Quick Answer

Yes, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield (ABCBS) considers individuals with felony convictions for employment, but opportunities are significantly limited by the healthcare and financial nature of the insurance industry. As Arkansas's largest health insurance provider serving hundreds of thousands of members with approximately 3,200+ employees across Little Rock headquarters and Springdale operations, employment decisions are conditional upon passing a background check, OIG exclusion screening, and drug test, and are subject to Fair Chance Hiring principles and EEOC guidelines.

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity. However, healthcare-specific regulations (OIG exclusions) and HIPAA requirements create significant barriers for certain convictions.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to fraud, embezzlement, or financial dishonesty (insurance industry requires high financial integrity), identity theft or data breaches (HIPAA compliance and access to protected health information), and healthcare fraud or patient abuse (OIG exclusion list disqualifications). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Entry-level Facilities Maintenance, Administrative Support, and Mailroom positions offer the most accessible opportunities for Second Chance applicants due to minimal access to sensitive data, limited fiduciary responsibilities, and lower regulatory barriers compared to claims processing or customer service roles handling protected health information.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• OIG Exclusion Status: Must NOT be currently excluded from federal healthcare programs. Check your status at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. This is an absolute barrier with no exceptions for any position.

  
  

• No Blanket Exclusion: Must be aware that the company is not allowed to automatically exclude you solely for being a felon. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment for non-OIG-excluded applicants.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Must be prepared for the company to evaluate whether your felony is related to the job duties using the Green Factors (nature of crime, time elapsed, nature of job).

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to meet position-specific requirements. Office roles require extended sitting and computer work. Facilities roles require physical labor including lifting, standing, and movement.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. ABCBS maintains a Drug-Free Workplace policy. Failed tests are automatic disqualifiers.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked. Lying is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide required I-9 documentation.

Critical Regulatory Information

Health insurance employment involves significant federal and state regulatory oversight that directly impacts hiring decisions. Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield must comply with OIG exclusion requirements, HIPAA regulations, and various federal healthcare fraud prevention laws. Understanding these protections and restrictions is essential for Second Chance applicants to identify which opportunities may be available and which face federal barriers.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. Blanket policies excluding all felons are prohibited.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) adverse action procedures:

(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;

(2) Allow reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

Arkansas does not have a statewide Ban the Box law for private employers, meaning ABCBS may inquire about criminal history at any point in the hiring process. Arkansas allows indefinite reporting of felony and misdemeanor convictions on background checks—there is no automatic time limit after which convictions cannot be considered. However, the FCRA 7-year limit applies for positions paying under $75,000 annually for non-conviction records. Under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, persons with sealed records may legally deny those records exist. Little Rock has a Ban the Box ordinance for public employers, though ABCBS as a private employer is not bound by it. Arkansas allows sealing of certain criminal records under the Comprehensive Criminal History Sealing Act.

Health Insurance-Specific Considerations

As a health insurance company processing Medicare and Medicaid claims, ABCBS must screen all employees against the OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) and the GSA System for Award Management (SAM). Individuals excluded from federal healthcare programs—due to healthcare fraud, patient abuse, or certain drug convictions—cannot be employed in any capacity at organizations receiving Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement. This is a federal requirement with no exceptions. HIPAA compliance requires all employees with access to protected health information (PHI) to maintain clean records regarding data theft, identity theft, and privacy violations. Positions involving claims processing, customer service, or IT access face heightened scrutiny due to exposure to sensitive member data.

Company Overview

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield is the largest health insurance provider in Arkansas, serving hundreds of thousands of members through individual, family, employer-sponsored, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. Headquartered in Little Rock with a Northwest Arkansas Corporate Center in Springdale, the company has been providing health insurance coverage to Arkansans since 1948. As a not-for-profit mutual insurance company and independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, ABCBS is owned by its policyholders rather than stockholders, with nearly 85 cents of every premium dollar paid out in benefits. The company employs approximately 3,200+ workers across Arkansas.

ABCBS has been consistently recognized as one of the best places to work in Central Arkansas, with employees reporting an average tenure of 10 years. The company offers corporate campuses with on-site amenities including Club Blue fitness centers and Green Leaf Grill healthy dining options. Recent recognitions include Newsweek's America's Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024, America's Greatest Workplaces for Parents & Families 2024, and Forbes' America's Dream Employers 2025.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1948 (Little Rock, Arkansas)

• Headquarters: Little Rock, Arkansas

• Employees: ~3,200+

• Industry Position: Largest health insurance provider in Arkansas

• Operations: Little Rock headquarters, Springdale NWA Corporate Center, Welcome Centers statewide

• Parent Company: Independent Licensee of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

• Structure: Not-for-profit mutual insurance company owned by policyholders

• Recognition: Newsweek Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024; Forbes America's Dream Employers 2025; Best Places to Work in Central Arkansas

Hiring Policy Analysis

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield follows EEOC guidelines for individualized assessment of criminal histories as an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. The company does not maintain a blanket exclusion policy but conducts thorough background investigations weighted heavily toward financial integrity and data security considerations. ABCBS uses Workday for applications and employs the STAR interview method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral interviewing.

