Omnibus bill includes big policy wins for Arkansas’s children
Overall, we’re relieved to see that some key provisions will make life measurably better for Arkansas’s children.
The State Makes Positive Strides for Maternal Health, But More is Needed
On August 9, 2022, Governor Asa Hutchinson announced that Arkansas will be expanding its Medicaid programs to include more coverage for new and expecting mothers. With the help of federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Arkansas will...
Family Glitch Resolved Just In Time For The Marketplace Open Enrollment
On November 1, 2022, the open enrollment period for health insurance plans under the ACA through the Health Insurance Marketplace begins.
Helping Arkansans Keep Medicaid Coverage as the Federal Public Health Emergency Ends
The pandemic and the economic downturn that followed negatively affected the finances of many Arkansas workers and families. Many lost their jobs, their paychecks and, in many cases, their health care coverage. As a result, many became eligible for...
Arkansas must change its strategy to prevent teen births
Though we’ve seen the rate drop over time, Arkansas has had the nation’s highest teen birth rate every year since 2013.
Addressing the Childhood Mental Health Crisis in Arkansas
Between 2016 and 2020, Arkansas had the third-highest increase in childhood depression and anxiety, behind California and South Dakota.
Improving Health Outcomes for the Children of Arkansas
Arkansas still has a long way to go to get to number one in child health and well-being.
Arkansas Advocates 2022 Special Legislative Session Recap
We hope to carry this momentum into the 2023 Regular Legislative Session, as we can be sure there will be many bills to support and defend against that will affect the lives of Arkansas's children and families.
AACF Statement on Maternal Health Care Initiatives
The Governor's proposals are a step in the right direction, but they fall short of making policy changes that could make a significant difference in our dismal maternal and infant health outcomes.
Arkansas’s Child Well-Being Rank Falls to Bottom 10
Data Show Alarming Increase in Low Birth Weight Babies and Child and Teen Deaths in Arkansas Arkansas ranks 43rd in child well-being, according to the 2022 KIDS COUNT® Data Book, a 50-state report of recent household data developed by...