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Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield helps Medicaid recipients retain coverage as redeterminations begin
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is assisting ARHOME beneficiaries who will have to renew their health insurance coverage as Arkansas resumes the process of Medicaid eligibility redeterminations to comply with federal legislation.
Arkansans who are no longer eligible for Medicaid coverage will be able to shop for and enroll in a comprehensive health insurance plan. Arkansas Blue Cross is ready to assist those needing coverage, both by phone and in-person at its eight ArkansasBlue Welcome Centers throughout Arkansas.
Health insurance experts will provide assistance identifying plans based on one’s needs and budget. Assistance will also be provided in determining qualification for financial assistance to help transition them to coverage being offered through the Marketplace, their employers, or other coverage.
“The redetermination process will put many Arkansans at risk of losing their Medicaid coverage, and this effort underscores our commitment to ensuring everyone has access to high-quality, equitable and affordable care,” said Arkansas Blue Cross President and CEO Curtis Barnett.
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act, which required states to keep individuals enrolled in Medicaid without redetermining their eligibility and terminating coverage for those no longer eligible. This requirement was ended by the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 signed Dec. 29, 2022.
“Arkansas Blue Cross is dedicated to ensuring Arkansans have a smooth transition to new coverage, to ensure they have the information they need,” Barnett added.
What should Medicaid Beneficiaries do?
During the redetermination process, ARHOME members should contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) to update their contact information to ensure they receive a renewal form. Contact DHS directly:
- Call 844-872-2660
- Go online at ar.gov/renew
- Visit a local DHS office
If a member receives a renewal packet, they will need to fill it out, sign the forms and return it by the due date with any supporting documents requested.
Arkansans deemed no longer eligible for ARHOME and who are looking for assistance finding coverage may contact Arkansas Blue Cross by calling 800-392-2583, going online to arkbluecross.com/coverage or visiting a local ArkansasBlue Welcome Center. Locations include:
Fayetteville 3013 N. College Avenue (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. (870) 935-4871
Little Rock 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
Texarkana 1710 Arkansas Blvd. (870) 773-2584