Concerns Over Uninsured Children in Arkansas
Recent findings from the 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book indicate that Arkansas is struggling with child welfare issues, ranking 48th in child health and 43rd overall in the country.
A key concern emphasized in the report is the number of children who remain without health insurance, a situation that persists even after the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Keitha Smith-Brantley from Arkansas Child and Family Advocates pointed out that many families lost their health coverage during the process of Medicaid cancellations once pandemic protections expired. Interestingly, some parents thought that if they themselves lost coverage, it automatically meant their children would lose eligibility for insurance as well.
Smith-Brantley notes, “Unfortunately, a significant number of uninsured children came about because many adults lost their Medicaid during that transition.” She believes the data suggests that when parents lost their own insurance, they mistakenly assumed their children were also ineligible.
While many children may qualify for coverage through Arkansas’ Kids First program, some families might not be aware of this possibility. This becomes particularly troubling during the summer when kids engage in activities—like swimming and biking—that could lead to injuries, as Smith-Brantley emphasizes the importance of health insurance to avoid medical and financial strain.
“We really don’t want to see families facing out-of-pocket costs due to child emergencies,” she says. “Those can add up quickly and impact credit reports, leading to significant financial difficulties.” She urges Arkansas families to get informed about the state’s ARKids First program, designed to help reduce the number of uninsured children.
“This program was established under former Gov. Mike Huckabee and it successfully halved the percentage of uninsured kids at one point,” Smith-Brantley recalls. “I think some people may forget that such programs are available.”
Smith-Brantley encourages families who suspect they might be eligible to explore the program and understand the requirements to ensure their children get the necessary health coverage.
