The Affordable Care Act has helped cut the number of uninsured children in Arkansas to less than five percent, according to a new report released by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families and Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. Building on the state’s success in reducing the number of uninsured kids in prior years, the new study found that a greater percentage of children in Arkansas have coverage now than ever before.

“Improvements in health care coverage for children is not only good for Arkansas families, it’s good for the state’s schools and economy,” said Joan Alker, director of the Georgetown University center. “When children have health care coverage, they are able to get preventive care to stay healthy so they can show up for school ready to learn. “

Children’s advocates in Arkansas and researchers at Georgetown University attribute the low rates of uninsured children in the state to the success of the Arkansas Medicaid and ARKids First programs. Additionally, many Arkansas children experienced a “welcome mat effect” as parents enrolled their children when they signed up for newly available coverage after the state accepted federal funding to extend Medicaid.

“We saw big gains in kids’ coverage in 2013 by helping enroll people using SNAP benefits, and we’ve continued to build on that success this year,” said Marquita Little, Health Policy Director for Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families. “While we’re proud of what we’ve accomplished, we need to protect that progress by keeping our state health care system strong. By continuing to strengthen and protect Medicaid and ARKids First, we can work toward a future where every child in Arkansas has the health care they need to thrive.”

There are still about 34,000 uninsured children in Arkansas. Most uninsured children are eligible for ARKids First but not enrolled. Families who would like to know if their children are eligible or would like help applying for coverage should visit https://www.arkidsfirst.com.