Blue & You-WINTER 2020

&
A publication for the policyholders of the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield family of companies
WINTER 2020
Big generation
presents unique
challenges and opportunities
MILLENNIAL
health
PAGE 12
Jonesboro church
gets AED revival
PAGE 4
Calling us first
has its benefits
PAGE 10
Gould clinic gives
town “clean living”
PAGE 14

Table
3
4
6
8
9
10
12
14
16
17
17
18
20
21
21
22
23
23
24
A Word with Curtis Barnett: Millennials are kind of a big deal
AED donation generates a literal revival at a Jonesboro church
Grant helps make Crystal Bridges more disability-friendly
A picture-perfect hike – Crystal Bridges turns nature into a gallery
Blue & You Foundation invests $3.4 million in Arkansas projects
Call on us! Your health plan can help – in sickness and health
Millennials’ health, preferences will shape the future
Gould clinic puts a new spin on meeting patients’ needs
Opioid problem? You’re not alone – medication-assisted treatment can help
Partnership equips employers to battle opioid use
Shingrix ® vaccine is now widely available
2020 pharmacy coverage changes
Blue News
of
When you can’t get to the doctor, just “phone it in”
I missed enrollment! What now? Stay calm – you have options for health coverage
Medicare supplement has “friendlier” reports
GeoBlue travel health insurance
Customer Service contact information
“Fam”-tastic entertainment
Contents
St. Elizabeth Health & Dental Center
and its Wellness Center are a vibrant
hub of community life in the small
town of Gould in southeast Arkansas.
Residents depend on the clinic for needs
ranging from medical care to laundry.
Read more on pages 14-15.
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield and its family of affiliates comply
with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis
of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla
español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística.
Llame al 1-844-662-2276. CHÚ Ý: Nếu bạn nói Tiếng Việt, có các dịch vụ hỗ
trợ ngôn ngữ miễn phí dành cho bạn. Gọi số 1-844-662-2276.
2 Blue & You WINTER 2020
&
WINTER 2020
EDITOR
Greg Russell
BYEditor@arkbluecross.com
DESIGNER
Ryan Kravitz
PHOTOGRAPHER
Chip Bayer
CONTRIBUTORS
Chip Bayer
Jennifer Bridgeman
Katie Eisenhower
Kristy Fleming
Ben McVay
Suzi Parker
Greg Russell
Marie Trotter
VICE PRESIDENT of
CORPORATE MARKETING
Alison Melson
ON THE COVER
Millennials are poised to
become the largest segment of
our population and workforce.
Knowing what their health concerns
and healthcare preferences are
is a matter of vital importance.
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
has invested in research that has
produced some surprising findings.
This information could help shape
the future of the healthcare delivery
system. See page 12 to read about
what we’ve learned.

a
WORDwith
Curtis Barnett
Our President and Chief Executive Officer
In case you didn’t know it, millennials are kind of a big deal.
At nearly 73 million strong, millennials
(those born between 1981 and 1996)
are about to pass baby boomers as the
nation’s largest generation. Within the
next two years, they will account for
50% of the American workforce. Their
impact is being felt in every industry.
They are our current and future leaders.
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield,
more than any other healthcare
company in our market, has invested
in learning about this distinctive
generation. We partnered with the
national Blue Cross Blue Shield
Association on several revealing
studies that seek to understand
millennials and reveal the root causes
of their health challenges. You can read
more about this work on pages 12-13.
We’ve made some startling
discoveries, including the fact that
a third of millennials have health
conditions that reduce their quality
of life and their life expectancy. It
is ironic that though this generation
has witnessed many historic
breakthroughs in both technology
and medicine, their health is worse
than prior generations. Mental health
issues are much more pronounced,
making up six of the 10 top health
issues affecting millennials. Clearly,
behavioral health services, including
treatment/prevention of substance
use disorders, will be a bigger issue
going forward. And a jump in the
prevalence of type 2 diabetes is
something that warrants addressing.
As a health plan leader and parent of
a member of the generation following
the millennials, this report was a
chilling eye-opener. And if that were
all we had learned about millennials,
I might be discouraged. But that’s not
all we learned.
We also learned about millennials’
perspectives, practices and
preferences regarding healthcare.
Through surveys and face-to-face
listening sessions, we learned that
millennials:
• Embrace technology and
value responsiveness and
convenience. This signals to me
that we are heading in the right
direction by pursuing initiatives like
telemedicine and remaining highly
focused on providing excellent and
personalized customer service.
• Want a personal connection
with a healthcare provider and
value “whole person” care.
This is music to my ears because
it fits perfectly with integrated,
coordinated care and preventive
services. Primary care will play a
key role in addressing millennials’
health issues.
• Are more likely to forego
care due to cost. Nearly half of
millennials said they do this – more
than triple the rate among baby
boomers. This finding validates
our work on payment models that
reward clinical effectiveness and
our investment in technology to
streamline processes and lower
administrative costs.
When I look at the results of these
studies, one thing is clear: we’re
going to have to do things differently.
This is a clear call to action for all of
us working in healthcare. Now that
we are aware of the challenges and
opportunities, it is incumbent on us
to create better products, services
and systems to meet the needs of
millennials where they want to be
met. No doubt, this will involve pairing
personalized attention with easyto-use
digital services in new and
different ways. And we must work
with healthcare providers to ensure a
person’s physical and mental health
needs are being met. At Arkansas Blue
Cross, we’ve already started down this
path, but there is much more work to
be done and we must move faster. We
know that this generation – and those
who follow – are counting on us.
Blue & You WINTER 2020 3

Arkansas Blue Cross donation generates
a literal revival at a Jonesboro church
hurch is where some people go to experience new life, in the
spiritual sense. But for one Jonesboro man, it was the place
where a device donated by the local Arkansas Blue Cross
and Blue Shield team literally brought him back to life.
On a Wednesday evening in April, Deacon Phil Cook was
standing just outside the First Free Will Baptist Church
sanctuary when he experienced a strange sensation. “I felt a
fuzzy kind of feeling in my head, and I reached back to catch
myself,” Cook recalled. “That’s the last thing I remember until I
was being loaded in the ambulance.”
No warning
Cook, 79, a retired tool-and-die maker, had been diagnosed
with an irregular heartbeat more than 20 years ago but was
under treatment and said he had never experienced any
serious heart problems. It had been a normal Wednesday ...
he was preparing to plant a garden and he and Gloria, his wife
of 60 years, were planning to visit family the following week
in New Mexico.
“All of a sudden, Brother Phil’s eyes rolled back in his head and
he dropped like a sack of potatoes,” said fellow deacon Ronald
Wheeless, who was standing nearby.
Stunned church members rushed to help. Gloria, a retired
nurse, checked for a pulse and found none. CPR was started.
For the first few seconds, Wheeless was frozen with shock as
he saw his fallen mentor lying motionless, perhaps dead. Then
Wheeless’ wife reminded him of the church’s new AED.
Cook (left) and Wheeless share a special
bond, both as fellow deacons and as a
result of Cook’s “Lazarus” experience.
A lifesaving gift
Last January, employees at the ArkansasBlue location in
Jonesboro (a regional office for Arkansas Blue Cross) donated
the automated external defibrillator (AED) to the church
4
Blue & You WINTER 2020

