Blueprint - SPRING 2023

Arkansas Blue Cross Behavioral Health Team
Minding behavioral health
New team targets mental matters
At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we believe
behavioral and physical health are connected. To make
sure our members have access to the best behavioral
care available, we have launched a new dedicated and
specialized behavioral health team. They work closely
with our existing case management team to assist
members with behavioral health-related conditions.
The Arkansas-based team helps members connect to
local providers and community resources near their
homes. They offer preventive outreach, recovery support,
integrated whole person case management, a family of
programs and education and promote awareness. They
are your go-to experts for help finding the age-appropriate
behavioral health providers for specific conditions like
anxiety, depression, substance use, and more severe
mental illness to help children and adults alike.
The behavioral health team has three nurses, three social
workers and an innovative use of peer support specialists
– individuals with “lived experience” who serve as a
trusted local support resource.
“Behavioral health is central to overall health, and our
team is here to serve our members and change lives,”
David Jacobson, vice president of Medicaid Strategy
& Business Development said. “We’re just starting the
journey and will expand our reach and programs. Many
of us have experienced a behavioral health condition
in our own lives or through someone we know. As with
a physical condition, it’s important to be open and
observant and get care when needed. Our team is here
to help make a difference.”
The team’s services to fully insured group and individual
health plan members began on February 13.
SPRING 2023
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