Medicaid Beneficiaries and Advocates Advocate for Change
Activists continue to call for changes to Arkansas Medicaid, citing unfair losses of coverage and difficulties faced by low-income residents in accessing timely healthcare. The recent wave of protests and rallies underscores the importance of revamping the system to better serve Medicaid recipients.
Unwinding of Coverage Extensions
The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) conducted a six-month review of Medicaid recipients’ eligibility in 2023, a process that affected those who had their coverage extended during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 184,500 of the approximately 420,000 Arkansans who maintained coverage were disenrolled between April and September for not providing necessary information.
Protests and Demonstrations
Arkansas Community Organizations has been at the forefront of protests, arguing that DHS did not adequately ensure individuals were ineligible before terminating their coverage. Multiple demonstrations have taken place since May, with the latest protest occurring outside the DHS headquarters in Little Rock. The events have highlighted concerns about DHS staffworkload and the lack of support for Medicaid recipients.
Stories of Medicaid Recipients
Stories from Medicaid beneficiaries paint a vivid picture of the challenges they face. For instance, Cathy Young and Be’Atte Martin expressed frustration over not receiving timely notifications from DHS regarding changes to their Medicaid plans. These experiences serve as a call to action for policymakers and lawmakers to implement meaningful reforms.
Demands for Improvement
Advocates are pushing for a range of changes, including presumptive eligibility for children and pregnant women, 12-month postpartum coverage for new mothers, and increased appointment and transportation slot allotments. They also seek to expedite processing for individuals in historically excluded communities and to provide dental coverage for all Medicaid recipients.
Looking Ahead
Arkansas Community Organizations has announced plans for additional demonstrations in October, demonstrating their commitment to driving change. These efforts aim to ensure that Medicaid recipients receive the comprehensive care they need to manage their health conditions and improve overall well-being.
