1. United States
2. Ark.
3. Letter

As a mother and someone who speaks openly about her Christian faith, I hope you will consider what losing health coverage means to an Arkansas family. Imagine standing at a pharmacy counter with a sick child and discovering that their medicine is no longer covered. Imagine needing a doctor but knowing that paying for the visit could mean falling behind on rent. During Arkansas’s six-month Medicaid review in 2023, more than 427,000 people lost coverage. Some no longer qualified. But federal officials warned that eligible Arkansans, including children, could be losing coverage because of problems completing the renewal process. (apnews.com⁠, medicaid.gov⁠) A missed letter or an incomplete form does not mean a child has stopped needing care. Behind every case number is a person whose health matters and a family that may already be struggling. Proverbs 31:9 tells us: “Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” That verse calls us to listen closely to people who may have little power to make themselves heard. Governor, protecting taxpayers and protecting vulnerable families can go together. Please direct your administration to review paperwork-related coverage losses, help eligible families regain coverage, and strengthen safeguards so others do not lose care unnecessarily. Please make renewal notices understandable and assistance easy to reach. Show Arkansans what has improved since 2023 and whether those changes are keeping eligible children and adults covered. You have the power to spare families the fear of wondering whether they can afford their next prescription or doctor’s visit. I hope you will use it.