through the Jonesboro-based Community
Health Education Foundation (CHEF) AED
Placement Program. The lifesaving devices
cost anywhere from $1,200 to $3,000.
An AED, which can deliver an electrical
shock to restart a heart that has stopped
beating, is designed to be used in
emergency situations by virtually anyone.
Wheeless actually had picked the spot to
install the AED box and was among the
members who had been trained only a
month before the incident.
“When you get something like an AED, it’s kind
of like buying insurance – you hope you’ll never
have to use it, but it’s just a relief to have it
there,” Wheeless said.
After his wife’s prompting, Wheeless sprang
into action. The device led him through
each step as crucial seconds ticked by.
Simultaneously, a group of congregants
formed an impromptu prayer circle and began
earnestly praying.They needed a miracle.
Shock and awe
“It told me there was no heartbeat, so I asked
Mrs. Gloria if she wanted me to shock him,
and she said, ‘yes,’ so I did,” Wheeless said.
“We had to do that two more times. Right
after we shocked him the third time, the fire
department arrived and took over. That’s when
I heard Phil start talking. He wasn’t really sure
where he was – but he was alive!”
“We were thankful ... glad ... joyous – but still
in shock,” Wheeless explained.
“The first thing I remember when I started to
wake up was hearing this voice in the distance
hollering, ‘Sit me up! I can’t breathe,’ “Cook
recalled. “At first it sounded far away, but it
‘‘
When you get
something like
an AED, it’s kind
of like buying
insurance –
you hope you’ll
never have to
use it, but it’s
just a relief to
have it there.
‘‘
Deacon
Ronald
Wheeless
gradually got louder and louder ... until I
realized it was me! That is when I realized I
was being loaded into an ambulance.”
Wheeless is reluctant to take any credit
for saving his friend’s life. “We are not in
the life-saving business – God is,” said
Wheeless, a plumbing supplies dealer.
“If we had not had the AED, or if Phil had
gone home that night, the outcome could
have been a lot different.”
Paying it forward
The church was so impacted by the incident that
they later decided to fund an AED for another
local church, again through CHEF. The AED was
presented to First Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ) in October. “If I can use an AED
successfully, anyone can,” Wheeless said. “If
you have any kind of public gathering of people,
an AED is just as valuable as fire extinguishers
– or even more valuable. Buildings can be
replaced, but with people, if that opportunity is
missed, a life can be lost forever.”
Andrea Fleer, who leads Arkansas Blue
Cross’ marketing team in Jonesboro, said
Cook’s revival makes her team even more
committed to community involvement. “When
we heard that a piece of equipment we had
donated had saved a life, the overwhelming
joy we felt was unbelievable. And the fact
that the church ‘paid it forward’ to another
congregation was just the icing on the cake.”
As for Cook, he feels extremely blessed.
“When I stop and think about the debt I owe
my wife for what she did and how much my
church folks love me and how God loves me
and caused things to happen like they did, it
just brings tears to my eyes,” he said. “I am
just grateful to be alive.”
Blue & You WINTER 2020 5

the
ART
of
Arkansas Blue Cross grant
helps make Crystal Bridges
friendlier for all ability levels
6
Artist Joan Brown’s “Self-
Portrait with Fish and Cat”
has a miniature “touchable
map” that can be used to
help people with sight loss
“see” the painting through
representative textures.
Blue & You WINTER 2020
A young girl in a museum runs her fingers
over the surface of an art display. Instead
of painted brushstrokes, she feels the
tickling bristles of a paintbrush ... the
texture of a paint-smeared smock ... the
silkiness of the artist’s blond hair ... a cat’s
furry coat ... and a cool, scaly fish.
The girl has vision loss. She is “seeing”
the painting by touching a miniature
version – a “touchable map” – of the
original, 8-foot-tall artwork, which hangs
on the wall. In the self-portrait, artist Joan
Brown stands in a paint-covered smock
and pants, holding a brush in one hand and
a huge fish cradled in the other arm as a
black cat strolls by.
Art for everyone
The museum is Crystal Bridges Museum
of American Art in Bentonville. And
the interactive display that allows
the visually impaired youngster to
experience a visual medium was made
possible, in part, by a $10,000 grant from
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
“In order to create a more welcoming
environment for guests with all levels
of sight, we have developed what we
call touchable paintings,” said Kim
Crowell, senior museum educator and
accessibility coordinator. “I firmly believe

“A Tight Fix – Bear Hunting, Early Winter [The Life of a Hunter: A Tight Fix]” by artist
Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait (1856) is a popular attraction at Crystal Bridges because of
the dramatic “story” it depicts. Now people with vision loss can experience the
harrowing scene through the sense of touch and descriptive displays.
I firmly believe that everyone should have access to arts and
culture, regardless of whether or not they have a disability.
– Kim Crowell, senior museum educator and accessibility coordinator
that everyone should have access to arts
and culture, regardless of whether or not
they have a disability.”
A different way to “see”
A touchable painting is a sensory a map
of a work of art. Different textures are
used to represent the subject matter the
artwork depicts.
“When someone feels this touchable map,
they can get an idea of where objects in
the original artwork are located,” Crowell
said. “This is always combined with a
highly detailed verbal description of the
artwork, which enables the listener to
paint a mental picture of what the artwork
looks like in their mind’s eye.”
Access for all
The touchable paintings are one aspect
of the Access and Inclusion Program, a
comprehensive attempt to make Crystal
Bridges a welcoming and inclusive
environment for guests of all abilities
and backgrounds. Crystal Bridges is
wheelchair accessible, has provisions for
people who have hearing and sight loss
and welcomes service animals. There are
programs for youth with autism and people
who have Alzheimer’s disease/dementia.
The museum also provides 3D-printed
miniatures of selected sculptures and
large-print and braille explanations of
exhibits during specific programs and
by request.
According to Crowell, this kind of
accommodation is unusual for a museum
the size of Crystal Bridges. “Typically,
when I see these kinds of multi-sensory
tours, they are in larger museums in
cities like New York or Washington,
D.C.,” she said.
Broader strokes
But Crowell is not content with the
museum’s current level of accessibility.
“There has been significant work in
this area, but we have a lot more work
to do in order to create the welcoming
environment for everyone that we really
want. One thing I am really excited about
in the future is ways to make our North
Forest Trail more accessible for all levels
of sight. We are creating 3D scans of
some of the works of art on the trail
which we will use to create touchable
bronze scale models.”
The North Forest Trail is one of eight
trails that wind through the 120-acre
museum campus. (See Outside in
Arkansas on page 8 for more).
Want to see a video about this program? https://vimeo.com/396050310/ed347cd7c2
Crowell (right) shows a young patron the
miniature “touchable map” of the 8-foot-tall
Joan Brown self-portrait (shown on page 6).
The display
of William
Wetmore Story’s
“Sappho” (1867)
has a 3D-printed
miniature version.
Blue & You WINTER 2020 7

