along with her experience with Virtual Health.
The nurse practitioner quickly erased any doubt. “I want
you to lift your right leg.” Pat looked down and willed
her leg to move. Her toes to wiggle. Any movement
at all. Nothing. Then the fear started to creep over her.
The nurse reassured her, “tPA will fix this.”
For the next three days, Pat barely slept as medical
personnel prodded her with questions. “What’s your
name? Where are you? Can you lift your arm? Can you
touch your nose?” In the beginning it was every 20
minutes, but slowly they spread out the checks to every
hour, then every four hours. Pat could lift her right arm,
but she couldn’t get it to stay up, or touch her nose.
Using Virtual Health
1.
Activate your Virtual
Health account
Go to MyVirtualHealth.com
and follow the simple steps to
sign in or register to activate
your account today!
2.
Choose
a doctor
Choose from a large
network of state-licensed,
board-certified doctors
(including pediatricians)
3.
Start your visit
Arkansas law requires your first call to be a
video call. Have your health information handy
(conditions you have and medicine you take). And
be prepared to pay a copayment, coinsurance or
deductible amount, if your health plan requires it.
AUTUMN 2021 9

COVID-19
UPDATE
global pandemic doesn’t end overnight.
Viruses constantly change, and sometimes they
become a stronger variant of the original virus.
Since summer, the United States (especially
Arkansas) has been battling the delta variant of
COVID-19, which is at least twice as contagious
as the original virus. Health experts say it’s
typical for a new virus strain to be more
contagious because it often becomes much
more efficient and easily transmitted. This has
been documented in previous pandemics, like
the 1918 flu pandemic.
Vaccines and boosters
When vaccines arrived in late 2020, they offered
a light at the end of the tunnel. They continue
to be the brightest beacon we have as the
COVID-19 pandemic marches into its second
winter. The vaccines are safe, effective and the
strongest weapon to prevent severe illness and
hospitalization.
The vaccines keep most people from being
hospitalized or dying from COVID-19. But no
vaccine is 100% effective, especially when it
comes to variants.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently
gave approval for people with compromised
immune systems who received a two-dose vaccine
(Pfizer or Moderna) to get a booster shot.
In late September, the FDA also approved Pfizer
boosters for people over age 65 or at high risk
of severe COVID-19 infection who received their
second dose at least six months ago.
Pregnancy and COVID-19
The CDC now recommends pregnant women be
vaccinated against COVID-19. Studies show no
increased risk of miscarriage from the vaccine.
There is a high risk of complications from
COVID-19 if you are pregnant, including preterm
birth, hospitalization and death.
If you have questions about getting vaccinated
or about a booster, please talk to your doctor.
10 AUTUMN 2021

Get Vaccinated!
• Arkansas COVID-19 Vaccination Hotline:
800-803-7847
• healthy.arkansas.gov
Schedule an appointment
at an upcoming vaccination
event or get information on
vaccinations at local
pharmacies. Bring a photo
ID and your health plan
member ID card when
you get vaccinated.
All vaccines are free.
By the Numbers
Since February, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield has been working with other organizations
to bring vaccinations to underserved Arkansans.
As of September 10, Arkansas Blue Cross has
supported more than 160 vaccination events
and given more than:
Tens of thousands of vaccinations
(1st and 2nd dose)
20,062 publications in English and Spanish
2,344 buttons
49,415 stickers
545 Arkansas Blue Cross employee volunteers
2,041 employee volunteer hours
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a lab that
can help a person’s immune system fight the COVID
virus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) of
two monoclonal antibodies treatments for COVID-19.
When a person is infected with COVID-19, it takes
their immune system time to produce antibodies to
fight off the virus. That’s true even if a person
is vaccinated. When given early in an infection,
monoclonal antibodies can battle the virus while the
body is training its natural immune forces for the fight.
Who can receive
monoclonal antibodies?
This therapy is for people 12 and older who are not
hospitalized or severely ill. Monoclonal antibodies
are meant to be used at the onset of COVID-19 to
prevent the virus from progressing. This treatment
should begin as soon as possible after a positive test
and within 10 days of symptoms. Studies show
this therapy is highly effective at preventing highrisk
patients from developing severe illness.
How do you receive this therapy?
There are two ways to receive monoclonal antibodies
therapy – either through an IV transfusion or injections
under the skin with a very small needle. The
Arkansas Department of Health has authorized
trained pharmacists to administer it. A qualified
health professional must prescribe the treatment.
An infusion or injection treatment takes about an
hour. Patients must be monitored for side effects
afterward, which are unlikely but possible, as with
any medical treatment. Some symptoms may
worsen after treatment, according to the FDA.
Are antibody treatments a
replacement for vaccines?
No. Vaccines protect people longer and differently.
There is no cost to individuals receiving the vaccine.
AUTUMN 2021 11

