Blueprint - AUTUMN 2023

A publication for the policyholders of the Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield family of companies AUTUMN 2023
Lending a Hand & Heart
Peer support specialists lift members on recovery journey
PAGE 4
Seniors rise to
Blue & You Fitness
Challenge
PAGE 3
Blue & You Foundation
mini grants make
a big difference
PAGE 6
Arkansas Blue Cross
encourages students to
choose healthcare futures
PAGE 8

AWordwith Curtis Barnett
Our President and Chief Executive Officer
Taking good care of expectant mothers
Anticipating the birth of a child is
an amazing time to dream about
and plan for their life’s journey
ahead. It should be. Certainly, a
healthy pregnancy shouldn’t be
determined by who you are or
where you live, but in the United
States and Arkansas, that’s what
the data shows. The Arkansas
Center for Health Improvement
(ACHI) has collected some
sobering numbers.
Arkansas has the highest maternal
mortality rate in the nation, making
it one of the riskiest places to
have a baby. In fact, mothers who
are Black, Indigenous and People
of Color in Arkansas are two to
three times more likely to die from
pregnancy-associated causes as
Caucasian mothers. Our state
also has the third-highest infant
mortality rate.
Why are Arkansas mothers at risk?
There are several reasons:
• Nearly half of Arkansas
counties, 37 of 75, are maternity
care deserts. These are counties
without any hospitals or birth
centers offering obstetric
care and without any obstetric
providers, according to a report
by the March of Dimes analyzing
federal Health Resources and
Services Administration data.
• About 10% of mothers in
Arkansas are uninsured,
and 20% do not get
adequate prenatal care.
• Arkansas ranks second in the
nation for teen births, and many
of these young mothers may
not have access to prenatal
or post-natal care or know
where to get it.
• Arkansans have a high rate of
chronic illnesses like high blood
pressure, obesity, and diabetes,
which can raise the risk of
pregnancy complications.
• Many women in Arkansas also
are having babies later in life,
when they may have a higher
risk of complications.
• We also have a high rate of
cesarean section births, which
can lead to complications.
These are daunting issues, but the
good news is that most pregnancyrelated
deaths and illnesses are
preventable.
At Arkansas Blue Cross and
Blue Shield, we are dedicated to
improving the health of expectant
mothers before, during, and after
pregnancy to reduce maternal
fatalities and improve health
equity. We are looking at how
social determinants of health
– where people live and work,
available transportation, nearby
healthcare, and education – impact
maternal health and searching
for ways to close gaps and make
access to prenatal care available
closer to home.
For our members, we have
programs that can help support you
throughout your pregnancy, connect
you to resources and work with
you and your healthcare providers
to have a healthier pregnancy.
We have case managers who
can come alongside our high-risk
expectant mothers and walk you
through the scary and celebratory
times. Simply reach out and get
connected through the customer
service number on the back of your
health plan ID card or check out the
QR code found with the preventive
checkups article on page 13 of this
issue of Blueprint.
We are committed to improving
the lives of all Arkansans and
will be working closely with our
state and medical community to
find solutions to improve these
sobering statistics. Together,
we can take good care of moms
and their babies born here in the
Natural State.
2 AUTUMN 2023

LifeQuest attendees earned points for the
Blue & You Fitness Challenge through classes
ranging from line dancing to tai chi.
Retirees rise to the
Challenge to improve
health, wellness
By Linda S. Haymes
In their first year to take part in the Blue & You Fitness
Challenge, the seniors from LifeQuest of Arkansas
rocked this year’s competition, placing 6 th in the
non-profit category and 43 rd out of all 74 teams.
The free three-month challenge each spring
encourages exercising and making healthier choices.
Participants log activities for points that can lead to
rewards and better health and fitness. The Challenge
is hosted by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield,
the Arkansas Department of Health and the Arkansas
Department of Human Services.
The team’s involvement was outstanding.
“I was amazed by their enthusiasm,” said Leah
Greenfield, executive director of LifeQuest of Arkansas.
“I’m a fitness enthusiast and try to walk 10,000
steps a day anyway,” said Colleen Vollman, a retired
accountant. “I thought I might as well get credit for it.”
The team, with 46 LifeQuest members participating
for the entire Challenge, amassed 1,428,353 points.
That’s an average of 31,053 points per person.
Photos by Cindy Momchilov/
Camera Work Photography
A week into the
Blue & You Fitness
Challenge, I knew it
would be just what
I needed ... it motivates me
to keep moving toward wellness.
I don’t expect to win any medals or trophies.
Instead, the prize I want is feeling better, through
my health and self-esteem.
– Barbara Kane, LifeQuest of Arkansas member
One member, Barbara Kane, was so excited she wrote
Leah a letter.
“Everyone did their own thing, but at one point, we
planned to walk around the property together,” said
June Brown, a retired pharmacist who garnered the
most points among the group.
The seniors walked, ran, and participated in tai chi,
yoga and pickleball. They earned additional points
through daily challenges ranging from drinking eight
glasses of water to taking stairs instead of the elevator
and learning about nutrition and stress management.
“We really enjoyed just being
together,” said June. “We need
the socialization we get here.”
Registration is now open for the 2024 Blue & You
Fitness Challenge. Follow the QR code to learn more.
AUTUMN 2023
3

