Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a policyholder-owned, not-for-profit Blue plan. On October 1, 2026 it affiliates with Cambia Health Solutions, the parent of the Regence plans. Cambia says it remains an independent licensee with its own name, board and foundation, and members keep their coverage and ID cards (Cambia release).
Checked 10/1/26.
Quick facts
| Blue company | Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield |
|---|---|
| Other brands on the provider line list | Health Advantage, BlueAdvantage Administrators of Arkansas, Skai Blue Cross Blue Shield, Arkansas Blue Medicare (service lines) |
| Claims route | Availity is the EDI gateway (health information network). Payer ID is set in Availity |
| Paper claims | Arkansas Blue Cross, PO Box 2181, Little Rock, AR 72203-2181 (provider manual) |
| Doctor and Hospital Service (Arkansas policies) | 501-378-2307 or 800-827-4814 |
| BlueCard | 800-810-BLUE (2583) |
| Behavioral health manager | Lucet (mental health page) |
| Lucet authorizations | 877-801-1159 or Lucet's web portal |
| Credentialing | The provider forms page routes credentialing through the Hub Apply Portal |
| Appeal forms | Claim Reconsideration Request, Expedited Appeal Request (forms) |
| State regulator | Arkansas Insurance Department |
Private payer: behavioral health
Arkansas Blue Cross uses Lucet (formerly New Directions) for behavioral health authorizations. Section 17 of the provider manual covers it.
Medicare and Medicaid
Arkansas Blue Medicare and other government lines have separate rules. Confirm before billing.
What to do Monday morning with Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield claims
- Check the card. Arkansas Blue Cross is a not-for-profit mutual insurer and an independent licensee.
- Use Availity for eligibility, claims, status and remittances. Availity support is 1-800-282-4548.
- For Arkansas policies, call 501-378-2307 or 800-827-4814.
- Behavioral health eligibility and authorization run through Lucet Health at 877-801-1159. Case management referrals go to the Behavioral Health Team at 1-800-225-1891.
- Claim reconsideration and open negotiation forms are on the provider forms page. Follow the instructions on the form.
Frequently asked questions
Is Arkansas Blue Cross part of Cambia now?
It affiliates with Cambia Health Solutions on October 1, 2026. Cambia says Arkansas Blue Cross remains an independent licensee with its own name and board, and members keep their coverage and ID cards.
Who manages Arkansas Blue Cross behavioral health?
Lucet, formerly New Directions. Call 877-801-1159 for authorizations.
Where do Arkansas Blue Cross paper claims go?
Arkansas Blue Cross, PO Box 2181, Little Rock, AR 72203-2181, per the provider manual.
Who manages behavioral health for Arkansas Blue Cross?
Lucet Health handles eligibility and authorization requests at 877-801-1159. Arkansas Blue Cross has its own Behavioral Health Team for case management referrals.
Where are the Arkansas Blue Cross dispute forms?
On the provider forms page, including claim reconsideration and open negotiation forms.
Is Arkansas Blue Cross part of Anthem?
No. It describes itself as an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Questions to ask before you bill
Every Blue Cross and Blue Shield company is independent. Rules from one plan do not carry to another, and the member card shows which plan pays. For accurate timely filing, confirm the information when completing the patient insurance benefits verification. Keep proof of every submission, and use the plan's own portal for appeals. MCM South serves psychotherapists and psychiatrists. This guide is operational information, not legal advice.
Related billing guides
- Credentialing with insurance companies
- In-network vs out-of-network credentialing
- Credentialing and network status
- Denied and rejected claims follow-up and appeals
- Electronic claims submission
- Billing terms glossary
- Who MCM South serves
Sources, checked 10/15/26: Arkansas Blue Cross mental health providers, Arkansas Blue Cross provider support, Arkansas Blue Cross provider forms.
How MCM South helps
MCM South bills Blue plans for psychotherapists and psychiatrists in the states we serve. We verify benefits, submit claims electronically, follow up on denials and appeals, and handle credentialing. Get a free quote. If an Arkansas Blue Cross claim is denied or credentialing stalls, we follow up for you.
MCM South currently serves practices in GA, MA, CT, TX, FL, NY, CO, TN, NC and IL, and has worked in all 50 states. If your state is not on that list, ask us. This page is operational guidance for billing, not legal advice. For real financial or legal exposure, talk to your attorney or compliance officer.
Related: Blue Cross by State · How Blue Cross Blue Shield Works · Billing Terms Glossary · CPT and E/M Code Guide · Who We Serve.
This is the MCM South guide to Arkansas Blue Cross for therapists and psychiatrists: where claims go, how appeals work, and what to check first.
Want a billing team that handles this for you? MCM South bills for psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Get a free quote.