Crystal Bridges trails turn nature into a gallery
C
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville has artfully
merged fine art with the great outdoors. Eight trails wind a total
of 4 miles through the museum’s 120-acre site, and the Ozark
landscape beautifully frames some amazing art installations.
Many of the trails are accessible to people with disabilities.
For example, the North Forest Trail has a wheelchair-accessible
elevator to take guests to the trailhead and is being made more
user-friendly for people who have vision loss.
“We are creating 3D scans of some of the works of art on our
North Forest Trail which we will then use to create touchable
in
Arkansas
A picture-perfect hike
The Trails
at Crystal
Bridges
Art Trail: Paved walking/biking trail with a
moderate slope (0.5 miles)
Crystal Spring Trail: Crushed granite hiking
trail with a moderate slope and steps (0.5 miles)
Crystal Bridges Trail: Paved walking/biking
trail with some steep inclines (1 mile)
North Forest Trail: Paved walking/biking loop
trail with a moderate slope (1.1 miles)
North Lawn Trail: Paved walking/biking trail
with a moderate slope (0.25 miles)
Orchard Trail: Paved walking/biking trail with
a gentle slope (0.5 miles)
Rock Ledge Trail: Crushed granite hiking trail
with a moderate slope and steps (0.5 miles)
Tulip Tree Trail: Crushed granite hiking trail with
a moderate slope and steps (0.75 miles)
bronze 3D models,” said Kim Crowell, senior museum educator
and accessibility coordinator. “The scaled-down models can be
touched by everyone. We will also provide a large-print version
of the label text next to a braille version, so everyone can read
about the art on the trail.”
The museum trails, which have paved and crushed-granite
surfaces, are part of the Bentonville Trail System and connect
to the Razorback Regional Greenway, a 37.6-mile shared-use
trail that connects Fayetteville and Bella Vista.
So if you want to get some culture while you exercise and take
in some fresh air and gorgeous scenery in the process, this
northwest Arkansas masterpiece may be in the picture.
8
Blue & You WINTER 2020

Better health – granted
Blue & You Foundation invests $3.4
million in Arkansas projects for 2020
What do a splash pad, a nurse case manager, a cooking
class and a telemedicine system have in common?
These are just four examples of health-promoting
requests funded by the Blue & You Foundation for a
Healthier Arkansas as part of $3.4 million in annual
grant awards for 2020. The grants will fund 40
initiatives in 23 of Arkansas’ 75 counties.
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield established
the Blue & You Foundation in 2001. Since then, it has
awarded more than $36 million to nonprofits and
governmental agencies for 1,922 health-improvement
programs in 248 communities and in all 75 counties.
To see the full list, go to blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org. Here’s a sampling:
• Ashdown Community Foundation
($150,000) – to build a splash pad
in the city park
• McGehee Hospital ($150,000) –
to hire nurses to help 300 patients in
southeast Arkansas manage chronic
conditions
• Arkansas Council on Economic
Education, Little Rock ($23,460) –
to teach 120 schoolteachers from
throughout the state how to prepare
nutritious, low-cost meals
• Baxter Regional Medical Center,
Mountain Home ($149,997) –
to create a telemedicine system for
healthcare providers in north central
Arkansas
Benton County
$155,400
Baxter County
$203,247
Randolph County
$148,387
Cutting costs
$
351,679
Washington
County
$160,000 Van Buren County
$83,796
Mississippi County
$58,000
H
Better access
$
1,479,997
Sebastian County
$6,686
Johnson County
$4,964
Yell County
$150,000
Hot Spring County
$150,000
Conway County
$55,000
Faulkner County
$299,991
Pulaski County
$745,989
Woodruff County
$10,000
Phillips County
$45,382
New services
$
345,175
Little River County
$150,000
Clark County
$149,265
Jefferson County
$162,878
Drew County
$150,000
Desha County
$150,000
Chicot County
$169,752
Wellness
$
1, 291,021
Columbia County
$169,035
Union County
$90,100
Blue & You WINTER 2020 9

Call
on us!
There are many ways your
health plan can help you –
in sickness and in health
Here are a few situations where a quick
call to your health plan could help:
When you have health concerns, you should call
your doctor, but did you know your health insurance
company can help you too? Even when you aren’t sick?
The most obvious reasons members call Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield and our affiliates are to
check on a medical claim or get a new ID card. But our
customer service representatives are here to help you
get the most value out of your health plan.
“The way we see it, we exist to help people be as
healthy as they can be,” said Erin Maxwell, who
leads the customer service team for BlueAdvantage
Administrators of Arkansas. “We want to help our
members avoid getting sick and to ensure that any
health problems they have are caught early.
10
Finding
healthcare
providers
It’s important to find out
before you go to a doctor
or hospital whether they
are part of your health
plan’s network. If you
choose a healthcare
provider outside your
network, it could cost
you more out of your
own pocket. If you want
to choose a primary
care physician who
participates in qualityfocused
initiatives like the
Patient-Centered Medical
Home (PCMH) program
or the Comprehensive
Primary Care Plus (CPC+)
program, we can also help
you find one near you.
Blue & You WINTER 2020
Filling
prescriptions
Does the medicine your
doctor prescribed come
in a less-expensive
generic form? Does it
matter where you get
prescriptions filled? Are
there supply limits on
your medicine? Is the
medicine eligible for
“step therapy?” Do you
qualify for financial help
for your medicine? All
of these are questions
we can help answer, and
those answers could
save you big dollars and
lots of frustration. Often,
the key is asking before
that prescription is filled.
Managing
a disease/
condition
If you have a health
condition that you
struggle to live with
and manage, you don’t
have to do it alone. Our
specially trained nurse
case managers can help
with chronic or complex
condition management
(diabetes, heart disease,
asthma, lung disorders,
etc.). These nurses,
along with our dedicated
social workers, can help
you map out a plan,
teach you about selfcare
techniques and
connect you to helpful
support services. But
we can’t help unless we
know you need help. The
first step is to call the
customer service number
on the back of your card.
Hospital stays/
outpatient
procedures
A hospital stay or
outpatient procedure
can lead to a number
of healthcare claims.
Contacting us beforehand
may cut down on
confusion about what’s
covered and what is
your share of the cost.
Plus, you may qualify
for services like case
management. Nurse
case managers can help
coordinate your care, give
you tips about what to
do before your medical
procedure, what to expect
during and after your
procedure and arrange
for home health services,
therapies and/or or
special equipment to help
you have the fastest and
fullest recovery possible.