Peer support specialists (from left) Liz Greenbaum,
Tojuana Greenlaw and Ashley LaHue
New peer support specialists guide,
support others toward recovery
By Shellee Robbins and Tojuana Greenlaw
When you’re going through a mental or behavioral health
struggle, you need understanding from people who have
learned experience. We get it.
You are not alone.
It's okay to say
'I need help.'
– Tojuana Greenlaw,
peer support specialist
4 AUTUMN 2023
That’s why, in addition to local nurses and social workers,
our behavioral health team also includes non-clinical,
trained Arkansas Blue Cross employees who are certified
peer support specialists. Working with the nurses and
social workers, they serve as a single point of contact to
coordinate integrated, whole-person care.
The peer support specialists help members, who often
have both physical and behavioral illnesses, connect to
the medical care and resources they need for recovery,
improved health and overall well-being.
Peer support specialists Ashley LaHue, Liz Greenbaum, and
Tojuana Greenlaw all have struggled with Substance Use
Disorder (SUD), which can range from moderate to severe
and can lead to addiction and mental health issues. They
have “lived experience.”
Simply put, they have walked the walk. But all three are now
in lifelong recovery.

“Hurt, lonely and neglected,” is how Tojuana describes the
emotions leading to her descent into addiction.
She had a decent childhood, raised by both parents in
a family-oriented home. Her struggle began when her
parents separated and her mother, dealing with her own
circumstances, left.
“We were left with my father, who did the best he could,”
Tojuana said. “This is a time in my life where the hurt was
very real.”
She spent the next 15 years on the streets with alcohol and
drugs, trying to numb the pain and fill the void. She was
arrested and had children of her own.
“I found myself like a roaring tornado, tearing through the
lives of the people I cared about most,” she said. In 2010,
Tojuana entered treatment and began her recovery.
She and the other peer support specialists, Ashley LaHue
and Liz Greenbaum, have worked hard to achieve a lifelong
recovery. They know it’s not a straight path, but one with
ups and downs.
Photo and cover portrait by
Cindy Momchilov/Camera Work Photography
Tojuana Greenlaw
Today, Tojuana says she has never been happier.
“I have a wonderful relationship with my children, three
beautiful grandchildren, my family and most of all, myself.”
“It’s only right that I now help others,” Tojuana said.
“You are not alone. It’s okay to say, ‘I need help.’ ”
According to a 2021 U.S. survey on substance use
disorders among people aged 12 or older, 21.9% had
used illicit drugs within the past year.
The journey to recovery takes time, and our certified peer
support specialists can help. For more information, or to
speak to our team, call 800-225-1891, Monday – Friday,
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CST). For virtual health options,
benefits or to find a local provider, sign in or register for
Blueprint Portal at blueprintportal.com.
I found myself like a
roaring tornado, tearing
through the lives of the
people I cared about most.
– Tojuana Greenlaw,
peer support specialist
Many of our plans also provide 24/7 access to a substance
use disorder program powered by Bright Heart Health.
For more information about the program, visit
brighthearthealth.com/contact-us or call 800-892-2695.
Bright Heart Health is a separate company that provides substance use disorder services for eligible
members of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage, and BlueAdvantage Administrators
of Arkansas members, all independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.
AUTUMN 2023
5

