AR.K sports an ARKids First backpack carrying oversized health care-related items, such a toothbrush, stethoscope and thermometer, and will travel throughout the state in support of the program. AR.K was designed by the International Mascot Corp. of Canada. About 75 guests joined the AACF staff and Gov. Huckabee in the Embassy Suites ballroom to celebrate the first year of AACF's successful outreach efforts to enroll uninsured children in ARKids First, the state's Medicaid-expansion health insurance program. Six Arkansans were also recognized for their outstanding efforts to enroll children in ARKids First. The program covers children who do not have health insurance from birth to age 18.
Eligibility is based on annual income levels and the number of people in a family.
The year ARKids First was implemented by the state Legislature, Arkansas Advocates partnered with the Department of Human Services to enroll uninsured children in ARKids First. AACF and DHS' goal was to enroll 90,000 children in ARKids First in three years. In two years, more than 60,000 children have been served by the program, and 51,257 are currently covered. Rossi saluted the pro-active and dedicated work of the governor, the Department of Human Services and project volunteers at the local level. AACF's enrollment activities have been supported by grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Daughters of Charity West Central Region Foundation and SmithKline Beecham.