We have programs and services built into our health plans
that are designed to do just that. You might not realize
what is available to you, but a quick call to our team can
direct you to additional benefits and ways we can help.
“If something is going on with your health or a family
member’s health, a quick call to find out what services
might be available to you or just to give us a ‘heads
up’ can help us provide you with the best value from
your benefits. Whether it is finding a specialist in your
network or connecting you to a nurse case manager,
we want to help as early as possible.”
For these reasons and more, we encourage members
to contact us (by calling the customer service number
on the back of their member ID card) to ensure they
are getting the most value from their health plan.
Pregnancy
If you’re expecting,
our Special Delivery
program’s pregnancyfocused
nurse case
managers are here to
help you and your baby
have the best pregnancy
and delivery journey
possible. All Special
Delivery moms-to-be
receive free educational
materials and resources.
Moms at a higher-risk
for complications can
have a nurse case
manager work with
them all the way,
monitoring progress
and arranging special
services, when needed.
The first step is to
contact us and let us
know you have a bundle
of joy coming.
Wellness
visits / health
screenings
Your health plan
likely covers annual
wellness visits
or certain health
screenings (for
conditions like breast
cancer, colorectal
cancer, diabetes, etc.).
If you’re not using the
preventive benefits
your health plan
provides, you could be
“leaving money on the
table” and opening
yourself to the risk
that a condition might
not be caught early,
when it’s easier to
treat ... or even cure.
Healthy living
If you’re looking to
be healthier, call us!
Chances are your
health plan includes
health-and-wellness
benefits like discounts
on health-and-fitness
products and/or services,
smoking-cessation
assistance, nutritional
counseling, educational
resources and tools for
healthy living. We can
show you what your
health plan offers and
help you get connected.
Behavioral /
emotional
health
Your health plan may
include coverage for
services related to your
behavioral/emotional
health. If you need to
know what’s covered,
we can help.
Your health plan website has lots of information about
the services available to you and how you can access
them. But if you still have questions or just want to talk
it through with someone, call the customer service
number on the back of your member ID card. There’s
a friendly voice on the other end who is eager to help.
For a handy reference of other helpful phone numbers,
check out page 23 of this magazine.
Blue & You WINTER 2020 11

Generating change
Millennials’ health, preferences will shape the future of healthcare
Millennials (born 1981-1996) are the most educated 1 generation in
history, the most diverse and at 73 million strong, they are quickly
becoming the largest portion of today’s workforce. Unfortunately,
millennials also face challenges from crippling debt, increased stress
and declining health.
To understand the current health status of millennials, the Blue
Cross Blue Shield Association (of which Arkansas Blue Cross and
Blue Shield is an independent licensee) dove deep into its national
data to understand which diseases and conditions most impact
millennials. They also hosted 16 listening sessions and had more
than 8,000 participants in six surveys. Here are some highlights of
what they found.
Here are the TOP 10
conditions affecting
millennials
(ages 21-36 in 2017)
1
MAJOR DEPRESSION
2
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER
3
ALCOHOL USE DISORDER
4
HYPERTENSION
83%
of millennials consider
themselves in good
or excellent health
63%
of millennials have
a primary care
physician (PCP)
5
6
HYPERACTIVITY
PSYCHOTIC CONDITIONS
1/3
of millennials have
HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT
AFFECT THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE
12
Blue & You WINTER 2020
AmeriSpeak ® survey conducted in 2018 by NORC
at the University of Chicago using a probabilitybased
panel designed to be representative of the
U.S. household population.
However, our data
show that A MAJOR
DECLINE IN HEALTH
TYPICALLY BEGINS
AT AGE 27 –
IMPACTING
MILLENNIALS
TODAY
7
8
9
10
CROHN’S DISEASE/
ULCERATIVE COLITIS
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
TOBACCO USE DISORDER
TYPE 2 DIABETES
Conditions significantly impact
health if they reduce future healthy
life by more than six months.
1
Pew Research Center

Double-digit increases for
8 OF THE TOP 10 CONDITIONS
AFFECTING MILLENNIALS
6 OF THE TOP 10 CONDITIONS
DEAL WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
and affect mental health and
emotional well-being
* Other endocrine conditions include
parathyroid, ovary, adrenal, pituitary and
other endocrine system-related conditions.
Examples include PCOS, parathyroid
disorders, hypoglycemia, vitamin or
mineral deficiencies and many others.
Total adverse health for
MILLENNIAL WOMEN
IS 20% HIGHER
than for men, mainly driven by:
major depression, type 2 diabetes
and other endocrine conditions*
MAJOR DEPRESSION,
HYPERACTIVITY AND
TYPE 2 DIABETES
increased the most
The healthcare
millennials want
Surveyed millennials view the healthcare
system very differently than past generations,
and said they want:
• Fast and easy access to care –
including short waits, online scheduling,
extended clinic hours, digital access to
records, etc.
• Face-to-face care and virtual options –
including text, email, video chats, etc.
• A personal relationship with a
healthcare provider – ironically, many said
the lack of this relationship was why they
had not sought care
• A holistic, culturally sensitive approach –
with a central contact guiding the process
The good news?
Arkansas Blue Cross is already supporting
and/or implementing initiatives that align with
millennials’ preferences (like virtual health and
patient-centered medical homes). Others are
on the drawing board. We hosted two listening
sessions, one in Cave Springs in northwest
Arkansas and one in Little Rock and plan to
do more to address millennials’ concerns. Our
goal is to change the health of people in this
generation for the better.
COEUR D’ALENE
MINNEAPOLIS
SAN
FRANCISCO
BOISE
SIOUX FALLS
DES MOINES
CAVE SPRINGS
KANSAS
CITY
CEDAR RAPIDS
PHILADELPHIA
HARRISBURG
BALTIMORE
LITTLE ROCK
NASHVILLE
Listening session
Local survey
National survey
Blue & You WINTER 2020 13

