Legislators seek health program waiver for Marshallese immigrants (UALR Public Radio) - Between 6,000 and 8,000 immigrants from the Marshall Islands live legally in northwest Arkansas, but those residents don't have access to most government-funded health care programs. The situation is prompting some state legislators to seek federal assistance.

The Marshallese are in Arkansas through a compact with the Marshall Islands and the United States. Health officials say the immigrants are arriving with diseases and that rules often prevent the immigrants from being treated under ARKids First, Medicaid or Medicare. Cases of tuberculosis, syphilis and leprosy are much more common in the immigrant group than in the general population.

State Senator Bill Pritchard of Elkins says the situation poses a public health threat. He says an outbreak of a serious disease could become a statewide problem.

Pritchard and other legislators have agreed to draw up a resolution asking the state congressional delegation for funds to provide health care to the Marshallese.

Most of the Marshallese immigrants work in the poultry industry.

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