Arkansas Parity Resources
Depending on whether you are filing a complaint or appeal, the contact information below should be able to help you if you have any questions.
For general information about filing a parity appeal for mental health or addictions services, you cannot go wrong with contacting one of the consumer advocates below. Each has years of experience helping consumers in the state of Arkansas.
Arkansas Attorney General
For information regarding insurance complaints, click here.
Arkansas Medicaid
Hotline for assistance: 501-682-8622
When filing an appeal for the first time, you should contact your health plan’s customer service support line or check out their information online. If you choose to appeal an adverse benefit determination concerning your mental health or substance use treatment or benefits, please keep in mind that the timeframe to do so varies by state, plan type, and other factors. Contact your state’s department of insurance for additional information. Here is some contact information for Arkansas Health Plans:
Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Appeals Coordinator of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield
PO Box 2181 Little Rock, AR 72203-2181
Fax: (501) 378-3366
Health & Wellness Solutions, Centene/Ambetter of Arkansas
Customer Service: (877) 617-0390
Mail: Health & Wellness Solutions,
Ambetter of Arkansas Member Services Department
PO Box 26440 Little Rock, AR 72221
Additional information concerning grievances and appeals click here
QualChoice and QCA Health Plan
QualChoice
PO Box 25610 Little Rock, AR 72221
Phone: (501) 228-7111 or (800) 235-7111
UnitedHealthcare of Arkansas
Call Member Service number on the back of member ID card Medicare Solutions:
UnitedHealthcare Customer Service
PO Box 29675 Hot Springs, AR 71903-9802
Insurance Commissioner
Arkansas Insurance Department
Insurance Commissioner
1200 West Third Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1904
Phone: (501) 371-2600
Fax: (501) 371-2618 insurance.consumers@arkansas.gov
Utilization Management Appeals
Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Health Resources
Director, Utilization Review Certification Program
5800 West Tenth Street, Suite 400
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Phone: (501) 661-2771
Fax: (501) 661-2165
External Review Appeals
Arkansas Insurance Department
Administrative Analyst
1200 West Third Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Phone: (501) 371-2831
Parity Appeals
Arkansas Department of Health, Division of Health Resources
Director, Utilization Review Certification Program
5800 West Tenth Street, Suite 400
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
Phone: (501) 661-2771
Fax: (501) 661-2165
Additional Arkansas Insurance Administration Contacts, click here.
The federal government also can be a helpful resource if you are enrolled in a self-funded plan, Medicare, Medicaid or another type of insurance that is overseen at least in part by a federal agency.
For definitions and filing information refer to the Parity Resource Guide
U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s website on the Affordable Care Act health reform law
(SAMHSA) Implementation Mental Health Parity Addiction Equity Act
U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits, Security Administration (EBSA) or toll-free hotline: 1.866.444.EBSA (3272)
For the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services & Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services list of exempt state and local plans, please email NonFed@cms.hhs.gov. You may ask them if any particular state and local plan has opted out of MHPAEA.
Information on requirements of employer-based insurance coverage and self-insured health plans.
EBSA has benefit advisors who are available to answer questions and provide assistance in obtaining your benefits.
Veterans and military personnel can use these resources to get help or more information with their medical or behavioral health complaints.
Health Net Federal Services
A grievance is a written complaint or concern about a medical provider.
Click here for specific information regarding who, what and how to file.
TRICARE
View the recently released Tricare Mental Health Fact Sheet.
The appeal process is different based on the benefit issue. Depending on your issue, you can file a:
- Factual appeal
- This is if you were denied payment for services or supplies you received, or if payment was stopped for services or supplies previously authorized.
- Medical necessity appeal
- This is if prior authorization for care or services was denied because it was not deemed medically necessary. Medically necessary means it must be appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition.
- Pharmacy appeal
- This is if you don’t agree with a decision made about your pharmacy benefit. For example, Express Scripts denies your pharmacy claim.
- Medicare-TRICARE appeal
- This is if you’re eligible for both TRICARE and Medicare, and Medicare denies your services or supplies.
If your care is denied, you should receive a letter with details about how to file your appeal.
Veterans Health Administration
Complaints are initially handled through the Patient Advocate.
Patient Advocate can be contacted at your local VA Medical Center.
If you have any additional questions about parity compliance, please contact info@paritytrack.org
Please note: Parity Registry does not automate the appeals process. The information you provide may alert policymakers to possible health plan violations of the law, thereby helping to shape public policy and influence legislation.
You must take follow-up action with your health plan or regulatory agency.