Gould clinic puts a new spin on
meeting patients’ needs
Good hygiene is a foundation of good health. So when
some folks in the tiny town of Gould (Lincoln County)
struggled to find places to wash their clothes, St. Elizabeth
Health & Dental Center added washers and dryers to the
long list of services they provide. As a patient-centered
medical home (PCMH), they recognized it’s just one more
way to keep people healthy.
PCMH, a program of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services (CMS), encourages primary care clinics to deliver
evidence-based care to patients through innovation and
a holistic approach. Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
brought the PCMH program to Arkansas and is proud to be
one of the payers who reward participating clinics that do
well in the program.
A matter of health and self-esteem
“Wearing soiled clothing can actually affect your health,
not to mention your self-esteem,” said Brenda Jacobs,
D.N.P., APRN, chief executive officer of the Daughters of
Charity Services of Arkansas, which operates the clinic
and another in nearby Dumas (Desha County). “Yet we
saw that for too many of our patients, a washer and
dryer were ‘luxuries’ they simply could not afford, and
our community has no laundromat. We decided it was
worthwhile for us to give patients greater peace of mind
and self-esteem to be able to fulfill this basic need for
themselves and their families.”
St. Elizabeth stands out against the gray landscape that
pervades Gould. The clinic’s laundry access highlights
its focus on meeting the community’s needs.
Patients have responded to the service with gratitude,
and a handful of people come each day to use the two
sets of washers and dryers for the nominal fee of 50 cents
a load. But laundry access is just the beginning of what
the clinic offers.
A changing community
Gould’s population (755) is less than half of what it was 20
years ago (1,600+), and abandoned and crumbling buildings
dot the landscape as an endless procession of heavy-laden
tractor-trailer rigs speed by on U.S. Highway 65.
“I think it is extremely important to meet patients exactly
14
Blue & You WINTER 2020

Gould’s only grocery store
closed a decade or so ago.
where they are,” Jacobs said. “Gould is an economically
depressed area with absolutely no local access to a grocery
store – except for the one convenience store, which, from a
health perspective, has all of the wrong kinds of food.”
The clinic’s location on the highway perfectly illustrates
Jacobs’ point: The lone convenience store sits a few dozen
yards north, and a defunct Foodliner store, vacant for about
10 years now, is the next neighbor to the south.
A bright spot
Yet, here in this fading community is a beacon of
progressive healthcare. The clinic is such a light that it has
become a gathering place and a community lifeline.
As part of its holistic philosophy, the clinic offers family
medicine, dental care, a full-service wellness center,
pharmacy assistance, social services, Hispanic medical
interpretation, a patient advisory committee, a community
liaison and a community garden where anyone can come
and pick healthy foods.
Part of the Gould “family”
So why do all this in Gould? “It’s pretty easy to see that
the people here in Gould really need what we’re doing,”
Jacobs said. “People in this community look at us as part
of their family, and we feel the same way.”
A vibrant spirit
Residents echo Jacobs’ family metaphor and say the clinic
is a crucial part of community life.
Arutha White started coming to the Wellness Center about
5 years ago. “After I retired, I didn’t want to just sit around
and do nothing,” White said. “I was not eating healthy, so
I was overweight. I’ve lost about 20 pounds and kept it off.
I had a knee-replacement surgery, and now, it’s like I never
had surgery.”
“I am 70 years old, but I feel like I’m 40,” said Clem Arnold.
“Coming here has been really good for me. And with the
people here, you can feel the love when you walk in the door.”
“Our whole reason”
Plans for the clinic’s future include an eye clinic, expanded
social work services and remotely delivered psychiatric
care through a partnership with the University of Arkansas
for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock.
But regardless of what new developments the future might
hold, Jacobs is confident of one thing. “We will always be
working to make life better for the people of Gould,” she
said. “That is our whole reason for being here.”
Blue & You WINTER 2020 15

Doctor’s
NOTES
by Mark T. Jansen, M.D.
Vice President and Chief Medical Officer
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Opioid problem? You’re not alone
Medication-assisted treatment can help
Too often, people who are dependent on opioid medications are reluctant to ask for help for fear that
they will get into trouble or be denied what they need to cope. Opioid use disorder destroys lives ... recovery shouldn’t.
That’s why Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is working closely with the medical community and Arkansas businesses to address
substance use disorders. We also want to work with our members, recognizing that you, or someone you love, may be struggling to
live a normal life while hiding a disorder. We recognize that medication-assisted treatment (MAT), provided by qualified physicians
and paired with counseling, can help people regain control of their lives without disrupting their jobs or families.
Here’s a hypothetical example of how medication-assisted treatment could help:
Bob had back surgery four years ago
and was prescribed opioids for painmanagement
during his recovery. As
he struggled with pain, Bob developed
an opioid use disorder. After his doctor
stopped writing prescriptions for
opioids, Bob turned to other sources.
And now, when he can’t find opioids,
he uses illicit street drugs. He is hiding
his disorder, but he wants to stop.
Bob is afraid that if he tells his
doctor, he will be turned away, or
worse, he will be reported to the
police. He is worried that he will
need inpatient treatment ... or be
forced to go through an agonizing
withdrawal. His job is already at risk,
and he worries about the affect his
disorder will have on his family if it
is made public. He is afraid he could
lose everything. But he knows if he
overdoses, he could lose his life.
Bob finally tells his doctor about
his struggle and finds his doctor is
compassionate and ready to help.
His doctor has completed special
training and received a federal waiver
to prescribe medication-assisted
treatment. With the help of his doctor,
Bob can take steps toward recovery
with no inpatient treatment, no “cold
turkey” and no withdrawal. Bob is able
to function as he and his doctor work
to end his substance use disorder.
Bob’s treatment is covered. As an
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
member, his medication-assisted
treatment prescriptions are filled
without prior approval (BlueAdvantage
members should check their benefits).
That means he can get the prescription
he needs to start treatment right away.
His doctor meets with him frequently
to get his dose right and monitors him
through urine tests.
Bob gets connected with
behavioral health counseling,
which is recommended. Some of
Bob’s counseling sessions are covered
through his Employee Assistance
Program at work. And since there’s
no long work absence required for
outpatient treatment, Bob can preserve
his privacy. Only he, his doctor and his
counselor know about his treatment.
For medication-assisted treatment to work, people who need it have to speak up. Take the first step. Talk to your doctor, call
the number on the back of your health plan ID card or call the New Directions Substance Use Member Hotline at 1-877-326-2458.
Take the first step ... ask for help.
16
Blue & You WINTER 2020

