If you live in Arkansas and need affordable health coverage, Medicaid could be your best option in 2026. Arkansas is one of the states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and the program now covers low-income adults, children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. Understanding the eligibility rules, income limits, and application process can help you get covered faster.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Arkansas Medicaid eligibility in 2026, including the latest income thresholds, program options, and how to apply.
How Arkansas Medicaid Works in 2026
Arkansas operates several Medicaid programs under different names depending on who is being covered:
- ARHOME (formerly Arkansas Works) covers adults ages 19 to 64
- ARKids First (ARKids A and ARKids B) covers children under 19
- Pregnancy Medicaid covers pregnant women with higher income limits
- Traditional Medicaid covers seniors, people with disabilities, and SSI recipients
Each program has its own income limits, but none of the programs for adults, children, or pregnant women require asset tests. Only seniors and people with disabilities face asset limits.
Want to quickly check if you qualify? Use our free benefits screener to find out in minutes.
2026 Income Limits for ARHOME (Adults 19 to 64)
ARHOME provides Medicaid coverage to adults ages 19 to 64 with income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The 2026 FPL is $15,960 for an individual.
Important timing note: Applications submitted before April 1, 2026 are evaluated using 2025 income limits. Applications submitted on or after April 1, 2026 use the updated 2026 limits shown below.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (April 2026) | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,836 | $22,032 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,868 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $37,704 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $53,376 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,212 |
Before April 1, the limits are slightly lower (for example, $1,800 per month for an individual). ARHOME has no asset limits, so your savings, vehicles, and home do not count against you.
ARKids First Income Limits 2026 (Children Under 19)
Arkansas provides two tiers of children's health coverage through ARKids First:
- ARKids A (up to 142% FPL): Free coverage with no premiums or copays
- ARKids B (142% to 211% FPL): Low-cost coverage with small copays
| Household Size | ARKids A Monthly Limit (April 2026) | ARKids B Monthly Limit (April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | $2,561 | $3,806 |
| 3 | $3,233 | $4,804 |
| 4 | $3,905 | $5,803 |
ARKids has no asset limits. All children under 19 who meet the income requirements qualify. Newborns are automatically covered for one year if the mother had Medicaid at the time of birth.
Pregnancy Medicaid Income Limits 2026
Pregnant women in Arkansas qualify for Medicaid with income up to 209% of the Federal Poverty Level. The unborn child counts as a member of the household, so a single pregnant woman counts as a household of two.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit (April 2026) |
|---|---|
| 2 (mother plus baby) | $3,769 |
| 3 | $4,758 |
| 4 | $5,746 |
Pregnancy Medicaid covers prenatal care, labor and delivery, postpartum care for 12 months, prescription medications, and emergency services. No asset limits apply, and coverage begins immediately upon approval.
Medicaid for Seniors and People with Disabilities
Seniors and individuals with disabilities have different eligibility rules that include both income and asset limits.
| Category | 2026 Monthly Income Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|
| SSI Individual | $994 | $2,000 |
| SSI Couple | $1,491 | $3,000 |
| Nursing Home (Long-Term Care) | $2,982 | $2,000 |
| QMB (Medicare Savings) | $1,350 | Varies |
These limits became effective January 1, 2026. Unlike other Medicaid categories, seniors and people with disabilities must meet asset limits in addition to income limits.
How to Apply for Arkansas Medicaid: Step by Step
Applying for Arkansas Medicaid is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before you start, collect the following for everyone in your household:
- Social Security numbers
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letters)
- Proof of Arkansas residency (utility bill, lease, or ID)
- Date of birth and citizenship or immigration status documentation
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
You can apply through any of these channels:
- Online: Visit access.arkansas.gov to submit your application through the state portal
- Phone: Call the Arkansas DHS at 1-855-372-1084 (Monday through Friday)
- In person: Visit your local DHS county office
- Mail: Download an application from the DHS website and mail it to your local county office
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Complete the application with accurate information about your household size, income, and expenses. Double-check all details before submitting.
Step 4: Attend Your Interview (If Required)
Some applicants may need to complete a phone or in-person interview. DHS will notify you if this is required.
Step 5: Receive Your Determination
Arkansas DHS typically processes Medicaid applications within 45 days (90 days for disability-related applications). You will receive a notice by mail with the decision.
Step 6: Enroll in a Health Plan
Once approved, you may need to choose a managed care plan or primary care provider. ARHOME enrollees are typically enrolled in private marketplace plans paid for by Medicaid.
Not sure if you qualify? Check your eligibility now with our free screening tool.
What Does Arkansas Medicaid Cover?
Arkansas Medicaid covers a wide range of medical services, including:
- Doctor visits and specialist care
- Hospital stays (inpatient and outpatient)
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment
- Lab work and diagnostic tests
- Preventive care and immunizations
- Emergency room visits
- Dental care (limited for adults, comprehensive for children)
- Vision care
- Transportation to medical appointments
ARHOME enrollees receive coverage through qualified health plans on the marketplace, which may offer additional benefits depending on the plan selected.
What Makes Arkansas Medicaid Unique
Arkansas was one of the first states to take a different approach to Medicaid expansion. Instead of enrolling expansion adults directly into traditional Medicaid, Arkansas uses a "private option" model now called ARHOME (Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me). Under this model, Medicaid funds are used to purchase private insurance plans on the marketplace for eligible adults.
This means ARHOME enrollees often have access to the same provider networks as people with private insurance, which can make it easier to find doctors and specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for Arkansas Medicaid in 2026?
Adults ages 19 to 64 earning up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level ($1,836 per month for an individual as of April 2026) qualify through ARHOME. Children under 19 qualify through ARKids First at higher income levels. Pregnant women qualify at up to 209% FPL. Seniors and people with disabilities have separate income and asset limits.
What is the difference between ARHOME and traditional Medicaid?
ARHOME covers adults ages 19 to 64 through private insurance plans purchased on the marketplace using Medicaid funds. Traditional Medicaid covers seniors, people with disabilities, and certain other groups through the state Medicaid program directly.
Can I apply for Arkansas Medicaid at any time?
Yes. Unlike marketplace insurance, Medicaid does not have an open enrollment period. You can apply at any time during the year. If you are eligible, coverage can begin as early as the month you apply.
How long does it take to get approved?
Arkansas DHS processes most Medicaid applications within 45 days. Applications based on disability may take up to 90 days.
What if I earn too much for Medicaid?
If your income is above Medicaid limits but still moderate, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through the ACA Marketplace at healthcare.gov. Use our benefits screener to check all programs you might qualify for, including SNAP, LIHEAP, and other assistance.
Does Arkansas Medicaid cover dental and vision?
Children on ARKids receive comprehensive dental and vision coverage. Adult dental and vision coverage through ARHOME is more limited but available. Check with your plan for specific covered services.
What documents do I need to apply?
You will need proof of identity, Social Security numbers for household members, proof of income, and proof of Arkansas residency. Having these documents ready can speed up the application process.
Next Steps
Understanding your eligibility is the first step toward getting the health coverage you need. Arkansas offers several Medicaid programs with different income limits, so even if you do not qualify for one program, you may qualify for another.
Take the guesswork out of the process by using our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Medicaid and other programs in just a few minutes. You can also explore more about state programs on our Arkansas Benefits Overview page.
For questions or help with your application, contact Arkansas DHS at 1-855-372-1084 or visit access.arkansas.gov.
