Get Covered: Medicaid Enrollment Help

Get Covered This Open Enrollment: Healthy Connections is Here to Help with Medicaid Applications in Arkansas

The Medicaid Open Enrollment period in Arkansas is here, providing a crucial opportunity for uninsured residents to gain access to affordable healthcare coverage. This period runs from November 1 through January 15. For coverage starting January 1, applications should be submitted by December 15. Healthy Connections is ready to support both new and current patients throughout the application process to ensure access to high-quality, affordable care.

Through the Inflation Reduction Act, many people who apply for health coverage may qualify for significant financial assistance, lowering monthly premiums for Marketplace plans. At HealthCare.gov, 4 out of 5 applicants find plans for $10 per month or less, making this an ideal time to secure comprehensive health insurance. Coverage through Medicaid and the Marketplace includes a wide range of services, from routine check-ups and preventive care to emergency services, prescription drugs, and behavioral health care.

Healthy Connections accepts Medicaid at all our clinic locations throughout Western and Central Arkansas, offering essential medical, dental, and behavioral health services to all eligible patients. Our certified application counselors, also known as Assisters, offer free guidance and are here to help you complete your application and review your options.

How to Connect with a Medicaid Assister at Healthy Connections

If you’re interested in applying for Medicaid, Healthy Connections makes it easy to get started. Our financial counselors are certified by the state to guide patients through each step of enrollment. Here’s how to connect with one of our Assisters:

1. Call Healthy Connections – Dial 888-710-8220 and ask for extensions 121 or 428. If our Assisters are unavailable, please leave a voicemail; they will return your call the following day.
2. Get Step-by-Step Assistance – Our Assisters can answer your questions, guide you through the process, and ensure your application is complete and submitted successfully. This assistance is available to both new and current patients, including those who may have recently lost insurance.
3. Medicaid and CHIP Enrollment Available Year-Round – Even outside of the Marketplace Open Enrollment window, Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) accept applications at any time of the year. Our Assisters can also assist with these programs for qualifying families.

Why Apply for Medicaid?

Medicaid provides access to critical healthcare services, from routine check-ups to specialized care. At Healthy Connections, we accept Medicaid for all eligible services, including primary care, behavioral health, dental services, and more. Our clinic network also offers extended hours to make healthcare accessible for your schedule.

The Medicaid Open Enrollment period won’t last long, so act today. With immediate openings at Healthy Connections clinics, now is the perfect time to secure the coverage you need to access quality care. If you or someone you know is uninsured or in need of healthcare, contact Healthy Connections and take the first step toward better health and well-being.

Call Healthy Connections at 888-710-8220 (extensions 121 or 428) to connect with an Assister and start your Medicaid application today.

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips From Our Experts

Top Halloween Safety Tips for a Fun and Spooky Night: Keep Your Little Ghouls Safe

Halloween is an exciting time for children and parents alike—a night filled with costumes, candy, and spooky adventures. As we enter Halloween week, it’s essential to ensure that the festivities remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. At My Kids Pediatrics Clinic, with locations in Hot Springs, Malvern, Arkadelphia, and Hot Springs Village, we are committed to the health and safety of your children. Remember, we see children at all our clinic locations, and our pediatric experts are here to provide you with practical Halloween safety tips that go beyond the obvious.

1. Choose Safe and Comfortable Costumes

Selecting the right costume is crucial for a safe Halloween night:

• Opt for Flame-Resistant Materials: Choose costumes made from flame-resistant fabrics to reduce fire hazards near open flames like candles and jack-o’-lanterns.
• Ensure Proper Fit: Ill-fitting costumes can cause trips and falls. Make sure costumes and shoes fit well and are comfortable for walking.
• Avoid Obstructive Masks: Masks can limit vision and breathing. Use non-toxic face paint or makeup instead.
• Test Makeup First: Apply a small amount on your child’s skin beforehand to check for allergic reactions.

2. Enhance Visibility in the Dark

Visibility is key to keeping your child safe after dusk:

• Add Reflective Elements: Attach reflective tape or stickers to costumes and treat bags to make your child more visible to drivers.
• Carry Light Sources: Equip your child with a flashlight or glow sticks to illuminate their path and make them more noticeable.
• Choose Bright Colors: If possible, select costumes in lighter or brighter colors.

3. Safe Trick-or-Treating Practices

Ensure your child knows how to navigate the neighborhood safely:

• Plan a Route in Advance: Stick to well-lit, familiar areas and establish a route beforehand.
• Adult Supervision: Children under 12 should be accompanied by an adult. Older kids should travel in groups and have a set curfew.
• Obey Traffic Rules: Cross streets at corners using traffic signals and crosswalks. Teach children to look both ways before crossing.
• Stay on Sidewalks: Walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.

4. Inspect Treats Before Indulging

Not all treats are safe:

• Examine All Candy: Check for signs of tampering, such as unusual appearance, discoloration, or tiny holes in wrappers.
• Be Allergy Aware: Remove any treats that may contain allergens if your child has food allergies.
• Homemade Treat Caution: Discard homemade treats unless you know the person who provided them.

