Last month, Congress passed a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package, part of which restores Medicaid to the Arkansas Marshallese and other Pacific Island migrants.

• Thousands of those residing in the US under a Compact of Free Association will be able to qualify.
• The Marshallese community has been hit hard by the COVID-19, with over 3,100 cases (25% of the Arkansas population) since March, and 52 deaths recorded.
• The CDC and State of Arkansas have stepped in to provide necessary PPE and education for the Marshallese people. However, many decline workplace insurance and have had no good way to receive medical care since the 1980s.

• Listen to the full story on KUAF.