Blue & You Foundation mini grants
touch Arkansans’ lives By Kennedy T. Kinley
When it comes to awarding grants,
Rebecca Pittillo, executive director
of the Blue & You Foundation for
a Healthier Arkansas, knows that
big things can often arrive in small
packages – like mini grants.
The Blue & You Foundation
focuses on ways to make Arkansas
communities healthier. In 2022
alone, the foundation awarded
$5 million in total grants to
Arkansas nonprofits and
governmental agencies, several
of them for more than $100,000.
In 2023 the foundation awarded
209 new mini grants ranging from
$500 to $2,000. Here are just a few
examples of the mini grants the Blue
& You Foundation awarded:
Green Groceries
Green Groceries, a farm-to-church
ministry of Christ Episcopal Church
in downtown Little Rock, is located in
a food desert (an area where people
have difficulty accessing healthy
foods). People living in food deserts
are likely to rely on processed foods
they can buy in convenience stores.
Unfortunately, these foods can
contribute to poor health outcomes.
Green Groceries’ mission is to
support families in need with farmfresh
groceries and strengthen the
local food network by buying produce
from Arkansas farmers. The program
works to provide an annual average of
more than 300 pounds of fresh locally
grown fruits and vegetables, meat
and eggs to participating families.
The ministry strives to remove
transportation and mobility barriers
by using a network of volunteers to
deliver the food.
Green Groceries also hosts events
where people can fill a grocery bag
with healthy food to take home. The
Blue & You Foundation’s $2,000 mini
grant helps the program purchase
even more fresh foods and expand the
number of people they serve.
“We are grateful for all the
individuals and organizations –
including the Blue & You Foundation
– that support this unique food
bank, now in its 10 th year," said
Howison Hollenberg, Green
Groceries' program director. "These
investments of time and money
have allowed us to grow, serving
more people
and giving
away more
food at each
distribution."
Howison
Hollenberg
6
AUTUMN 2023

Modest gifts make major impact
Wendy Schaeffer, LPC
Susan Wolf
Gina Gomez
Sgt. Jason McGlawn
Gurdon
High School
Automated
External
Defibrillator
“This grant provides
an automated external
defibrillator (AED) for
rural Gurdon High School,
where the nearest hospital
is 23 miles away,” said
Wendy Schaeffer, LPC,
school-based health center
coordinator. "Having the
medical equipment ensures
that we can respond
appropriately to our more
than 200 students, 30
employees and visitors
in the case of a cardiac
emergency,” she said.
White Hall
Food Pantry
The Blue & You Foundation
mini grant allowed the
White Hall Food Pantry
to purchase premium
ground meat, providing
more protein to 61
families in need.
“Before this grant, the
pantry could only provide
canned meats, such as
tuna, chicken and Vienna
sausage,” said Susan Wolf,
project coordinator. “Now,
the pantry can provide
fresh meat products to
those in need.”
El Centro
Hispano En
Arkansas,
Jonesboro
“The Blue & You Foundation
mini grant allowed us to
provide 20 car seats to
Latina mothers completing
our La Cuna (the Cradle)
educational sessions and
teach them how to use
the devices and place the
children in them correctly,”
said Gina Gomez, executive
director of El Centro Hispano
En Arkansas. “Through this
support, we can expand our
efforts and provide equitable
access to pre- and postnatal
support for an even larger
number of Latinas.”
Searcy Police
Department CPR
Training
“The Searcy Police
Department is working to
make our community safer
by providing CPR/AED
training to our department
and the community, using
the life-saving equipment
provided by the mini
grant from the Blue & You
Foundation,” said Sgt. Jason
McGlawn. The Searcy Police
Department purchased
a CPR/AED starter kit
with adult and infant
manikins, AED trainers, and
accessories. “We are very
thankful for this grant and
the additional opportunities
to serve our community.”
Mini grants have the power to impact lives
in your community! To learn more about
Blue & You Foundation Mini Grants and other
opportunities for funding, sign up for the e-newsletter at
blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org to be well informed.
AUTUMN 2023 7

Arkansas Blue Cross
encourages students to
choose healthcare futures
By Linda S. Haymes
About 125 central Arkansas youngsters learned about mental
health, diabetes prevention and careers in healthcare during
the Life Skills for Youth (LSY) Health Academy 2023, part of a
10-week summer program for kindergarten through eighth-grade
students. The program, sponsored by Arkansas Blue Cross
and Blue Shield, included presentations on mental health and
diabetes prevention by employees.
Rebecca Pittillo, executive director of the Blue &
You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, praised
students for all they'd learned during the Life Skills
for Youth Health Academy this summer.
At the end of the program, students, parents and grandparents
gathered for a closing "white coat ceremony," mimicking the ones
held when medical school students start their clinical education.
LSY staff members and Arkansas Blue Cross representatives
presented each child completing the program with their very own
white “doctor’s” coat. Four posters highlighting what the students
had learned during the week were displayed nearby.
8 AUTUMN 2023
Curtis Barnett, Arkansas Blue Cross president and
chief executive officer, congratulated students for
taking part in the health academy and encouraged
them to consider a career in healthcare as adults.

