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.
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.
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.