Curtis Barnett, From left, Mallory Rogers, Detrich Wiley, Kat Ardemagni and Leon Williams
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield has been taking care of Arkansans for more than 77 years, providing affordable, reliable health insurance, connecting members to resources, and helping them navigate the health care system. The company believes in building and maintaining collaborative, long-term relationships with physicians, hospitals and other providers characterized by a mutual interest in members and focused on improving the affordability, delivery and quality of care. A dedicated team of employees conducts operations with the highest degree of integrity, honesty and fairness, never losing sight of the humanity of members amid a fast-paced health care environment.
What has been your organization’s proudest moment or accomplishment so far?
With nearly eight decades of service, it’s difficult to point to a single proudest moment. What stands out most is Arkansas Blue Cross’ consistent role in meeting major challenges facing our state. From becoming the first processor of Medicare claims in Arkansas to opening seven full-service regional offices statewide in 1996 to launching the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas in 2001, our history is marked by innovation and leadership. We are also proud to have been the only health insurer offering plans in all 75 Arkansas counties during the launch of the Affordable Care Act in 2013. More recently, we have led the charge to elevate behavioral health as a core component of overall well-being — both in Arkansas and nationally — expanding access to care and advancing meaningful conversations around mental health.
What is something everyone gets wrong about the health care insurance industry?
Health insurers are often portrayed as villains in the health care system, particularly as profit-driven “middlemen” who increase costs for consumers. For Arkansas Blue Cross, that perception doesn’t reflect reality. Our role is to help control costs while ensuring people have access to high-quality care and clear, reliable information. Our employees work every day to make health care more affordable, accessible and effective so our members can stay as healthy as possible.
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield • 601 S. Gaines St., Little Rock
501.378.2000 • arkansasbluecross.com
Facebook: ArkansasBlueCross