New coalition empowers employers
to battle opioid use disorder
Employers in Arkansas have some new weapons in the
fight against the opioid crisis’ devastating impact on our
state’s workforce.
According to the American Action
Forum, between 1999 and 2015:
• Opioid use disorder took 43,400
workers out of the state’s workforce
• A staggering 574 million work hours
were lost to substance use disorder
• Opioid use in Arkansas caused
$33.5 billion in lost productivity
Currently, opioids take one life in Arkansas
every two days 1 .
Together Arkansas (togetherarkansas.com) is an opioid
“The opioid epidemic is one of the biggest threats to the
response initiative developed by the Arkansas State Chamber foundation of business and our economy today,” said Curtis
of Commerce/Associated Industries of Arkansas, Arkansas
Barnett, president and chief executive officer of Arkansas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield and the Arkansas Foundation
Blue Cross. “Providing Arkansas employers tools to address
for Medical Care (AFMC). Walmart is its digital outreach
a problem as pervasive as opioid use disorder is critical.
sponsor. The website provides employers a toolkit of free
Helping employees break the bonds of addiction and get and
resources for prevention and response and covers a range of stay healthy keeps them creative, innovative and productive.
issues, including legal concerns, drug-testing, policymaking, And that makes Arkansas strong.”
assisting employees in getting help, returning to work, etc.
For more, visit togetherarkansas.com.
1
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s (NIDA) Arkansas Opioid Summary.
Shingrix ® : Don’t miss your second dose!
Supply of shingles vaccine is
now widely available
If you received one dose of the
Shingrix ® vaccine but a shortage kept
you from getting your second dose – a
painful case of shingles still could be
in your future.
The makers of Shingrix claim its
protection is sustained at a high
level for at least four years – but only
if you get both doses 2-6 months
apart. Many people rushed to get
the Shingrix vaccine after it was
introduced in 2017, but shortages
left some people without the
crucial second dose. Supplies have
rebounded, and the vaccine is now
widely available.
Shingles is a painful rash that
follows nerve pathways. It is caused
by the varicella zoster virus (which
also causes chickenpox). The virus
can lie dormant in the nerves for
many years. People older than age
50 (or whose immune systems are
compromised) have a greater risk of
developing shingles.
Who should get vaccinated?
Shingrix is recommended for adults
age 50 and older who have normal
immune systems. The Centers for
Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
recommends that people previously
vaccinated with the less-effective
Zostavax ® vaccine, be revaccinated
with Shingrix – even if they
have never had
chickenpox. Many
patients who could not
take Zostavax may be
able to receive Shingrix.
Because the vaccine is
preventive, it often is fully
covered (no out-of-pocket
expense) for members who
fit the CDC prescribing
guidelines (age, etc.).
If you have questions or need
help locating a pharmacy or clinic
with the Shingrix vaccine, call
the customer service number on
the back of your ID card or on
page 23 of Blue & You.
Blue & You WINTER 2020 17

2020 pharmacy coverage changes
Prescription drugs make up a
big chunk of the overall cost
of healthcare. Arkansas Blue
Cross and Blue Shield works
hard to make sure you get the
safest drugs at the lowest cost.
Almost every year, some members
face decisions about changing drugs because
of cost. The tables below show changes to our
formularies (covered drug lists) that are effective
as of January 1, 2020. Check them out to see if
there are changes that could save you money or
bring about adjustments in your treatment plan.
The Standard Formulary is used by Arkansas Blue
Cross, Health Advantage and some BlueAdvantage
Administrators of Arkansas health plans. Call the
customer service number on your member ID card to
verify which formulary your health plan uses.
The Metallic Formulary is used by Arkansas Blue Cross
members with our metallic health plans, which are
compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). These
plans are available on and off the federally facilitated
marketplace (exchange) and through Arkansas Works.
Standard formulary
additions:
Therapeutic
drug class
Indication/therapeutic
drug class
Aimovig Central nervous system Migraine prophylaxis
Fasenra Respiratory agent Treatment of severe asthma
Mayzent Central nervous system Relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis
Nubeqa Antineoplastic agents Treatment of prostate cancer
Rinvoq Autoimmune agents Treatment of moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis
Symproic Gastrointestinal Treatment of opioid-induced constipation
Temixys Antiretroviral agents Combination agent for the treatment of HIV-1 infection
Tremfya Autoimmune agents Treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis
Xultophy Incretin mimetic agent/
insulin combination
Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Yonsa Antineoplastic agents The treatment of prostate cancer
Standard formulary tier
change (to nonpreferred):
Therapeutic
drug class
Alternatives
Elidel Topical dermatology Generic available
Letairis Pulmonary arterial hypertension Generic available
Retin-A mico Acne vulgaris Generic available
Reyataz Antiretroviral agents Other protease inhibitors for treatment of HIV-1 infections
Safyral Oral contraceptives Other monophasic contraceptives
Tarceva Antineoplastic agents Generic erlotinib and Iressa
Tekturna Pulmonary arterial hypertension ambrisentan, bosentan and Opsumit
Tracleer Pulmonary arterial hypertension ambrisentan, bosentan and Opsumit
Standard with step
formulary deletions:
Therapeutic
drug class
Alternatives
18
Jublia
Lo Loestrin Fe
Natazia
Taytulla
Asmanex
Combivent Respimat
Antifungals
Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives
Oral contraceptives
Asthma
Blue & You WINTER 2020
Anticholinergic/beta agonist Combinations for
COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Generic oral options available to treat toenail fungus
Other biphasic contraceptives
Other four-phase contraceptives
Other monophasic contraceptives
Arnuity Ellipta, Flovent Diskus, Flovent HFA, Pulmicort
Flexhaler Pulmicort Respules and Qvar RediHaler
ipratropium-albuterol inhalation solution, Anoro,
Bevespi Aerosphere and Stiolto Respimat

