Thousands of Arkansas kids are uninsured but with the passing of the tobacco tax,
ARKids First was one step closer to extending insurance to more families. Now state budget cuts of $206 million mean the program's expansion is being put on hold. Some say the delay will put kids in danger.
Monday, the program coordinators were trying to convince Governor Beebe to go ahead with the expansion of ARKids First, a health insurance program for low income families.
"These kids need this now more than ever, exactly supporting states struggling, families are struggling much more," says Elisabeth Burak with ARKids First.
About 65,000 Arkansas kids don't have health insurance. That's enough to fill nearly 1200 school buses. Expanding the plan would mean more families would qualify for coverage but in a down economy, and with the state cutting more than $200 million from the budget, Beebe says, "Until we get a clear handle, ARKids First is on hold."
A portion of the tobacco tax increase approved by the 2009 general assembly was intended to cover the $6 million cost of covering 20,000 more children. That $6 million would bring an estimated $31 million in federal matching dollars into the state but not until the economy picks back up Governor Beebe says.