Photos by David Lewis Photography
Rebecca Pittillo, executive director of the Blue & You
Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas, and Curtis Barnett,
Arkansas Blue Cross president and chief executive
officer, spoke to the students and adults who gathered.
“I want to congratulate all of you on your white coats,”
Curtis said. “We need doctors, nurses and all other types
of employees in this field. To work in healthcare, you
need to be smart, so study, and you need to be trained,
so continue to learn, and most importantly, you need to
care about people.”
LSY, a private, non-profit organization offering an afterschool
program was created by and is led by “Coach”
Larry Clark, Sr., an Arkansas Blue Cross retiree. The
program provides a positive alternative for youth,
offers mentorship, and develops life skills.
Larry Clark, Sr., leads the private, non-profit
youth mentoring program he founded in 2007
to mentor, equip and empower youth.
AUTUMN 2023
9

ANNUAL NOTICE: 2024 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, 2023,
you may access this information:
• Online in the “Benefits” section
of the Arkansas Blue Cross
secure member self-service
center, BlueprintPortal, at
blueprintportal.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 at the number listed on the back of your health plan I.D. card.
10 AUTUMN 2023

Celebrating our
Top women of impact
Pittillo and Nash
Creshelle Nash, M.D., medical
director of Health Equity and
Public Programs at Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield,
and Rebecca Pittillo, executive
director of the Blue & You
Foundation for a Healthier
Arkansas, are the Top 100
Women of Impact named by the
Women’s Foundation of Arkansas.
The list highlights women
who have made an impact on
Arkansas through
their work.
Dr. Nash was recognized for
her work in bringing a health
equity framework to Arkansas
Blue Cross and providing
leadership on public programs
and products to improve health
equity for all Arkansans.
Rebecca works to improve
behavioral health in Arkansas
through the foundation's
commitment to improve
access, promote early
intervention, normalize
the conversation of mental
health and fund community
and school based programs
which build life-long health,
resiliency and well-being for
children and families. The
Foundation also promotes
better health in the Natural
State in several other areas
and is committed to improving
the lives of people in our
communities.
We are proud to have such
amazing women as leaders
at Arkansas Blue Cross!
Attention ARHOME members!
Don't risk losing your health insurance
If you received a renewal form from the Arkansas Department of
Human Services (DHS), fill it out and return it to DHS by the date
they gave you to avoid losing your coverage if you are still eligible.
Have questions? Call DHS at 844-872-2660, visit ar.gov/renew
or visit a local DHS office.
If you lose coverage, we are here to help.
You’ll qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) which allows
you to get a new health plan through the Health Insurance
Marketplace, and you may even qualify for financial assistance.
If you need help understanding this process,
visit your nearest ArkansasBlue Welcome Center,
arkbluecross.com/arhome
or call 800-392-2583.
School calming
room funding
Schools chosen to receive one of the
$2,500 funding to create calming rooms
will be announced November 1. One
middle, junior or high school will be
selected in each of Arkansas’ 75 counties
in honor of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield’s 75 th anniversary in December.
Visit arkbluecross.com/calming rooms
for more information.
AUTUMN 2023 11