Standard with step
formulary deletions:
Avonex, Plegridy
Butrans
Carafate tablet
and solution
FreeStyle Libre
continuous glucose
monitoring system
Hysingla ER, OxyContin,
Zohydro ER
MoviPrep powder
for oral solution,
OsmoPrep oral tablet
ProAir HFA and
RespiClick
Qtern
Other:
Kevzara
Therapeutic
drug class
Multiple sclerosis agents
Opioid analgesics
Gastrointestinal
Diabetes supplies
Opioid analgesics
Colonoscopy prep
Short-acting beta agonists
SGLT2 inhibitor
Autoimmune agents
Alternatives
glatiramer, Aubagio, Betaseron, Copaxone, Gilenya,
Mayzent, Rebif and Tecfidera
Belbuca and buprenorphine tablets
Generic sucralfate
Dexcom continuous glucose monitoring system
fentanyl transdermal, hydromorphone extended-release,
methadone, morphine extended-release, Embeda,
Exalgo, Kadian, MS Contin, Nucynta ER and Xtampza ER
GoLytely, NuLytely, MiraLax and Suprep
albuterol sulfate and levalbuterol inhalers
Glyxambi
Now only preferred after two preferred agents
have been tried
Metallic formulary deletions:
Lyrica capsules – all strengths
ProAir HFA and RespiClick
Asmanex
Combivent Respimat
Indomethacin capsules
Acyclovir ointment 5%
Taytulla
Balcoltra
Carafate suspension
Transdermscop patch
Tradjenta 5mg tablet
Apriso capsule
Colesevelam tab
Myrbetriq tablet 50mg
Alternatives
Generic Pregabalin, Gabapentin
albuterol and levalbuterol inhalers
Arnuity Ellipta, Qvar RediHaler
ipratropium-albuterol inhalation solution, Bevespi Aerosphere
Other generic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Denavir cream, acyclovir, valacyclovir
Other monophasic contraceptives
Oral contraceptives
Sucralfate tablets
Scopalamine patch
Alogliptin and Januvia
Mesalamine caps and tabs
Colestipol, cholestyram powder
Darifenacin, oxybutynin, solifenacin, tolterondine and trospium
Metallic formulary utilization management added:
Eucrisa ointment 2%
Step therapy
Diclofenac gel 1%
Quantity limits
Mupirocin ointment 2% Quantity limits
Triamcinolone 0.1% cream Quantity limits
Triamcinolone 0.1% ointment Quantity limits
Xifaxan
Quantity limits
Vyvanse
Quantity limits
Creon
Prior approval
Daraprim
Prior approval
Depen Titratabs
Prior approval
Noxafil
Prior approval
Zenpep
Prior approval
Metallic formulary additions:
Anoro Ellipta
Arnuity Ellipta
Mesalamine tablet/capsule
Silenor
Tremfya injection
Xeljanz
Xultophy
Note: The 2020 formulary changes listed above are partial listings and
include the medications most used by our members. For complete listings
of all covered medications and utilization management requirements,
see the complete Standard and Metallic lists at arkansasbluecross.com/
members/employer-coverage/pharmacy-information.
Blue & You WINTER 2020 19

BlueNEWS
The Governor’s I-40 Showdown
adds a new color
The Governor’s I-40 Showdown is a battle between the purple
and gray of the UCA Bears and the maroon and silver of the Little
Rock Trojans. This year, a new color has joined the fray – Blue!
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield recently signed on as
presenting sponsor of the head-to-head rivalry series between
the athletic programs of the University of Central Arkansas and
the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The annual 11-sport
competition fits perfectly with Arkansas Blue Cross’ emphasis on
health and fitness ... and all that team building represents.
The university that
accumulates the
most points during
the athletic season wins bragging rights
and gets its name permanently engraved on the Governor’s
Trophy, which will reside on the reigning champion’s campus the
following year. The trophy will be awarded this spring, when the
two schools meet for a baseball game at Dickey-Stephens Park
in North Little Rock.
Up for a Challenge?
Mark your calendar for one of the sure signs of spring
– the 2020 Blue & You Fitness Challenge. The contest,
held March 1-May 31 each year, asks participants to
log their exercise to see who can earn the most points.
Groups of colleagues, friends or family members compete
against other similarly sized groups, and although the
competition can be intense, when overall community
health and wellness improves, everyone is a winner.
Registration for the Challenge is open until mid-
February, and you can find out more and/or sign up at
blueandyoufitnesschallenge-ark.com.
Little Rock Marathon – Walk, run ... and fun!
There’s something for everyone during Little
Rock Marathon Race Weekend (Friday, February
28-Sunday, March 1). The iconic event, sponsored
by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, includes
a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K run/walk,
a children’s mile and a free two-day health and
fitness expo. Visit littlerockmarathon.com to
learn more or to register for one of the weekend’s
events. Arkansas Blue Cross is giving away 14 free
registrations to the race. Stop by the ArkansasBlue
location at Shackleford Crossings in Little Rock
during in the month of January to register. Winners
will be announced February 1!
20
Blue & You WINTER 2020

Gone viral?
Virtual health can help
When you can’t get to the doctor during cold-and-flu season ... “phone it in”
Cold-and-flu season is in full swing. When you have a “bug”
but can’t get to the doctor’s office, virtual health can get you
the care you need to get back on your feet a little faster.
Virtual health (powered by MDLIVE) is expert medical care
(for nonemergencies) that’s as close as your computer or
smartphone ... around the clock and around the world.
Easy to sign up, simple to use
Virtual health is user-friendly. Simply go to
MyVirtualHealth.com and follow the instructions.
Go to MyVirtualHealth.com see the full list of
eligible conditions.
Of course, for emergencies (like broken bones,
excessive bleeding, dangerously high fever, bad
burns, symptoms of heart attack or stroke, etc.) get
to the nearest emergency room.
Virtual health is healthcare.
Anytime. Anywhere.
The deadline to enroll in a health
plan came and went in December. If you
missed your chance but still need coverage, we have several
possibilities that may work for you. Just answer these questions:
• Do you qualify for Arkansas Works? People who qualify
for the Medicaid expansion in Arkansas (Arkansas Works)
can enroll for health coverage anytime. You can apply at
access.arkansas.gov.
• Do you have a qualifying life event? Circumstances that can
enable you to enroll in a new plan (or make changes to your
existing plan) outside the annual enrollment period * include:
– Marriage – Divorce – Moving to another state
– Birth/adoption/new guardianship
– Involuntary loss of health coverage
– Death of a person covered under your policy
What can virtual health treat?
Virtual health is intended for common nonemergency conditions.
You can use it if you have:
• A bad cold • Stomach troubles
• A child with a high fever (Yes, pediatricians are available!)
Virtual Health is for members with medical coverage but is not available to all health plans at this
time. Members whose coverages include virtual health should be able to successfully register online.
A check of your benefit summary will indicate whether virtual health is available to you.
Copyright © 2018 MDLIVE Inc. All Rights Reserved. MDLIVE does not replace the primary care physician and
is not an insurance product. MDLIVE may not be available in certain states and is subject to state regulations.
MDLIVE does not prescribe DEA controlled substances and may not prescribe non-therapeutic drugs and certain
other drugs, which may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. MDLIVE does not guarantee patients
will receive a prescription. Healthcare professionals using the platform have the right to deny care if based on
professional judgment a case is inappropriate for telehealth or for misuse of services. MDLIVE and the MDLIVE
logo are registered trademarks of MDLIVE, Inc. and may not be used without written permission. For complete
terms of use visit welcome.mdlive.com/terms-of-use/. MDLIVE is an independent company which provides
telehealth services on behalf of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
I missed enrollment! What now?
Stay calm – you have options for health coverage
• Would a limited-duration plan fit your needs? Our
limited-duration plans, Complete and Complete Plus, provide
coverage for the length of time you need it. These plans feature:
– Comprehensive coverage with plan options for a single term
(up to 12 months) or a renewable term (up to 36 months)
– Predictable copays for primary care doctors, with some
plan options also featuring copays for specialists
– Affordable monthly premiums
– Prescription drug coverage
To learn more, visit arkbluecross.com/complete.
To view all our individual and family plans and learn
more, visit arkansasbluecross.com. You can also call
1-800-392-2583 or go to an ArkansasBlue location near
you. Don’t worry; we’ll get you covered.
* Note: This information does not apply to Medicare plans. For information on Medicare special enrollment periods, go to news.arkansasbluecross.com/medicare-basics. Also, enrollment
or coverage changes must occur within 60 days of the qualifying event. Complete and Complete Plus are not required to comply with certain federal market requirements for health insurance,
principally those contained in the Affordable Care Act. Complete and Complete Plus also are subject to medical underwriting. Be sure to check your policy carefully to make sure you are aware
of any exclusions or limitations regarding coverage of pre-existing conditions or health benefits (such as hospitalization, emergency services, maternity care, preventive care, prescription drugs
and behavioral health and substance use disorder services). Your policy also might have lifetime and/or annual dollar limits on health benefits. If this coverage expires or you lose eligibility for this
coverage, you might have to wait until an open enrollment period to get other health insurance coverage.
Blue & You WINTER 2020 21