Due to the healthcare and financial nature of insurance operations, hiring decisions involve mandatory OIG LEIE screening, HIPAA compliance considerations, and fiduciary responsibility assessments. For non-excluded applicants, ABCBS weighs the nature and gravity of the offense, time elapsed since conviction, relationship between the offense and job duties, and evidence of rehabilitation. Non-patient-data-access support positions face fewer regulatory barriers than claims processing or customer service roles.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by access to protected health information (PHI), fiduciary responsibilities, claims/billing access, and federal regulatory requirements.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and job postings. Actual compensation varies by position, experience, and qualifications.

Career Path Examples

ABCBS promotes from within and provides pay transparency showing advancement steps for each role. Many employees report strong internal transfer opportunities, and the average tenure of 10+ years reflects career stability.

Administrative Track: Administrative Support ($16-$21/hr) → Customer Service Representative ($19-$23/hr) → Claims Specialist ($21-$26/hr) → Claims Analyst ($28-$35/hr) → Supervisor/Manager ($43-$77/hr). Advancement supported by tuition reimbursement program.

Facilities Track: Facilities Maintenance ($22-$30/hr) → Lead Technician → Facilities Supervisor → Facilities Manager. Limited data access throughout track provides pathway for those with financial conviction concerns.

IT Track: IT Help Desk ($24-$34/hr) → IT Specialist → Systems Administrator → IT Manager. Technical certifications (CompTIA A+) enhance advancement opportunities.

Background Check Process

Understanding Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after extending a conditional job offer, which means you'll have the opportunity to interview and demonstrate your qualifications before your criminal history is reviewed.

What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; Identity verification through SSN trace and address history; Employment history verification; Education verification; OIG List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE) screening; Drug screening (mandatory for all positions).

Lookback Period: Arkansas has no state-mandated lookback limit for convictions, meaning they can be reported indefinitely. However, FCRA's 7-year restriction applies for positions paying under $75,000 annually for non-conviction records. OIG LEIE exclusion has no time limit—current exclusion status disqualifies regardless of when the underlying offense occurred.

Timeline: The hiring process typically takes 3-6 weeks from application to start date due to the complexity of federal compliance checks and OIG verification. Background checks generally complete within 1-2 weeks. Some employees report the overall process can take up to 2 months for certain positions.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification:

• Any conviction resulting in OIG LEIE exclusion (healthcare fraud, patient abuse)—absolute disqualifier for all positions

• Fraud, embezzlement, or financial crime convictions (within 7 years especially problematic)

• Identity theft, computer fraud, or data breach convictions

• Forgery or document falsification

• Medicare/Medicaid fraud

  
  

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case):

• Non-violent drug possession (7+ years old) with demonstrated recovery

• DUI without aggravating factors (for non-driving positions)

• Simple assault or disorderly conduct (7+ years old)

• Property crimes unrelated to financial fraud (older convictions)

• All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence and job relevance.

  
  

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. Reasonable time to respond.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited (except for OIG-excluded individuals).

  
  

• Sealed Records Protection: Under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, you may legally deny sealed or expunged convictions exist.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand.

Application Strategy

1. Check Your OIG Status First: Before applying, verify you are not on the OIG exclusion list at exclusions.oig.hhs.gov. If you are excluded, you cannot be employed at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield in any capacity until reinstated.

   
   

2. Target Entry-Level Support Positions: Focus on Facilities Maintenance, Administrative Support, or Mailroom positions which have the lowest barriers and minimal access to sensitive data. Avoid Claims Processor, Billing Specialist, or positions with significant PHI access initially if your record includes financial crimes.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit your application through arkbluecross.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com (Workday). Be accurate and complete—inconsistencies raise red flags.

   
   

4. Prepare for STAR Interviews: ABCBS uses behavioral interviewing with the STAR method. Prepare specific examples using Situation-Task-Action-Result format for scenarios like handling difficult customers or solving problems.

   
   

5. Lead with Value: Emphasize customer service skills, attention to detail, and reliability before addressing your background. Research ABCBS's mission and values beforehand.

   
   

6. Address Background Honestly: When asked, be factual and brief. Focus on rehabilitation, time elapsed, and demonstrated integrity since. Never volunteer information before asked.

   
   

7. Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Express understanding of HIPAA, patient confidentiality, and the importance of data security in healthcare/insurance.

   
   

8. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, vocational training, stable housing, and references from employers or community members.

