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Arkansas has among the highest rates of uninsured children in the country, but ARKids First provides a resource to those low-income families across the state in need of assistance. 

ARKids First is a public insurance program covering more than 70,000 children in Arkansas. There are two programs to enroll in: Part A is a Medicaid program, while Part B is a CHIP (Child Insurance Program), also serving low-income children in the state, but from a different pool of federal funding. Here are the basics on both parts of the program:

Part A vs. Part B

ARKids First Part A is available to children whose families’ income is at or below 142% of the federal poverty level. For a family of two, the parent must make $2,418.73 or less per month to qualify. 

Part B, on the other hand, is designated for children whose families’ income falls between 142% and 211% of the federal poverty level. They also must have been without private insurance — Medicaid is OK — for at least 90 days. 

What will I pay? Children covered under ARKids First Part A have no out-of-pocket costs for their coverage or care. Part B caps costs at 5% of a families’ gross annual income. Many services covered under Part B include a $10 copayment due at delivery of service. Medicaid does, in some cases, pay for behavioral health care for children covered under Part B as well. 

How do I apply? Applications are available on the Arkansas Department of Human Services website, along with additional resources, including information about ARKids First.