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Arkansas Blue Cross cradles newborns and moms with care

  • January 23, 2026

The beginning of a new year is a great time to spotlight the arrival of newborns.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield can help support you throughout your pregnancy, connect you to resources and work with you and your healthcare providers to help you have a healthier pregnancy.

Concerning statistics

Arkansas has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the nation, according to data collected from the Commonwealth Fund 2024 State Scorecard on Women’s Health and Reproductive Care. Women’s maternity-related healthcare in Arkansas is ranked 47th out of the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Arkansas health and reproductive care outcomes are ranked even lower, at 50th. According to data from 2021, for every 1,000 live births in Arkansas, eight of those babies die.

The causes for poor pregnancy outcomes in Arkansas are complex but are tied to poverty, a lack of health insurance coverage, poor access to care and preexisting chronic conditions. Arkansas Blue Cross is working closely with community and government leaders and providers to address these issues. Learn more about how the Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas supports training doulas in the state. 

Special Delivery

The Special Delivery prenatal care program provides access to registered nurse case managers who work closely with expectant mothers throughout their pregnancies for eligible members. The program encourages expectant mothers to work closely with their obstetricians and teaches them about symptoms that may signal preterm labor. If you are eligible, you can enroll in Special Delivery through Blueprint Portal or by calling 800-225-1891, ext. 20225, or emailing Specialdelivery@arkbluecross.com.

Call the number on the back of your insurance card or sign in to Blueprint Portal to access maternity benefits available through your health plan.

Whole-person health

Beyond your physical health, we also help take care of your mental and behavioral health, especially after your baby arrives, when moms are at risk of postpartum depression. If you feel something isn’t right, during or after your pregnancy, talk with your healthcare provider or a Special Delivery nurse case manager.

More resources

This comprehensive list of telephone numbers and web addresses can help you locate community resources, health education classes and other sources of information on pregnancy and prevention of preterm births.

Baby’s health coverage begins immediately … just call us

Having a baby is considered a special qualifying life event. This allows expectant or new parents to take advantage of a Special Enrollment Period at any time during the year. This is separate from the Open Enrollment Period, which typically occurs in the fall.

When your baby arrives, their coverage can start the day they are born, even if you enroll many days later. Just call the number on the back of your insurance card. Working together, we can take good care of you and your baby.