PINE BLUFF, Ark. — On Tuesday, people voiced their opinions about Arkansas's Medicaid system, protesting outside the state's Department of Human Services (DHS) office in Pine Bluff.
Former DHS employees and Medicaid recipients gathered to highlight the lack of available resources and medical care for Arkansans in need.
Organizers said they've dealt with computer glitches and staffing reductions, among other issues, that have prevented Medicaid recipients from receiving necessary healthcare and medications.
Additionally, workers said they have been dealing with problems for more than 20 years since the system was rolled out.
"It was no dashboard associated with the computer program," a protester said. "We had to more or less wing it. A lot of winging it was going on, but the pressures that were associated with the workers, they were expected to meet these expectations. It was unrealistic in a lot of ways, and it took a toll."
In a statement, a DHS spokesperson said their employees will continue to help Arkansas through the available programs.
"Nearly 900,000 Arkansans receive health care through Medicaid, and this is made possible by the dedicated efforts of Arkansas Department of Human Services employees all across the state," the Arkansas DHS spokesperson said. "Rather than chanting outside of one of our offices, Arkansas Community Organizations (ACO) should recognize the important work these staff members are performing to connect qualifying beneficiaries with services. While ACO may opt to continue staging attention-seeking demonstrations that are dismissive of our efforts, we will continue to assist our fellow Arkansans through the variety of programs and services DHS provides."
Anyone with questions is asked to visit any DHS office, call their helpline at 855-372-1084, or submit a question online here.