The Department of Human Services, the Arkansas Insurance Department, and the Arkansas Surgeon General recently presented new information on the status of healthcare coverage in Arkansas to the Public Health, Welfare, and Labor Committee. 

Over 150,000 Arkansans have now been determined to be eligible for the Private Option.  And another 30,000 have insurance coverage through the Market Place Exchange.     

Click here to read the report from the Arkansas Insurance Department.  County by county breakdowns of market place enrollment can be found here.

The Private Option is available to individuals making less than 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.  That is roughly $30,000 for a family of four and $15,414 for an individual.  Premiums for the Private Option are paid for with federal Medicaid dollars.  There is no deadline to enroll for the Private Option. 

There is a deadline of March 31 for the coverage in the Market Place Exchange.  This is found at HealthCare.gov or arhealthconnector.org. 

The Market Place Exchange offers health care plans with prices based on your income and household size.  These plans are available to anyone making between 138% to 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.  That is an individual making up to $46,680 a year or a family of four making up to $95,400.  Advance tax credits are also available to help pay the cost of premiums to those who qualify.