AR SCR5

Encourages the Governor to amend Arkansas's Medicaid eligibility rules to allow migrants from the Compact of Free Association islands (Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Federated States of Micronesia) to access coverage.

References that 67 atmospheric nuclear weapons were tested in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958, causing ongoing health conditions including high rates of cancer, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease among residents and descendants.

Notes that citizens of Compact of Free Association islands can legally enter and work in the United States under a Compact of Free Association treaty and many have served in the U.S. Armed Services.

States that the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 restored federal Medicaid eligibility for these migrants, requiring state law updates to reflect the federal change.

Identifies that the vast majority of Marshallese migrants reside in Hawaii and Arkansas, and that the state incurs significant uncompensated healthcare costs for services provided to this population.