Arkansas Medicaid: Income Limits, Eligibility and How to Apply
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Medicaid in Arkansas is run by the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Arkansas adopted the Affordable Care Act expansion in 2014, through ARHOME, which buys private marketplace plans for expansion adults, so an adult under 65 qualifies on income alone at or below 138% of the poverty guideline: $1,835 a month for one person in 2026. Children are covered through ARKids First, and the application is at access.arkansas.gov or 800-482-5431. Every figure below is dated 2026-09-23.
| Program | Arkansas Medicaid, with ARHOME for expansion adults |
|---|---|
| Children | ARKids First |
| Agency | Arkansas Department of Human Services |
| Apply | access.arkansas.gov · 800-482-5431 |
| Expansion | Yes, since 2014 |
| Adult income limit, 2026 | $22,025 a year for one person; $45,540 for four |
| Work requirement | July 1, 2026 (soft launch; no penalties before January 1, 2027) |
Who qualifies in Arkansas
Adults 19 to 64 not on Medicare qualify at or below 138% of poverty (133% plus a 5% disregard), on household modified adjusted gross income, with no asset test. The 2026 figures:
| Household size | Annual income at 138% | Monthly | 100% of poverty (marketplace floor) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,835 | $15,960 |
| 2 | $29,863 | $2,489 | $21,640 |
| 3 | $37,702 | $3,142 | $27,320 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 | $33,000 |
| 5 | $53,378 | $4,448 | $38,680 |
Computed from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines (January 15, 2026).
Children (ARKids First), pregnant women, parents, seniors and people with disabilities use other limits that Arkansas sets above the federal minimums.
How Arkansas compares
Arkansas expanded on the first day it could, January 1, 2014, with the original group of states. It is also one of 4 states (Arkansas, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska) starting the work requirement before the federal deadline. The program's own name, Arkansas Medicaid, with ARHOME for expansion adults, is what appears on cards and letters; "Medicaid" may not appear at all, which confuses people who move here.
How to apply for Arkansas Medicaid, with ARHOME for expansion adults
- Apply online at access.arkansas.gov, or call 800-482-5431. HealthCare.gov also takes Medicaid applications and forwards them to Arkansas. There is no enrollment period; any day works.
- Report this month's income.
A Arkansas Medicaid, with ARHOME for expansion adults case also qualifies you for a free phone (Arkansas carriers, paperwork) and shares documents with Arkansas SNAP.
What changes in Arkansas
Arkansas has set its own start for the federal work requirement: July 1, 2026 (soft launch; no penalties before January 1, 2027). Six-month renewals for expansion adults begin with renewals scheduled on or after January 1, 2027. The nationwide changes are on the hub with CMS sources.
Arkansas specifics
- Arkansas began a soft launch of its work and community engagement requirement on July 1, 2026, with no coverage loss until January 1, 2027.
- Offices serve Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville and every county; hospitals and health centers also employ enrollment assisters.
Whether Arkansas Medicaid, with ARHOME for expansion adults pays for dental or weight-loss drugs is Arkansas's choice; see does Medicaid cover.
Common questions
What is the Medicaid income limit in Arkansas for 2026?
$22,025 a year for one adult, $29,863 for two and $45,540 for four (138% of the 2026 poverty guideline); children go higher through ARKids First.
Does Arkansas have a Medicaid work requirement?
Yes: Arkansas has set July 1, 2026 (soft launch; no penalties before January 1, 2027), for expansion adults 19 to 64 (80 hours a month, with exemptions listed on the hub).
Sources
- Arkansas Medicaid, with ARHOME for expansion adults: state program page
- HHS: 2026 poverty guidelines
- HealthCare.gov: Medicaid expansion and you (138%)
- Federal Register: community engagement interim final rule (June 3, 2026)
- CMS: 2025 law section-by-section overview
Gov-Grants.org is an independent guide, not a carrier and not a government agency. We never charge fees, and every fact above links to its source with the date we checked it. Program details change; confirm on the official site before applying.