5. Home Safety for Trick-or-Treaters

If you’re welcoming trick-or-treaters to your home:

• Clear Pathways: Remove obstacles like garden hoses, toys, or decorations that could cause trips.
• Provide Ample Lighting: Ensure your home’s exterior is well-lit to prevent accidents.
• Secure Pets: Keep pets restrained to prevent them from jumping on or biting visitors.
• Use Safe Decorations: Opt for battery-operated candles instead of real flames in pumpkins.

6. Stay Mindful of Health Precautions

Keep health considerations in mind:

• Practice Good Hygiene: Encourage handwashing or use of hand sanitizers before consuming treats.
• Stay Home if Unwell: If your child is feeling sick, it’s best to skip the festivities to protect others.
• Avoid Crowded Places: Try to maintain social distancing where possible.

7. Emergency Preparedness

Prepare for unexpected situations:

• Identification: Have your child carry identification with your contact information.
• Establish Check-In Times: If your child is old enough to go out without you, set specific times to check in.
• Teach Stranger Safety: Remind your child not to enter homes or cars of strangers.

8. Open Communication

Ensure your child feels comfortable communicating:

• Discuss Expectations: Talk about safety rules and expectations before heading out.
• Encourage Questions: Let your child know they can ask questions if they’re unsure about something.

Convenient Pediatric Care When You Need It

At My Kids Pediatrics Clinic, your child’s health and safety are our top priorities. We accept Medicaid, ARKids First, and are in-network with most health insurance plans. We also offer a sliding-fee scale to accommodate all families. While we love when parents make appointments, you can also walk in, and we’ll work you in as quickly as possible. Most of our clinics are open from 7:45 am to 6 pm, providing convenient before- and after-school appointment times.

Our dedicated pediatric team is here for you:

• Dr. Jeremy Porter (Hot Springs)
• Dr. Tracy Rowe (Hot Springs, Arkadelphia, Malvern)
• Melanie Newman, APRN (Hot Springs)
• Matt York, APRN (Hot Springs)
• Matthew Huskey, APRN (Hot Springs Village)

Remember, we see children at all our clinic locations, and we’re committed to providing comprehensive care for your family.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Halloween!

By following these practical tips, you can ensure that Halloween is a fun, memorable, and safe experience for your children. If you have any concerns or need medical advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us at 888-710-8220 or visit our website at www.mykidspediatric.com.

Flu Shots Available At All Healthy Connections Locations

Healthy Connections Earns Four Quality Badges

Healthy Connections Earns Prestigious National Recognition with Four CHQR Badges and PCMH Status

Healthy Connections is proud to announce its recent recognition by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) with four Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges, as well as achieving the esteemed Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) status. These accolades underscore Healthy Connections’ commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible, and patient-focused care across Arkansas.

The CHQR badges recognize health centers that have made notable quality improvement achievements in the areas of access, quality, health equity, and health information technology based on the most recent Uniform Data System (UDS) reporting period. Healthy Connections has been awarded the following CHQR badges:

• Access Enhancer: Recognizes health centers that achieve Health Center Quality Leader or National Quality Leader recognition and demonstrate a 5% increase in total patients for consecutive years, including those receiving mental health, substance use disorder, vision, dental, or enabling services.
• Health Disparities Reducer: Awarded to health centers that, in addition to meeting the criteria for the Access Enhancer badge, demonstrate at least a 10% improvement in clinical quality measures for specific conditions such as low birth weight, hypertension control, and uncontrolled diabetes among one or more racial/ethnic groups while maintaining or improving overall clinical quality.
• Addressing Social Risk Factors: This badge is given to health centers that collect data on patient social risk factors and have increased the percentage of patients receiving enabling services over the last two UDS reporting years.
• Advancing Health Information Technology (HIT) for Quality: Recognizes health centers that have adopted an electronic health record (EHR) system, offered telehealth services, exchanged clinical information online with key providers, engaged patients through health IT, and collected data on patient social risk factors.

In addition to the CHQR badges, Healthy Connections has earned PCMH status, a model of care that places the patient at the center of the healthcare experience. This recognition emphasizes the importance of the relationship between patients and their care teams, which include physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, nutritionists, mental health professionals, and social workers. The PCMH model focuses on providing comprehensive care that meets the physical and mental health needs of patients while respecting their preferences, values, and cultural needs.

Tony Calandro, CEO of Healthy Connections, Inc., expressed his gratitude to the staff and the community for their roles in achieving these honors. “These recognitions are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. I want to personally thank each member of our staff for their commitment to excellence and for going above and beyond to ensure our patients receive the best care possible,” said Calandro. “We are also deeply grateful to our community for their unwavering support and trust in us. It is this partnership that drives us to continually improve and innovate in the delivery of healthcare.”

For more than 25 years, Healthy Connections has been a cornerstone of healthcare in Arkansas, providing medical, dental, and behavioral health services. The organization is committed to ensuring that every individual has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their background or financial situation. With the recent recognitions, Healthy Connections continues to lead the way in healthcare excellence.

For more information about Healthy Connections and its services, visit https://healthy-connections.org.