Changes to Medicaid being proposed by members of Congress could have a significant effect on women in Arkansas who are of childbearing age, according to a recent report from the Center for Children and Families at Georgetown University.
Arkansas is one of the top 10 states with the highest share of women in rural areas ages 19-44.
Camille Richoux, health policy director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, said Medicaid is the only way many women in the state stay healthy before, during and after pregnancy.
"Medicaid covers nearly half of all births in the rural parts of the state, and 20%, or one in five, women rely on Medicaid for health insurance," Richoux reported. "That is a huge number for women in our state. "
Congress is considering changes to Medicaid that could kick millions of beneficiaries off the health insurance program.
The Georgetown report showed many rural hospitals across the country are closing, creating hospital deserts. Experts said the closures put the health of mothers and babies at risk. Richoux stressed any changes will affect entire communities, not just those insured.
"It could just lead to the further closure of the lifeline of rural hospitals or clinics," Richoux pointed out. "And cuts also indirectly lead to the increases in uncompensated care in these clinics. And the nurses (and) the doctors rely on Medicaid dollars for the workforce."
Joan Alker, executive director of the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, said while women of childbearing age are more likely to live in metropolitan areas, a higher share of women living in rural communities and small towns are covered by Medicaid.
"Rural communities tend to have lower income than metro areas," Alker underscored. "Medicaid, as important as it is for moms and babies nationwide, is even more important in rural areas and small towns."