Proceed
with caution:
To take or not to
take antibiotics
As we approach fall and winter, also known as cold
and flu season, it is important to understand when an
antibiotic is needed and when it is not.
When we feel under the weather, we expect and
maybe even insist on being prescribed an antibiotic.
It’s normal to want to get better fast. Before
prescribing an antibiotic, however, your provider
will need to determine whether a bacterial or viral
infection is the cause of your illness.
Antibiotics should not be used to treat illnesses such
as the common cold, bronchitis, and some upper
respiratory infections. In most cases, these are viral
infections, and antibiotics are ineffective in treating
viruses. Most viral infections can be effectively
treated at home. Here are some at-home treatment
tips for viral infections:
• Get lots of rest.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Keep a humidifier by your bed to help
with stuffiness.
• Use saline nasal sprays or drops for a stuffy nose.
• If you have a sore throat, try using ice chips,
throat lozenges or spray.
• If you have a fever, you can take a fever
reducer such as Tylenol (acetaminophen)
or Motrin/Advil (ibuprofen).
12 AUTUMN 2023
Common bacterial infections, such as strep throat,
meningitis, and sinus infections, require treatment
with an antibiotic. If you have one of these, your
doctor may give you a prescription for an antibiotic.
Antibiotics are a safe, effective tool when used to
treat bacterial infections. It is very important to
take antibiotics as prescribed and finish all your
prescriptions, even after you begin to feel better.
Common side effects from antibiotics include nausea,
upset stomach, diarrhea and loss of appetite. This may
result from the antibiotic killing good bacteria in your
gut. Eating yogurt or taking a probiotic while taking
your antibiotic can help minimize this side effect.
Be Aware: Overuse of antibiotics can lead to bacteria
becoming resistant and the antibiotic not working for
you in the future.
Ways you can help prevent both viral and bacterial
infections include:
• Washing your hands properly and often.
• Avoiding those who are sick and staying home
when you are sick.
• Covering your mouth and nose when sneezing
and coughing.
• Making sure you are up to date with COVID
and flu vaccines.
• If you can get well without taking a course of
antibiotics, then that’s the best course of action.

Preventive
checkups
to support a
healthy
pregnancy
by Creshelle Nash, M.D.
medical director for Health Equity
and Public Programs
Getting care early in a pregnancy, and even before, can help protect moms and babies from complications
and ensure a healthy birth. By discussing your specific needs and health conditions with your doctor, you
can work together to decide on a care plan that lowers your risks.
Typical prenatal care milestones
Many women follow a similar pregnancy check-up
timeline, but every pregnancy is unique.
• Weeks 4 to 28 of pregnancy: In the earliest stage
of pregnancy, expectant mothers visit their care
provider once a month to get routine care such as
physicals and pelvic exams, blood pressure and
urine tests, prenatal vitamin prescriptions, and
gestational diabetes screening.
• Weeks 28 to 36 of pregnancy: At this stage,
expectant mothers have checkups twice a month.
At later checkups, your doctor may assess your weight,
blood pressure, the baby’s heartbeat and growth. You
may receive relevant vaccinations, such as Tdap.
• Weeks 36 to 41 of pregnancy: During the final stage
of pregnancy, expectant mothers typically visit their
doctor every week.
If you have complications during pregnancy, your
provider may want to see you more often.
Our whole person approach to prenatal care
Your mental and behavioral health is just as
important as your physical health during your
pregnancy and after birth. Post-partum depression
is more than “baby blues” and can sometimes be
severe. If you feel something isn’t right, physically
or mentally –during or after your pregnancy — make
sure your doctor listens to your concerns.
At Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, we are
committed to assisting parents in maintaining
healthy behaviors
before, during, and after
pregnancy. Our Special
Delivery Education
Program is a free
maternity program for
pregnant members.
Follow the QR code to
learn more and sign up.
AUTUMN 2023 13

Medicare Annual
Enrollment Period
October 15 – December 7
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is
almost here. It's time to decide which Medicare
option is best for you — to stay with your current
Arkansas Blue Medicare plan, choose a different
Medicare Advantage plan, or return to Original
Medicare. Arkansas Blue Medicare has some
exciting plan 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, 2024.
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, we’re here to help you find the right Arkansas
Blue Medicare plan that fits your needs and budget.
Call your local licensed agent
at 800-392-2583.
Visit arkansasblue65.com/medicare
and watch our short video or
visit us in person at your nearby
ArkansasBlue Welcome Center.
What makes our plans special?
• Many HMO and PPO plans with
$0 monthly premiums and $0 to low copays
• Comprehensive dental, vision, hearing,
and prescription drug coverage
• Excellent care from a large network
of trusted providers and hospitals
Arkansas Blue Medicare HMO and PPO
plans include valuable extras designed
to help you stay your healthiest:
• New! Walmart Wellness Benefits Card for
over-the-counter (OTC) health-related products
• $0 Primary Care Provider visits
• Valuable Healthy Blue Rewards
• No-cost 24/7 Nurse Advice Line
• $0 SilverSneakers ® Fitness Program Membership
Registration ends December 7
If you’re about to turn 65 or already have
Medicare, now is the time to look at Arkansas
Blue Medicare. Our plans deliver valuable
benefits, savings, and rewards — all with the
local support of the Arkansas Blue Cross and
Blue Shield name you know and trust.
Live your best life – connect with a local expert today!
14
AUTUMN 2023

