Breast cancer screening
Breast cancer remains the most diagnosed cancer in women. With early screenings and by following recommended guidelines, breast cancer can be found early to increase chances of survival.
- Mammograms are recommended every two years for women who are 40 to 74 years old and at average risk for breast cancer.
- Start talking to your provider at age 25 to plan for when you should get a mammogram and how often based on your family and personal health history.
- You can also look for mobile mammography units near you by calling 501-500-2184.
Cervical cancer screening
Cervical cancer can be serious with a high risk of death when it goes undiagnosed. Vaccination, if eligibile, and a screening or Pap smear increases prevention and treatment for cervical cancer.
- All women ages 21 through 65 should receive a cervical cancer screening (also called Pap or HPV test) every three to five years depending on your age.
- Ask your provider about the HPV vaccination.
You may be eligible to receive a free at-home HPV test kit to be delivered straight to your door. Call 501-500-2184 to make a request.
Chlamydia screening
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise. Chlamydia is one of the most common STIs. Women often do not know they have chlamydia and do not get treated quickly. If untreated, chlamydia can cause long lasting health problems. Chlamydia is easily treated with medications and curable.
- Screening for chlamydia is recommended once a year for all sexually active women 24 years of age and younger. Screening for women 25 years of age and older is recommended only if there is an increased risk of infection.
- Preventive chlamydia screenings can be done through a swab or urine sample. Talk with your provider to schedule a screening and to find out which screening method is best for you.
You may be eligible to receive a free at-home test kit to be delivered straight to your door. Call 501-500-2184 to make a request.
Pregnancy benefits
It’s important to have regular prenatal visits when pregnant to keep you and your baby healthy. We offer maternity programs to help you have a healthy pregnancy. Benefits are available to you at no additional cost as part of your health plan.
Enrollment in maternity programs
Special Delivery is a maternity case management program that allows you to speak regularly with a nurse about the stages of pregnancy and seek help between provider visits to guide you through each milestone – for free. Call 800-225-1891 ext. 20225 or email Specialdelivery@arkbluecross.com. We hope that by encouraging women to participate in this free program, we can make every delivery a “Special Delivery.”
Pyx Health Maternity Support is a program offering you support throughout your pregnancy. Get access to fresh, healthy food delivery along with a total wellness experience. You’ll have access to personal care coordinators that can provide additional support and even help with finding providers.
Download the Pyx Health app on Apple or Google Play, or call the Pyx Health Member Care Team at 833-747-1613.
Enrollment in these programs are available to all expectant mothers enrolled in an Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage or Octave Blue Cross and Blue Shield health plan. If you become pregnant, enroll through your Blueprint Portal account.
Family Planning
Arkansas has one of the highest rates of unplanned pregnancies, which can cause difficulties for families due to the expense of having and caring for a child. Birth control, also called contraception, is recommended to avoid the risks of unplanned pregnancies. It is especially important to use right after having a baby, within 90 days of delivery, because pregnancies can happen as early as 4 weeks after giving birth. Having another baby too soon, less than 18 months between pregnancies, can make it harder and riskier for both mom and baby.
Women’s health services are not easy to find in some areas of Arkansas. But now, pharmacists can help. They can prescribe birth control for up to 6 months for women 18 and older until a provider can be seen for a follow-up appointment and prescription. After that, while attending regular doctor visits, the pharmacist can provide additional refills as needed.
Ask your pharmacy if this service is offered or find a pharmacy near you that provides this service.
Blue Wellness Rewards
Earn rewards for completing recommended women’s health actions. Log in or register today to see how much you can earn. There are many women’s health recommendations that may apply to you.
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- Chlamydia Screening
- Prenatal Care
- Family Planning after Birth
Sign in to Blue Wellness Rewards
Community resources
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