The Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME) program replaced Arkansas Works on January 1, 2022, shifting to a system where Medicaid funds are used to purchase private health insurance for beneficiaries. If you’re an Arkansas resident covered by ARHOME, you might be wondering about your benefits, particularly: can you get dental on the health care independence program arkansas?
The good news is that dental coverage is generally included as part of the essential health benefits covered under most Medicaid programs, and ARHOME is no exception. ARHOME leverages private insurance carriers like Blue Cross Blue Shield and Ambetter to administer your healthcare, and these plans typically incorporate dental benefits.
Accessing Dental Care Under ARHOME
While specifics can vary slightly between plans, ARHOME aims to provide comprehensive care, and that usually extends to dental services. To understand the exact dental benefits available to you, it’s crucial to:
- Review your plan documents: Once enrolled in ARHOME, you would have received detailed information about your specific plan with either Blue Cross Blue Shield or Ambetter. These documents outline exactly what dental services are covered, including preventative care, basic procedures, and potentially more extensive treatments.
- Contact your insurance carrier directly: The most direct way to confirm your dental benefits and network of dentists is to contact your insurance carrier.
- Blue Cross Blue Shield ARHOME Plans: Visit their dedicated ARHOME plans page or call their member services line.
- Ambetter from Arkansas Health & Wellness: Check the Ambetter ARHOME plan details online or reach out to their customer support.
- Utilize the member portal: Both Blue Cross Blue Shield and Ambetter offer member portals where you can log in to view your coverage details, find in-network dentists, and access other helpful resources. The original article mentions a general member portal: https://portal.mmis.arkansas.gov/armedicaid/member, but you’ll likely find more specific information on your insurer’s website.
Open Enrollment and Plan Adjustments
Remember, open enrollment is the period to make changes to your ARHOME plan. Between November 1, 2023, and January 15, 2024, you have the opportunity to switch plans or insurance companies. To ensure any changes take effect on January 1, 2024, it’s recommended to make selections by December 12, 2023.
If you are satisfied with your current health and dental coverage under ARHOME, you don’t need to take any action; your enrollment will automatically continue. However, open enrollment is a good time to review your dental and overall healthcare needs and ensure your current plan still meets them.
Key Takeaways for Dental Coverage and ARHOME:
- Dental care is generally available under the ARHOME program through its private insurance plans.
- Specific dental benefits will depend on your chosen plan (Blue Cross Blue Shield or Ambetter).
- Contact your insurance carrier directly for detailed information about your dental coverage, in-network dentists, and how to access care.
- Open enrollment is the time to review and adjust your plan if needed, running from November 1, 2023, to January 15, 2024.
For any questions about ARHOME eligibility, you can contact the Division of County Operations. For questions about your existing or new ARHOME plan options, reach out to the insurance carriers directly or call 1-888-987-1200 for general ARHOME inquiries.
