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Model Application Template for the State Children’s Health Insurance Program

ARKANSAS Effective Date: July 1, 2003

Approval Date: 20 Section 5. Outreach (Section 2102(c))

Describe the procedures used by the state to accomplish:

Outreach to families of children likely to be eligible for child health assistance or other public or private health coverage to inform them of the availability of the programs, and to assist them in enrolling their children in such a program: (Section 2102(c)(1)) (42CFR 457.90)

Arkansas developed a comprehensive outreach strategy for ARKids B*. The strategy applies equally to the title XIX and the SCHIP components of ARKids B. Outreach for the separate child health insurance program is through the ConnectCare contract with ADH and through the ADH pregnant women’s program, including presumptive eligibility. Media Campaign

In addition to the regular Medicaid outreach, Arkansas developed outreach geared specifically to the ARKids B Program. Governor Mike Huckabee held a gala press conference on September 11, 1997, to launch the ARKids B* Program. This has been followed by an extensive media campaign, including television, radio, print, and distribution of brochures in such places as McDonald’s food sacks. A key factor in the success of this campaign to date has been the active role Governor Huckabee has taken by appearing in television and radio public service announcements, as well as in the printed materials and on the ARKids B website: www.ARKidsfirst.com.

The media campaign has been modified to incorporate the changes in the use of the ARKids First name; ARKids First is now composed of ARKids A (Medicaid) and ARKids B, the 1115 demonstration. The SCHIP eligibles will be part of the ARKids B component. Coordination With Public and Private Entities

The outreach effort has been further advanced by working in cooperation with a broad range of public and private entities. These include Arkansas Children’s Hospital (they co-sponsored an ARKids First (ARKids B) newspaper insert with DHS), Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, and several public schools, day care centers, hospitals, clinics, churches, and community centers. Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) county offices have widely distributed ARKids First application forms to these organizations. Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families has been particularly