Blue is more
Medicare
Annual Enrollment Period
OCTOBER 15 – DECEMBER 7
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is almost here. AEP is
your opportunity to choose a Medicare Advantage plan or return to
original Medicare. During this time, you’ll receive information about
all your plan options. And, Arkansas Blue Medicare and Health
Advantage have some exciting options you won’t want to miss.
The Annual Enrollment Period is October 15 through December 7,
with plans and benefits going into effect on January 1, 2022.
Here’s a little more about our Medicare
Health Advantage plans
HMO and PPO
plans with $0
premiums and
low copays
What’s most important when it
comes to your health coverage?
Whether it’s a plan that delivers real savings, makes it easy to get
needed care, or offers those extra benefits that give you peace of
mind, Arkansas Blue Medicare has you covered!
In 2022, we’re continuing to raise the bar on Medicare Advantage
plan options that provide the healthcare coverage and value our
fellow Arkansans want and need.
Want to learn more about our
Medicare Advantage plans?
Call your local licensed agent or toll-free at 800-392-2583
or visit arkbluemedicare.com to learn more. Make an
appointment at your nearby ArkansasBlue welcome
center. Speak to your local licensed agent today!
12 AUTUMN 2021
Comprehensive
dental, vision,
hearing and
prescription
drug coverage
A large network
of doctors and
hospitals you
know and trust
Our 2022 Medicare Advantage plans
offer more and better choices. And
with better choices, you can get a plan
that delivers what you need most from
your healthcare coverage. Our Medicare
Advantage plan options feature:
• $0 premium HMO and PPO plans
with low copays
• PPO in-network coverage that
travels with you
• Comprehensive dental, vision, hearing
and prescription drug coverage
• Quarterly allowances for Medicareapproved
over-the-counter products
Blue is value
Arkansas Blue Medicare Advantage
plans include valuable extras designed
to help you stay your healthiest:
• $0 copays on many preventive screenings
• Virtual health options at $0 or low copays
• SilverSneakers ® fitness program
membership
• Routine acupuncture and massage
therapy as alternative pain management
You take care of your health, and we take
care of you. It’s our commitment.
Blue is confidence
We’ve served our fellow Arkansans for
more than 70 years. When you choose an
Arkansas Blue Medicare Advantage plan,
you can take comfort in knowing that we’ll
be there when you need us.
Blue is your plan
The Annual Enrollment Period begins
October 15 and runs through December 7. If
you’re about to turn 65 or already a Medicare
Advantage member, now is the time to take
a look at Arkansas Blue Medicare. We’ve
designed our plans to meet your changing
needs. Our Medicare experts will help you
find the right plan for you.

Finding the right coverage
is easy with Arkansas Blue Cross
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield can help you choose
affordable health, dental and vision
coverage, learn about financial
assistance and get friendly customer
service. You can visit with us on the
phone, online or in one of our eight
ArkansasBlue welcome centers.
Sometimes meeting with someone
face to face is the best way to
understand your health insurance
situation. At our ArkansasBlue
welcome centers, you can speak in
person to licensed experts who can
help you find practical, affordable
solutions that meet your specific
health insurance needs. You can
schedule an appointment or drop
by. (You can see our locations and
contact information on page 15 or
go to arkblue.com/locations.) Please
be aware that we are taking extra
pandemic safety precautions.
Check with the welcome center
you are visiting to learn more.
If you’d rather shop from the
convenience of your own home,
you can call us at 800-392-2583
to discuss your health insurance
needs or shop online at arkblue.com.
Either way, we are happy to help!
Convenient ways to pay
Our welcome center
payment kiosks are
great if you need to
make a payment. If you
want to save yourself
a trip, just use any of
our other convenient
payment options
located on our website.
AUTUMN 2021 13

ANNUAL NOTICE 2022 Summary
of Benefits and Coverage
available November 15 for individual/
family policyholders
As required by the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act (PPACA),
the Summary of Benefits and
Coverage (SBC) (OMB Control
Numbers 1545- 2229, 1210-0147 and
0938-1146) provides information
regarding coverage specifications and
limitations that apply to the health
insurance plan you have selected.
Before the end of each year, Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield provides
members who have individual/family
health insurance policies* (but do not
have Medicare policies) with an SBC.
This official communication includes
information about the coverage
provided by your health insurance plan
in a summary format for the upcoming
year. Beginning November 15, 2021,
you may access this information:
• Online in the “Benefits” section of
the Arkansas Blue Cross secure
member selfservice center, My
Blueprint, at arkbluecross.com
• By calling Arkansas Blue Cross
customer service at 800-800-4298
to receive a printed version
After that date, you also may go to
arkbluecross.com/sbc and enter your
member number (found on your member
ID card) into the SBC locator tool to
review the document online and print it.
If you make changes to your Arkansas
Blue Cross health plan benefits that
differ from your current coverage, a
new summary will be created for you
within seven work days of our receipt
of your change request. It will be
available to you in the same manner
described above.
Arkansas Blue Cross, Health
Advantage and BlueAdvantage
Administrators of Arkansas members
who receive health coverage through
an employer group will get their
SBC from their employer group plan
administrator at the appropriate time.
* These are members who do not have
health insurance through an employer,
a Medicare health plan or short-term,
limited-duration Blue policies.
Women’s Health and
Cancer Rights Act
The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 introduced changes
in insurance coverage for a mastectomy. In accordance with the law, all
group and individual health plans that provide medical and surgical benefits
for mastectomy will cover reconstructive breast surgery, including:
Reconstructive surgery on
the breast on which the
mastectomy was performed
Reconstructive surgery on the
unaffected breast to “produce
a symmetrical appearance”
Prostheses and treatment of complications
of any stage of a mastectomy, including
lymphedema (postsurgical fluid buildup)
These provisions apply to all policies issued by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and
BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas and are subject to the applicable copayments, coinsurance, benefit
limitations, exclusions and benefit maximums. If you have questions about your insurance coverage, contact
your group benefits administrator or a customer service representative.
14 AUTUMN 2021