Open Enrollment
for 2024 coverage
If you need an individual or family health plan for
next year, the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) for
2024 runs from November 1, 2023, to January 15,
2024. During OEP, you can decide to keep or change
your existing plan. If you want your coverage to
begin on January 1, you must enroll by December 15.
We understand this is an important decision.
Our friendly experts can help you find the best
coverage for your needs and budget.
Customer Service
N U M B E R S
May we help? For customer service, please call toll free:
Arkansas Blue Medicare
HMO Plans (H6158) 844-463-1088
PPO Plans (H3554) 844-201-4934
PFFS Plans (H4213) 877-233-7022
BlueMedicare Classic/Classic Plus (HMO) 877-349-9335
Arkansas Blue Medicare Prescription
Drug Plans (S5795): 866-390-3369
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Medicare Supplement Plans 800-238-8379
Arkansas Blue Cross members 800-238-8379
Arkansas Blue Cross Metallic members
(Gold, Silver, Bronze, Catastrophic) 800-800-4298
Health Advantage members 800-843-1329
BlueAdvantage members 888-872-2531
Pharmacy questions 888-293-3748
Federal Employee Program members 800-482-6655
Arkansas State Employees /
Public School Employees 800-482-8416
Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help!
For individuals, families 800-392-2583
For employer groups * 800-421-1112
How to update your coverage
Watch for your annual benefit update letter
explaining your options in detail.
If you want to discuss a new health plan:
• Call 800-392-2583 to talk to a health
insurance expert.
• Visit an ArkansasBlue Welcome Center.
To schedule an appointment at a location
near you, visit arkbluecross.com/locations.
• Visit arkbluecross.com/enroll to shop online
for a new plan.
• Call your local agent.
Visit our websites
for more information:
• arkansasbluecross.com
• arkbluemedicare.com
• hub.arkansasbluecross.com
• healthadvantage-hmo.com
• blueadvantagearkansas.com
• blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org
Prefer to speak with someone close to home?
Call or visit one of our Welcome Centers near you:
Fayetteville
3013 N. College Ave. 479-379-5180
Fort Smith
3501 Old Greenwood Road – Suite 3 479-648-1635
Hot Springs
1635 Higdon Ferry Road – Suite J 501-620-2620
Jonesboro
2110 Fair Park Blvd. – Suite I 870-935-4871
Little Rock (MIDTOWN)
416 S. University Ave. – Suite 110 501-396-8675
Pine Bluff
509 Mallard Loop 870-536-1223
Rogers
4602 W. Walnut St. 479-973-6675
*
Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and
BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas
AUTUMN 2023
VICE PRESIDENT of
CORPORATE MARKETING
Alison Melson
EDITOR
Linda S. Haymes
Editor@arkbluecross.com
DESIGNER
Ryan Kravitz
Mark Jansen, M.D.,
vice president and
chief medical officer
MEDICAL REVIEWERS
Creshelle Nash, M.D.,
medical director for Health
Equity and Public Programs
AUTUMN 2023 15

PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
ARKANSAS BLUE CROSS
BLUE SHIELD
72201
Fall for our fun
ArkansasBlue
Welcome Center
events
OCTOBER
In the pink — In recognition
of Breast Cancer Awareness
Month, sw by any ArkansasBlue
Welcome Center for a free gift
and to register to win a pink
NutriBullet for healthier eating.
Holiday food drive — During the
month of October, ArkansasBlue
Welcome Centers will accept
canned and boxed food to
provide meals for those in need
during the holiday season.
DECEMBER
Celebrating 75 years! — Join us
at any ArkansasBlue Welcome
Center on December 4 to
celebrate the 75 th anniversary of
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield. We’ll be giving away 75
gift cards to different retailers
and/or restaurants to the first 75
people who visit us that day!
Christmas spirit! — Beginning
Thanksgiving week, the Jonesboro
ArkansasBlue Welcome Center,
2110 Fair Park Blvd., will give
away free admission tickets
to Arkansas Blue Cross night
(December 14) at Christmas
in the Park in Jonesboro,
while supplies last.
00002.09.01-0723