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Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield announces program to make it easier for Affordable Care Act members to pay for healthcare

Arkansans have until January 15, 2025, to enroll for coverage

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (November 6, 2024) — According to federal health data, 90 percent of Arkansans are covered by health insurance, more than 156,000 of them through an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan they purchased through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

In 2025, there is good news for members who purchased individual Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Octave Blue Cross and Blue Shield, or Health Advantage plans through the marketplace. Arkansas Blue Cross is launching a new benefit to make accessing and paying for care easier.

“While we work very hard to provide plans to fit our members’ financial and healthcare needs, we understand that for some families, an unexpected illness can put a strain on their resources or even prevent them from getting care,” said Arkansas Blue Cross Vice President of Government Programs Matthew Vannatta. “That’s why we are offering a new benefit through Paytient®.”

Paytient® is an interest-free line of credit that allows eligible members to pay for medical visits or prescription medications over time. Members will be able to create their own payment schedule and will have up to 12 months to pay the balance. Single policyholders can obtain a line of credit up to $500 or $1,000 for a covered spouse and dependents.

“There are no fees, no credit checks and no impact on your credit,” Vannatta added. “We are always looking for innovative ways to make care easier to access and easier to pay for. We are proud to be able to provide this benefit to our ACA members.”

Arkansans wanting to enroll in a new marketplace plan or make changes to their coverage for 2025 must do so by January 15, 2025. Whether you are purchasing an insurance plan through the marketplace, your employer or directly through an insurer or agent, experts recommend you look at the plans closely so there are no surprises when it’s time to utilize your coverage next year.

  • Enroll by December 15, 2024 for a January 1, 2025 effective date.
  • Enroll before January 15, 2025 to avoid losing coverage.
  • Compare premiums, copays, deductibles and covered services and medications.
  • Evaluate your medical needs.
  • Consider which plan is best for you financially.
  • Ask for help.

Individuals should not be afraid to ask for help comparing plans or choosing the coverage that’s right for them. Arkansas Blue Cross has a dedicated team to answer questions. They can be reached at 800-392-2583, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Arkansans can also visit arkansasbluecross.com/shop or stop by one of seven ArkansasBlue Welcome Centers around the state.

Trained insurance professionals can meet with you in person to evaluate your needs. ArkansasBlue Welcome Centers are located in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, and Rogers. For more information on your nearest Welcome Center, visit arkansasbluecross.com/locations.