State Brief: Arkansas

Feb 17

An image of the cover of the report in orange and yellow with three chairs in a waiting room and the title Sick Of Waiting Barriers to Medicaid Keep Healthcare Out of Reach

Sick of Waiting: Barriers to Medicaid Keep Healthcare Out of Reach

While all people who are eligible for Medicaid are legally guaranteed coverage, many Americans who are eligible struggle to enroll in and maintain Medicaid coverage. To better understand the barriers faced by people trying to access Medicaid, the Center for Popular Democracy (CPD), Arkansas Community Organizations, and researchers at Columbia University surveyed 282 community members in Arkansas about their experiences applying for Medicaid. We found widespread administrative and system barriers–such as long wait times, unhelpful representatives, calls being dropped or no one answering the phone, and feeling shame or stigma.

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SPACES In Action

SPACEs In Action (SIA) is a grassroots, non-profit organization. SIA campaigns include increasing early childhood learning opportunities, access to health equity, and racial/economic justice for black and brown communities in the metro Washington DC region. Through base building, leadership development and taking collective action, we build power, expand coalitions and bridge alliances to win local, regional, and national people-centered solutions. https://www.spacesinaction.org

Texas Organizing Project

Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. https://organizetexas.org

Rights & Democracy

Rights & Democracy is a people’s organization in New Hampshire and Vermont building a political movement based on the values of our communities. Our members come from working and low-income families and are committed to building across Vermont and New Hampshire. We believe we can achieve a society where people earn a livable wage and have access to affordable health care, and where a progressive and equitable tax system supports an economy that protects the environment and human rights. We believe Vermont and New Hampshire can lead our country in a new direction towards happy, healthy, and just communities for everyone. https://www.radnh.org

Our Future West Virginia

Our Future West Virginia meet folks where they are, helping communities build local power to upend oppressive systems around them. We envision a West Virginia where every person has the justice, dignity, and equity needed to thrive. https://www.ourfuturewv.org

Opportunity Knocks Delaware (OK Delaware)

Opportunity Knocks for Delaware (OK Delaware), formerly Delaware Alliance for Community Advancement (DelACA), was formed in 2009 to empower low- and moderate-income people to improve their communities. OK Delaware was founded on the belief that individuals should receive equal services and have a voice/role in the policies and institutions that impact their lives.

Firas Nasr

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State Brief: Arkansas

Sick of Waiting: Barriers to Medicaid Keep Healthcare Out of Reach

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State Brief: DC

National Report