   
   

9. Check Sealing Eligibility: Research whether your offense qualifies for sealing under Arkansas's Comprehensive Criminal History Sealing Act. Under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417, sealed records can be legally denied. Contact Arkansas Legal Aid for assistance.

   
   

10. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, if you don't hear back within 2-3 weeks, follow up professionally. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Start with Support Roles: Facilities Maintenance and Administrative Support positions have lower access to sensitive data and face less regulatory scrutiny. Build your track record in these roles.

   
   

2. Build Relevant Credentials: Consider certifications in Medical Office Administration, Medical Billing/Coding, or IT Support (CompTIA A+) to demonstrate commitment and competence in healthcare administration.

   
   

3. Leverage Time: If your conviction is 7+ years old, emphasize your sustained record of lawful, productive behavior. Time since offense is a key Green Factor in individualized assessment.

   
   

4. Emphasize Data Security Awareness: In interviews, articulate your understanding of HIPAA and the critical importance of protecting patient information. This demonstrates you understand industry requirements.

   
   

5. Use Internal Advancement: ABCBS promotes from within and provides pay transparency showing advancement steps. Starting in a less sensitive role and proving yourself can open doors to higher-paying positions.

   
   

6. Be Patient with Timeline: Expect 3-6 weeks for the hiring process. The extended timeline reflects thorough compliance checks required for healthcare organizations, not necessarily problems with your application.

   
   

7. Run Your Own Background Check: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Check your ACIC criminal history record and the OIG LEIE database. Dispute any errors in advance.

   
   

8. Know When to Pivot: If your conviction involves fraud, financial crimes, or data theft, healthcare insurance may not be your best industry. Focus on sectors with less regulatory burden where your skills transfer.

Benefits Overview

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a comprehensive benefits package. The company is consistently recognized for excellent benefits and work-life balance, contributing to its average employee tenure of 10+ years.

Compensation: Customer Service Representative: $19-$23/hr ($40,000-$47,000 annually); Claims Specialist: $40,000-$44,000 annually; IT Help Desk: $50,000-$70,000 annually; Manager: $90,000-$160,000 annually. Annual raises with pay transparency showing advancement steps.

Health Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account (HSA) options. Employees can access ABCBS plans for their own coverage.

Retirement: 401(k) with company match. Long-term financial planning support.

Time Off: 10-20 days PTO accruing based on tenure (approximately 5 hours per paycheck at higher tenure levels). Generous sick leave. PTO includes all time away from work including illness.

Education Benefits: Tuition reimbursement program supporting career advancement and degree completion.

Wellness: On-site gym (Club Blue), wellness program incentives, Green Leaf Grill healthy dining options on corporate campus.

Work Flexibility: Options for in-office, flex, or remote work depending on role. Some positions offer remote work in-state or out-of-state after training.

Family Support: Adoption support and maternity leave programs.

Employee Perspectives

Pros:

• Excellent job security and long average tenure (10+ years)

• Generous PTO and competitive benefits package

• Strong work-life balance

• Internal transfer opportunities if position is eliminated

• Pay transparency with clear advancement steps

Cons:

• Some report culture shift around 2020

• QA can be rigorous in call center roles

• Some perception of favoritism in promotions

• PTO is slow to build up initially and includes sick time

• Limited overtime opportunities in some departments

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield hire people with felonies?

   Yes, but with significant conditions. Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield conducts individualized assessments per EEOC guidelines but applies heightened scrutiny due to healthcare and financial regulations. The company cannot hire anyone on the OIG exclusion list—this is an absolute federal barrier. For non-excluded applicants, best opportunities are for those with non-relevant, older felonies (7+ years) applying for support roles with limited data access. Fraud, financial crimes, and data-related offenses face the highest barriers due to the nature of insurance operations.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield?

   ABCBS conducts comprehensive background checks after extending a conditional job offer. The process includes: national criminal history check (county, state, federal levels), identity verification via SSN trace, employment verification, education verification, mandatory OIG LEIE exclusion screening, and pre-employment drug test. You must provide written consent before the check begins. If adverse information is found, FCRA procedures apply—you'll receive a pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and your rights, allowing time to dispute inaccuracies before a final decision.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield—what is the lookback period?

   Arkansas has no state-mandated lookback limit, meaning felony and misdemeanor convictions can be reported indefinitely. However, FCRA's 7-year restriction applies for positions paying under $75,000 annually for non-conviction records. The OIG LEIE exclusion check has no time limit—if you're currently excluded from federal healthcare programs, you cannot be hired regardless of when the underlying offense occurred. In practice, ABCBS focuses on the past 7 years for most positions, with older offenses viewed more favorably during individualized assessment.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield?