Medi-Pak ® :
Meet a kinder, gentler EOB
Medicare supplement members getting more “reader-friendly” documents
Medi-Pak ® Medicare supplement
members are getting an upgrade!
If you are a Medi-Pak member,
you soon will receive a redesigned
Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
detailing how your benefits were
applied to your healthcare claims.
The new EOB is easier to read and
understand and will help you keep
track of your healthcare claims
history and any amounts that
remain to be paid to healthcare
providers. Remember that the
EOB is not a bill.
Additional pages will group your
medical charges by healthcare
provider. Throughout your EOB,
you’ll find helpful definitions,
which help explain any confusing
terminology.
We hope this change makes it
easier to understand how your
claims are being paid.
Here’s an
example
of the old
version
of the EOB:
The new
EOBs
will look
like this:
What’s the
frequency?
In the past, members received
claims documents one time each
month. Medi-Pak members will
receive the new EOB every two
weeks, if you’ve had a healthcare
claim processed during that time.
The new EOB cover page summarizes:
• The total amount your provider(s) charged
• How much was paid by Arkansas Blue Cross, Medicare and/or other coverage
• What (if anything) you owe to your healthcare provider(s)
If you have any questions about the new EOB format, give us a
call at 1-800-338-2312, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
22
Blue & You WINTER 2020

Plans to go overseas?
Don’t forget to enroll in international
health insurance before you leave!
Perfect for business, leisure and mission trips!
1-800-392-2583
arkbluecross.com/go
GeoBlue health plans are offered in cooperation with many Blue Cross ® and Blue Shield ® companies, including Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue
Shield. You do not have to be currently enrolled in an Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield medical plan to purchase most GeoBlue plans.
CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBERS
May we help?
For customer service, please call:
Visit our websites for more information:
• arkbluecross.com
• healthadvantage-hmo.com
• blueadvantagearkansas.com
• blueandyoufoundationarkansas.org
TOLL-FREE Number
Medi-Pak ® members 1-800-338-2312
Medi-Pak ® Advantage members 1-877-233-7022
Medi-Pak ® Rx members 1-866-390-3369
Arkansas Blue Cross members 1-800-238-8379
• Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5561
• Specialty Rx pharmacy questions 1-866-295-2779
Arkansas Blue Cross Metallic members
(Gold, Silver, Bronze, Catastrophic) 1-800-800-4298
• Pharmacy questions 1-800-969-3983
Health Advantage members 1-800-843-1329
• Pharmacy questions 1-800-863-5567
BlueAdvantage members 1-888-872-2531
• Pharmacy questions 1-888-293-3748
Federal Employee members 1-800-482-6655
Arkansas State Employees /
Public School Employees 1-800-482-8416
Looking for health or dental insurance? We can help!
For individuals, families 1-800-392-2583
For employer groups* 1-800-421-1112
*Arkansas Blue Cross, Health Advantage and BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas
Prefer to speak with someone close to home?
Call or visit one of our offices near you:
• Little Rock
2612 S. Shackleford Rd., Suite J 1-501-378-2222
• Fayetteville
516 East Millsap Rd., Suite 103 1-800-299-4109
• Fort Smith
3501 Old Greenwood Rd., Suite 3 1-800-299-4060
• Hot Springs
1635 Higdon Ferry Rd. – Suite J 1-800-588-5733
• Jonesboro
2110 Fair Park Blvd. – Suite I 1-800-299-4124
• Little Rock
601 S. Gaines St. 1-800-421-1112
• Lowell
507 W. Monroe Ave. – Suite B 1-888-872-2539
• Pine Bluff
509 Mallard Loop Dr. 1-800-236-0369
• Texarkana
1710 Arkansas Blvd. 1-800-470-9621
PAYING YOUR
B I L L
To pay by phone * ,
please call
1-800-354-9904
*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.
Blue & You WINTER 2020 23

“Fam”-tastic
entertainment
Register for a chance to win
FREE tickets for the 4p.m.
March 14 show. Just go to
our ArkansasBlue location in
Fayetteville on Millsap Road.
Want some family-friendly fun?
Check out the Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Fun Series at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville. Arkansas Blue
Cross sponsors the series, which features shows for the whole “fam” in February and March.
By sponsoring the arts, Arkansas Blue Cross helps elevate the quality of life for
everyone. For more information or to get your tickets, go to waltonartscenter.org.
8852 1/20
The Peking Acrobats
Tuesday, February 25
The Peking Acrobats perform
daring maneuvers and display
their technical prowess with
such arts as trick-cycling,
precision tumbling, juggling,
somersaulting and gymnastics,
pushing the limits of human
ability and defying gravity with
amazing displays of contortion,
flexibility and control.
Trike Theatre’s
Sideways Stories
from Wayside School
March 7, 14 and 21
Based on a popular children’s
book, this laugh-out-loud play
tells the story of a 30-floor
school that accidentally was
built sideways. Wayside School
is full of interesting characters:
Mean Mrs. Gorf; terrible Todd;
and John, who can only read
upside down. But you’ll never
guess the truth about the new
kid (Sammy) – or what happens
on Halloween!