Customer Service
N U M B E R S
May we help? For customer service, please call toll free:
Arkansas Blue Medicare Advantage
HMO Plans (H6158) 844-463-1088
PPO Plans (H3554) 844-201-4934
PFFS Plans (H4213) 877-233-7022
Arkansas Blue Medicare Prescription
Drug Plans (S5795): 866-390-3369
Health Advantage Medicare Advantage
HMO Plans (H9699): 877-349-9335
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Medicare Supplement Plans 800-238-8379
Arkansas Blue Cross members 800-238-8379
Pharmacy questions 800-863-5561
Specialty Rx pharmacy questions 866-295-2779
Arkansas Blue Cross Metallic members
(Gold, Silver, Bronze, Catastrophic) 800-800-4298
Pharmacy questions 800-969-3983
Health Advantage members 800-843-1329
BlueAdvantage members
Pharmacy questions
888-872-2531
888-293-3748
Federal Employee members 800-482-6655
Arkansas State Employees /
Public School Employees 800-482-8416
Booking for health or dental insurance? We can help!
For individuals, families 800-392-2583
For employer groups * 800-421-1112
Prefer to speak with someone close to home?
Call or visit one of our welcome centers near you:
* Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas
Visit our websites
for more information:
• arkbluecross.com
• arkbluemedicare.com
• hub.arkansasbluecross.com
• healthadvantage-hmo.com
• blueadvantagearkansas.com
• blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org
Fayetteville
516 East Millsap Rd. – Suite 103 800-299-4109
Fort Smith
3501 Old Greenwood Rd. – Suite 3 800-299-4060
Hot Springs
1635 Higdon Ferry Rd. – Suite J 800-588-5733
Jonesboro
2110 Fair Park Blvd. – Suite I 800-299-4124
Little Rock (MIDTOWN)
416 S. University Ave. – Suite 110 501-396-8675
Pine Bluff
509 Mallard Loop Dr. 800-236-0369
Rogers
4602 W. Walnut St. 479-973-6675
Texarkana
1710 Arkansas Blvd. 800-470-9621
PAYING
YOUR
bill
To pay by phone ** ,
please call
800-354-9904
** Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plan product
members must call Customer Service to discuss available
payment options. Health Advantage conversion plans are not
eligible for online, mobile or pay-by-phone payment options.
AUTUMN 2021
EDITOR
Chip Bayer
Editor@arkbluecross.com
DESIGNER
Ryan Kravitz
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Chip Bayer
David Lewis
CONTRIBUTORS
Roza Bost
Jennifer Bridgeman
Katie Eisenhower
Suzi Parker
Greg Russell
Marie Trotter
VICE PRESIDENT
of CORPORATE
MARKETING
Alison Melson
MEDICAL
REVIEWERS
Mark Jansen, M.D.,
vice president and
chief medical officer
Creshelle Nash, M.D.,
medical director
for Health Equity
and Public Programs
AUTUMN 2021 15

Blue365 is your online destination for deals and exclusive discounts
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is about making positive
choices every day. It’s easy and affordable with our
exclusive member * discount program, Blue365. It’s free to
you, just for being Blue!
Blue365 keeps you healthy and happy every day of the
year. Enjoy discounts from your favorite national brands
and local retailers on fitness gear, gym memberships,
vision care, nutrition programs and more! Save on top
brands like Fitbit ® , Reebok ® , Nutrisystem ® and more!
Blue365
Because Health is a Big Deal ®
How do I join?
Sign in to the My Blueprint online member portal
(arkbluecross.com/myblueprint), go to Menu and select
Blue365 and follow the instructions or
visit blue365deals.com/arkbluecross.
Once you are registered, you can choose your
preferences to receive personalized deals and wellness
tips straight to your inbox.
Take charge of your health today and
take advantage of this exciting program.
* Includes all Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Health Advantage members, as well as health plans utilizing BlueAdvantage Administrators
of Arkansas. Always check with your benefits administrator to ensure coverage and in-network providers.