   The most challenging convictions include: (1) Any offense resulting in OIG LEIE exclusion (healthcare fraud, patient abuse, drug diversion)—these are disqualifying for all positions; (2) Fraud, embezzlement, or financial crimes—directly relevant to insurance fiduciary duties; (3) Identity theft, computer fraud, or data breach—conflict with HIPAA requirements; (4) Forgery or document falsification—integrity concerns. Recent convictions (within 7 years) face the highest scrutiny regardless of type. Non-violent offenses unrelated to financial matters or data security are viewed more favorably.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield for applicants with a record?

   The best entry-level positions for applicants with records are: Facilities Maintenance ($22-$30/hr)—building maintenance with no patient data access, most accessible entry point; Administrative Support ($16-$21/hr)—office duties, mailroom, limited system access; general support positions with minimal exposure to sensitive claims or billing data. These roles can lead to internal advancement once reliability is established. Avoid Claims Processor, Billing Specialist, or positions with significant PHI access if your record includes financial crimes or data-related offenses.

   
   

6. Does Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. The company maintains a Drug-Free Workplace policy. Testing is typically urine-based and conducted after accepting a conditional offer. A failed drug test is an automatic disqualifier. Arkansas law allows pre-employment drug testing without specific restrictions. If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield ask about criminal history?

   Arkansas does not have a statewide Ban the Box law for private employers, so ABCBS may legally ask about criminal history at any point in the hiring process. However, the detailed background check occurs after a conditional job offer is extended. This gives you the opportunity to interview and demonstrate your qualifications before your record is formally reviewed. Never volunteer criminal history information before asked, but be completely honest when the question arises.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement to management is possible with a felony conviction, though it involves increased scrutiny. ABCBS promotes from within and provides pay transparency showing advancement steps. Management roles typically involve more fiduciary responsibility and data oversight, meaning positions with financial or claims oversight face stricter requirements. Strategy: Build a strong track record of reliability (3+ years), pursue relevant certifications or education using tuition reimbursement, and develop relationships with supervisors who can advocate for your advancement.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield?

   The hiring process typically takes 3-6 weeks from application to start date. Background checks generally complete within 1-2 weeks after authorization. Some employees report the overall process can take up to 2 months depending on position complexity. The extended timeline reflects thorough compliance checks required for healthcare organizations, not necessarily problems with your application. ABCBS uses Workday for applications and STAR method behavioral interviews.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield?

    Key strategies to improve hiring chances:

    (1) Verify you are not on the OIG LEIE before applying;

    (2) Target entry-level support positions (Facilities, Administrative Support) rather than claims/billing roles;

    (3) Be completely honest—dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier;

    (4) Prepare a brief, professional narrative about rehabilitation;

    (5) Gather documentation (certificates, references, treatment completion);

    (6) Check sealing eligibility under Arkansas Code § 16-90-1417;

    (7) Pass the drug test—address any substance issues beforehand;

    (8) Prepare for STAR-format behavioral interviews;

    (9) Demonstrate understanding of HIPAA and data security;

    (10) Be patient with the 3-6 week process.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield doesn't work out, consider these Arkansas employers known for fair chance hiring practices:

Conclusion

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield offers potential opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in entry-level Facilities Maintenance, Administrative Support, and Mailroom positions. As Arkansas's largest health insurance provider with over 3,200 employees and strong job stability (average 10-year tenure), the organization provides a pathway to stable employment with exceptional benefits—though the healthcare and financial nature of insurance operations creates significant regulatory barriers compared to other sectors.

The work environment is professional and office-based, with some positions offering remote or hybrid flexibility. The compensation is competitive, starting at $16-$30/hr for entry-level positions with clear advancement paths to management roles earning $90,000-$160,000 annually. The benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) with match, tuition reimbursement, and work-life balance amenities including on-site fitness centers and healthy dining.

Key Success Factors: Verify you are not OIG-excluded before applying. Target entry-level support positions with minimal data access initially. Be completely honest about your record. Prepare a brief narrative about rehabilitation. Pass the drug test. Demonstrate understanding of HIPAA and data security. Take advantage of ABCBS's tuition reimbursement to advance into higher-paying positions.

Biggest Barriers: Fraud, financial crimes, identity theft, and data-related offenses create the greatest challenges due to OIG exclusion requirements, HIPAA compliance, and the fiduciary nature of insurance operations. Claims processing, billing, and positions with significant PHI access face the highest barriers. However, individualized assessment means your specific circumstances matter for non-excluded applicants.

For those ready to commit to professional work in a healthcare insurance environment, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield can be a stepping stone to long-term career stability with exceptional benefits. Start with Facilities Maintenance or Administrative Support positions, prove your reliability, and use internal advancement opportunities and tuition reimbursement to grow your career.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and salary databases (PayScale), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, sealing procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Healthcare employment involves additional federal regulations (OIG exclusions) that create absolute barriers for certain convictions. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://arkbluecross.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com