Arkansas
Arkansas ranks worst in the nation for maternal mortality. What's the plan?
On March 6, Gov. Sarah Sanders gathered state officials, health care advocates and a gaggle of babies at the Capitol to announce a plan to address Arkansas’s dismal maternal health statistics. The state ranks last in the nation in maternal mortality, with almost 44 deaths per 100,000 births; the national figure is 23.5.
The gaps go beyond that, the governor said: “Of the 35,000 pregnancies in Arkansas each year, 10,000 women wait until they’re after their first trimester to see a doctor. Eleven hundred women never see a doctor until they are in labor.”
She then signed an executive order creating a new “Strategic Committee for Maternal Health,” made up of the heads of the Arkansas Department of Human Services, the Department of Health and other agencies. Their tasks include creating a strategic plan over the next six months, exploring “changes to the Medicaid program” and taking “immediate steps to enroll pregnant and postpartum women in Arkansas with available health coverage options, streamline coverage transition processes, and eliminate gaps in care.”
The order is as ambitious as it is vague. Sanders didn’t give many details about what’s being considered, but one thing looks to be off the table: Extending pregnancy Medicaid coverage. Arkansas is one of only four states that hasn’t taken the federal government up on a new option to allow eligible new mothers to stay on Medicaid for a full year, rather than just 60 days, despite recommendations from a state committee on maternal mortality to do just that.
Sanders faced blowback in recent weeks for refusing the 12-month Medicaid extension option while talking a big game about supporting mothers and families. She says the critics have it all wrong: The problem in Arkansas isn’t a lack of coverage, but poor education about existing options.
Extending postpartum Medicaid would “create a redundant program” that would “make for a good headline” without solving the underlying issues, the governor said at her press conference. “Arkansas already has resources for pregnant women through all nine months of pregnancy and beyond.”
State Rep. Aaron Pilkington (center) supports the 12-month Medicaid extension.
Does she have a point? Actually, yes. Unlike states such as Texas or Tennessee, Arkansas expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act a decade ago, allowing hundreds of thousands of low-income people to get insured. The majority of women who qualify for pregnancy Medicaid likely will qualify for ARHOME, the state’s Medicaid expansion program, after they give birth.
But that’s not the whole story. Arkansas has also made it harder for people — new mothers included — to get and keep Medicaid coverage than it needs to be, as shown by the state’s mad rush last year to purge the Medicaid rolls of ineligible people as quickly as possible. Many were kicked off simply for not returning a form to DHS quickly enough.
And while the state could automatically enroll eligible new moms in ARHOME or another program, it doesn’t appear to be doing so in many cases. That means a woman who’s just given birth needs to be shopping for new insurance and filling out paperwork while juggling a 6-week infant.
Keesa Smith, the executive director of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, said the group recognizes there are other coverage options but still thinks the 12-month Medicaid extension makes sense for Arkansas.
“Many women are dropping off the rolls as they transition from pregnancy Medicaid to other forms of Medicaid,” said Smith, who served as a deputy director at DHS until last year. “So why not make that process easier?”
A patchwork of coverage
A joint venture between states and the federal government, Medicaid provides safety net health insurance for various groups or “categories,” including disabled people, the elderly, children and pregnant women. It might be better thought of as a collection of programs rather than one single thing. Each Medicaid category has different eligibility requirements based on income and other factors, and states have leeway to set those eligibility rules.
The federal government requires states to offer Medicaid coverage to pregnant women below a certain income threshold throughout the course of pregnancy and for roughly 60 days afterwards. In Arkansas, the cutoff is 214% of the federal poverty line, which is about $32,228 for a one-person household or $43,742 for a family of two. (Medicaid pays for more than half of all births in the state, Sanders noted on March 6 — more than 19,000 each year.)
The biggest change to Medicaid in recent decades came with the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010. The ACA gave states new federal funding to offer coverage for a new catchall category of low-income, working-age, able-bodied adults, though many red-leaning states were skeptical of creating a broad new benefit program and refused to do so. Fourteen years later, 10 states — mostly in the South — still haven’t expanded Medicaid, meaning millions of their poorest residents have no decent insurance options.
These “non-expansion” states are the ones who stand to benefit most from the new 12-month pregnancy Medicaid extension, which was created temporarily by a Covid relief bill signed by President Biden in 2021 and later made permanent. According to a tracker from the health policy nonprofit KFF, 45 states have implemented the 12-month extension as of February.
Usha Ranji, associate director of women’s health policy at KFF, said the field of maternal health has come to recognize postpartum health goes well beyond two months post-birth. “One year [of coverage] brings the policy standpoint more in line with what’s going on with clinical care,” she said.
The 12-month extension has been a huge boon for low-income moms in non-expansion states like Texas or Florida, who previously had no Medicaid option at all after the 60-day postpartum period ended. Now, they’ll have another 10 months of coverage.
