| Updated: 2/06/2009 9:08 am |
Published: 2/05/2009 2:57 pm |
Thousands of Arkansas kids are uninsured. But now that the tobacco tax passed the House, ARKids First is one step closer to extending the insurance to more families. Right now, many families earn too much to qualify for this insurance, but too little to afford private insurance.
"He went into the water to look for shells with his papa and a shark bit his left foot, and severed all tendons in the top,” said Ananda Martin.
Luckily, ARKidsFirst covered Ananda Martin's son, Trenton, when the shark bit him. But now, Ananda's husband is making more money.
"He started a new job in June of this year. We received a letter ARKids would be terminated tomorrow," said Ananda.
Private insurance is still too expensive. That's why Ananda and other supporters want lawmakers to extend ARKids First to more families, who make just over the limit.
"Those children need health insurance. It saves tax payer dollars," said Gov. Mike Beebe.
Right now, 69,000 Arkansas kids don't have health insurance. That's enough to fill nearly 1200 school buses.
"ARkids is so necessary. There are so many kids in the state that don't have the ability to get private insurance. Without ARKids they have nothing," said Ananda Martin. Ananda says starting Friday her kids won't have health insurance. She's hoping she can re-apply to ARKids First soon.
