Medicaid coverage for childless adults
The federal health reform law creates a option allowing state Medicaid programs to cover low income (up to 133% of the federal poverty level) adults without dependent children though a Medicaid State Plan Amendment. The option is available to states beginning in 2010. In 2014, states will be required to expand Medicaid coverage to those individuals.
Arkansas Implementation
Arkansas currently does not offer Medicaid coverage to childless adults. (Exception: The state has a federal waiver to cover to childless adults through the ARHealthNetworks program. ARHealthNetworks is a limited health plan designed for small businesses. It is partially funded by Medicaid and SCHIP [ARKids] funds.) The Arkansas Medicaid program currently does not plan to exercise its option to offer Medicaid coverage to childless adults before the federal requirement takes effect in 2014.
Other States' Documents
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Connecticut Medicaid Expanded
Connecticut is the first state to expand Medicaid coverage to childless adults under the option made available through the federal health reform legislation. The state already covered childless adults under its State-Administered General Assistance (SAGA) program, which was completely funded by the state. By taking advantage of the new federal health reform option, the state now can draw down federal funds.