Arkansas, though, is a Medicaid expansion state. It expanded coverage in 2013 under then-Gov. Mike Beebe, a Democrat, giving insurance to hundreds of thousands of poor Arkansans. The expansion program has gone by many names in the decade since — the private option, Arkansas Works and now ARHOME — but it remains in place today, despite some conservative legislators’ best efforts to undo it over the years.
This is part of what Sanders means when she says Arkansas women already have coverage options. To qualify for ARHOME, a person must make under 138% of the federal poverty line, which is $20,783 for a family of one or $28,207 for a family of two. A single woman who makes $20,000 annually could get ARHOME after her 60-day pregnancy Medicaid window expires — but so could a single woman who makes $25,000, since the addition of the new baby would enlarge her household size.
Not everyone is in that group, however. An expectant mother who makes $30,000 a year might qualify for pregnancy Medicaid but not ARHOME. What are her options after 60 days?
Some women may pick up coverage through an employer or a spouse, though that option clearly isn’t available to everyone. The Sanders administration points to the federal health insurance marketplace as an alternative for the rest. That may seem odd, considering Republicans tried for years to repeal the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare (which created the marketplace), but the fact is that it really is a decent option for many families on the lower end of the income scale.
Individual health insurance is expensive, but the federal government subsidizes people’s coverage on a sliding scale based on income. For those who make just a bit too much to qualify for ARHOME, the out-of-pocket costs can be quite modest. A new mother in a two-person household in Arkansas who makes $30,000 annually could buy private insurance for just $2 a month, according to a KFF calculator. If she made $35,000 annually, it would be around $32 monthly.
Paper vs. real life
All of that, though, is on paper. In the real world, a $32 premium can be unaffordable to a struggling family. And the hassle and time and frustration involved in shopping for coverage, understanding available options, and navigating DHS’ maze of paperwork can discourage anyone, especially a person dealing with the stress of a new baby.
State Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R-Knoxville) unsuccessfully sponsored a bill last year that would have signed Arkansas up for the 12-month postpartum extension option. After the March 6 press conference, he said he still thinks that’s the right thing to do.
“Take a woman who’s just had a C-section, and she’s trying to navigate recovery,” Pilkington said. “And then we have a 40-something page document from the Department of Human Services trying to get her enrolled [in ARHOME] only to find out she’s not eligible?”
Smith, the Arkansas Advocates director, said she’s happy the state is giving fresh attention to maternal health but still favors the 12-month extension.
“That’s going to continue to be what we advocate for until the state shows us there’s a better plan to keep women covered,” she said.
The committee created by the governor March 6 is supposed to develop that plan over the next six months. Its list of directives include creating a new health education and advertising campaign, expanding telehealth and home visits for new moms, and launching a pilot program in five counties with particularly low rates of prenatal care, among others.
Among the biggest unknowns: If a woman who’s covered under pregnancy Medicaid reaches the end of her 60-day postpartum coverage and she’s eligible for coverage under ARHOME (or another Medicaid category), will DHS automatically enroll her? Or will she have to fill out a new application, gather documents and jump through hoops to maintain coverage?
DHS spokesman Gavin Lesnick said the agency “attempts to move the beneficiary to ARHOME automatically” in such cases but will send a renewal packet if auto-enrollment isn’t possible.
“If DHS receives information through data-matching such as a change in income, household composition, or state of residence, or information that the mother is failing to cooperate with child support,” that could require filling out new paperwork, Lesnick said. (It’s worth noting that almost every birth creates “a change in household composition” by definition.) The committee created by Sanders on March 6 will be examining whether “there are ways to optimize this process so it is even more seamless,” he said.
That may sound reasonable enough, but DHS has a history of kicking people off Medicaid over paperwork issues. Just last year, it ended coverage for hundreds of thousands of people, including some 78,500 children on the ARKids programs, as part of a post-pandemic effort to clear the rolls of ineligible people. Critics say the state swept plenty of eligible people out the door as well.
Thanks to Medicaid expansion, more Arkansans have access to insurance than residents of many Southern states. But that also shows there’s merit to the argument that focusing too much on coverage can miss the point: Even states where fewer people have health insurance are doing better than Arkansas on maternal mortality.
Smith said she’s encouraged by the five-county pilot program and its recognition that there are parts of the state with critical shortages of doctors and other medical providers. “Half of our state doesn’t have labor and delivery units,” she said.
“I do agree with the governor that insurance coverage doesn’t equal access, so I believe coverage is just the beginning of the conversation,” Smith said. “But what are the actual next steps?”
Arkansas
Arkansas Athletics, CommunityAmerica Credit Union launch multi-year partnership including Razorback Stadium naming rights
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas Department of Athletics has signed a long-term partnership with CommunityAmerica Credit Union, marking a significant step in the credit union’s growing commitment to Northwest Arkansas. Facilitated by Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium will become CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium beginning with the 2027 football season.
