Arkansas has led all states in achieving the greatest percentage reduction in the number of uninsured citizens from 2013 through the first three months of 2015. Compared to surrounding states–where uninsured rates are among the highest in the nation and health statuses are among the lowest – Arkansas has been a trailblazer by opting to expand coverage for its low-income adult population by using available Medicaid funding via the Arkansas Health Care Independence Program (HCIP). The HCIP provides newly eligible individuals with premium assistance to purchase qualified health plans through the Arkansas health insurance marketplace.
This case study explores the program’s impact on hospital systems with facilities both in Arkansas and in surrounding states.