Rooted in more than 85 years of helping individuals and families achieve financial peace of mind and building on a 65-year legacy of service in Arkansas, CommunityAmerica is excited to engage with Razorback fans and support the communities they call home.
“This is so much more than a name on a stadium. It’s about becoming part of the Razorback Nation experience and helping fans, students, student-athletes and the communities we and the university serve,” said Lisa Ginter, Chief Executive Officer of CommunityAmerica Credit Union. “Our members are at the heart of everything we do and when we evaluate partnerships like this, it starts with what matters most to them. The University of Arkansas is a powerful source of pride and connection for people across the state and in many of our markets. This partnership underscores our long-term commitment to Northwest Arkansas, where we look forward to growing our presence and helping more families achieve financial peace of mind. We’re already deepening our roots with plans for a campus location and several new branches throughout the region.”
The multi-phased partnership extends beyond naming rights and designates CommunityAmerica as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics. CommunityAmerica will also serve as an official sponsor of Arkansas Athletics, supporting student-athletes and fans alike. The comprehensive partnership will also include the rebranding of the SEC Club inside Razorback Stadium as the CommunityAmerica Club, where fans enjoy premium amenities on gameday. As part of the agreement, CommunityAmerica will engage directly with Razorback student-athletes providing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, valuable financial education and programs to help them succeed both on and off the field.
“We are thrilled to welcome CommunityAmerica Credit Union as the Official Credit Union of Arkansas Athletics as one piece of a partnership that will benefit our student-athletes, fans and the state of Arkansas for years to come,” said Hunter Yurachek, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at the University of Arkansas. “Our vision in the Department of Athletics is to be our best and CommunityAmerica’s commitment to excellence as a trusted, people-driven financial institution mirrors that same vision. This partnership is just getting started but its impact will help shape our future.”
Beginning with the 2027 football season, the partnership will expand into its second phase with the naming of CommunityAmerica Razorback Stadium and the launch of CommunityAmerica Razorback Checking, Debit and Credit Cards.
With a legacy of serving members across Arkansas and nationwide, CommunityAmerica is ranked among the most trusted and innovative credit unions in the country and among the largest in the Midwest. CommunityAmerica is excited to engage and serve Razorback fans and members more deeply with a variety of financial products and services that align to their passion for the University.
“Our members are proud of where they live and what they stand behind, and for so many in Arkansas and across our shared communities, that means being part of Razorback Nation,” Ginter said. “As we look ahead to launching Razorback-branded products in 2027, we’re excited to offer experiences that celebrate that pride, strengthen relationships and deliver meaningful value for the people and communities we serve.”
“This is a historic partnership featuring an innovative brand with a passion and proven track record of supporting their community, paired with one of the leading college athletics programs in the country,” said Allison Fillmore, Senior Vice President, Business Development at Learfield. “Learfield and Razorback Sports Properties are excited to collaborate with Arkansas Athletics, which will enhance fan and student-athlete experiences for years to come.”
Razorback Sports Properties is the locally based Learfield team that is the exclusive multimedia rights holder for Arkansas Athletics and oversees all sponsorship agreements on behalf of the Razorbacks.
About the University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics
The University of Arkansas Department of Intercollegiate Athletics pursues its vision to “Be Our Best” while developing 465+ student-athletes into Razorbacks and Champions for Life. As members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), the Razorbacks consistently compete at the nation’s highest levels while proudly representing the University of Arkansas and the entire state. Arkansas has established itself as one of the most competitive programs in the nation, winning nine NCAA titles and over 50 SEC Championships in recent years.
About CommunityAmerica Credit Union
CommunityAmerica Credit Union is a not-for-profit financial institution committed to helping members get on a path to thrive and achieve financial peace of mind. Founded in 1940, and with Arkansas roots dating back to 1968, CommunityAmerica has grown to meet the evolving financial needs of its members. With nearly $10 billion in assets and more than 600,000 members, the credit union is ranked among the nation’s 50 largest credit unions. It is the largest credit union in Arkansas, Kansas, and Missouri, and one of the largest financial institutions with expanding operations in Northwest Arkansas. CommunityAmerica offers a full suite of financial products and services for individuals and businesses, including checking and savings, mortgages, loans, commercial banking, wealth management, retirement planning, and insurance. Federally chartered, CommunityAmerica serves members across multiple markets nationwide with branch locations in Arkansas, California, Kansas, Missouri, Nevada, Tennessee, and Texas. Learn more at CommunityAmerica.com.
About Learfield
Learfield is the leading media and technology company powering college athletics. Through its digital and physical platforms, Learfield owns and leverages a deep data set and relationships in the industry to drive revenue, growth, brand awareness, and fan engagement for brands, sports, and entertainment properties. With ties to over 1,200 collegiate institutions and over 12,000 local and national brand partners, Learfield’s presence in college sports and live events delivers influence and maximizes reach to target audiences. With solutions for a 365-day, 24/7 fan experience, Learfield enables schools and brands to connect with fans through licensed merchandise, game ticketing, donor identification for athletic programs, exclusive custom content, innovative marketing initiatives, NIL solutions, and advanced digital platforms. Since 2008, it has served as title sponsor for the acclaimed Learfield Directors’ Cup, supporting athletic departments across all divisions.
BROOKLYN — Arkansas point guard Darius Acuff is the first of three Razorbacks off the board in the 2026 NBA Draft Tuesday night when he was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the No. 7 overall pick in the first round.
Acuff’s selection makes him the highest drafted player from Arkansas since 2023 when Anthony Black went No. 6 overall to the Orlando Magic.
He went into the night projected to be the first player from the Hogs taken following a phenomenal freshman year that saw him earn first team All-American honors, SEC Player of the Year, league freshman of the year, and SEC Tournament Most Valuable Player.
Likely his biggest accomplishment was becoming the first player to lead the SEC in points and assists since Pete Maravich in 1970.
As a freshman, Acuff averaged over 24 points, six assists and three rebounds on 48% shooting from the field, 44% from three and 81% from free throw line.
His knack as a bucket getter and facilitator lifted the Razorbacks to a different level in the postseason by averaging an astonishing 30 points, seven assists and one steal across six postseason tournament games.
He led Arkansas to a victory over Vanderbilt for the SEC Tournament Championship and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances.
Arguably his best performance of the season came in a double-overtime classic in Tuscaloosa against Alabama when he dropped 49 points on 16-of-27 from the floor, 6-of-10 from three and 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also contributed with five rebounds, five assists and only one turnover in 50 minutes.
And don’t forget, the 6-foot-2, 186 pound point guard did all of that on a bum ankle he sustained against Aubrn just four days prior.
During a media appearance on ESPN last week, Calipari made sure to warn NBA teams they will regret passing on superstar point guard.
“A great teammate. We all hear stuff. I’m around these kids, all they want to do is get better. They want to respect who’s coaching them,” Calipari told Colin Cowherd on The Herd. “And Darius Acuff, I’m telling you, there’s going to be some guys regretting [not picking him.]
“That’s okay. That’s okay. When he starts playing, you’ll remember this conversation, and we’re saying, ‘You’re going to regret not taking him.’”
Acuff is the latest in a growing list of coach John Calipari guards to be selected as lottery picks across his four decades in the college game. Former Kentucky stars Reed Sheppard, Rob Dillingham, John Wall, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, De’Aaron Fox and Brandon Knight.
During his time at Memphis, Calipari helped Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, and Dajuan Wagner were each lotter picks from 2000-2009.
The 2026 NBA Draft will continue with its second round Wednesday night at 7 p.m. CT from the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
Coach Cal Reaction
There haven’t been many times over the years that Calipari has missed out on watching one of his stars stroll across the stage to shake hands with the NBA Commissioner.
The second-year Razorbacks coach told the world Tuesday night that the Kings will be getting a “fierce competitor and winner” in Acuff.
With NBA Lottery pick and Sacramento Kings Guard Darius Acuff Jr!!! Congratulations to the entire family! The Kings are getting a fierce competitor and winner https://t.co/pk7T9H8e8b
— John Calipari (@CoachCalArk) June 24, 2026
Being drafted by Sacramento shouldn’t come as a surprise either as most mock drafts pegged him at No. 7 overall since the beginning of the college basketball offseason. With so many connections to the franchise, the Kings’ organization might be the perfect fit after all as General manager Scott Perry coached his father two decades ago at Eastern Kentucky.
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KAIT) – Registration is open for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s annual urban deer hunt.
This year’s hunts will be held in Cherokee Village, Fairfield Bay, Heber Springs, Helena-West Helena, Horseshoe Bend and Russellville.
The archery-only hunts are designed to offer an “inexpensive and effective method of nuisance deer management,” according to an AGFC news release.
Deer harvested during the urban hunts do not count toward a hunter’s seasonal limit, and there are no limits to the number of deer that can be harvested.
However, the first deer taken must be donated to Arkansas Hunters Feeding the Hungry, which provides ground meat to food pantries across the state.
Hunters must pass the International Bowhunters Education Program before participating. The program is available at www.agfc.com/education/hunter-education.
Hunters also must attend orientation to learn the specific rules of the hunts and pass a shooting proficiency test.
For more information, visit www.agfc.com/urbanhunt.
To report a typo or correction, please click here.
Copyright 2026 KAIT. All rights reserved.
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