Arkansas Medicaid provides health insurance to eligible residents who need help paying for medical care. A key part of the state’s coverage for adults is the Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me program, known as ARHOME.
The ARHOME program uses federal Medicaid funding to buy private health insurance from participating carriers for eligible adults. This program replaced the previous Arkansas Works program on January 1, 2022 and is administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services.
If you are an adult between the ages of 19 and 64, live in Arkansas, and meet income and eligibility requirements, ARHOME could provide you with health coverage.
ARHOME and Who Qualifies?
ARHOME stands for Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me. It is a Medicaid expansion program that helps adults who do not qualify for traditional Medicaid coverage but still meet income and residency rules. The program uses Medicaid funds to purchase private health insurance from approved carriers.
To qualify for ARHOME you must:
- Be a resident of Arkansas.
- Be between the ages of 19 and 64.
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a qualified immigrant.
- Meet income limits based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For most adults, this is up to 138 percent of the FPL. For a single person in 2026, this is roughly $22,000 per year, but exact limits adjust based on household size.
Traditional Medicaid rules for children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities are separate from ARHOME.
If you do not fit those categories but have low income, ARHOME may be the right pathway for coverage.
How Does ARHOME Work?
ARHOME provides health coverage by purchasing private insurance plans on your behalf. Members receive insurance cards from carriers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield or Ambetter and use those cards when they visit doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. You are still covered by Medicaid, but your health services come through the private carrier network.
The program also focuses on different health needs through specialized “Life360” models:
- Maternal Life360 supports high‑risk pregnant and new mothers and their babies.
- Rural Life360 targets health care access in rural communities.
- Success Life360 focuses on younger adults at higher risk for health issues.
Some members may have small premiums or copays depending on income. If your income is at or below 100 percent of the poverty level, you may owe little or no premiums, and copayments are usually limited.
If your income is between 101 percent and 138 percent of the poverty level, you may pay a modest premium.
How to Apply for ARHOME in 2026
You can apply for ARHOME through the Arkansas Department of Human Services using the main state enrollment system:
- Online: Visit the official Access Arkansas application portal to begin your application, check eligibility, and upload needed documents.
- By Phone: Call the Arkansas Medicaid customer service line to get help or start the process.
- In Person: Visit your local DHS county office for direct assistance with the application process.
When applying, you will need proof of identity, income, Social Security numbers for all applicants, and any documentation related to immigration status if you are not a U.S. citizen.
How to Check Your Enrollment Status
Once you have submitted your application, you can check the status through the Arkansas Medicaid Beneficiary Portal. This secure site lets you:
- View your plan information.
- Check claims and benefits.
- Look up your insurance ID card.
- Update your contact information.
To use the portal you will need to register for a username and password even if you have used other state sites in the past.
What Happens After You Are Approved?
If your ARHOME application is approved, you will receive information on:
- Your insurance plan and carrier.
- How to get your ID card.
- Your primary care provider options.
- How to receive services under your plan.
It is important to keep your contact information current with the Arkansas Department of Human Services so you receive renewal notices and other important correspondence.
Renewing Your ARHOME Coverage
Medicaid programs require periodic eligibility checks. Arkansas may automatically renew some members, but others will be asked to submit documentation or complete a renewal form.
If you miss a renewal deadline, your coverage could end, so always respond promptly to DHS requests.
If redetermination shows you no longer qualify for ARHOME, you may have options to enroll in other health coverage plans, including Marketplace plans, often with financial assistance.
What Are the 2026 Program Changes?
Starting July 1, 2026, Arkansas plans to begin rolling out work and community engagement requirements for many ARHOME enrollees. Healthy adults ages 19 to 64 may need to:
- Work,
- Volunteer, or
- Attend school
for at least 20 hours per week (80 hours per month). During the initial phase in 2026, there will be no penalties for non‑compliance. However, full enforcement is scheduled to begin January 1, 2027.
Certain groups are exempt from the work requirement, such as pregnant women, disabled veterans, caregivers, and people with medical needs.
This change comes from federal Medicaid rules requiring states with expansion programs to implement engagement activities.
The state will notify beneficiaries of their status and allow reporting of qualifying activities online, by phone, or through county offices.
How to Get Help Applying
If you need assistance with enrollment, Arkansas has several options:
- Contact your local DHS county office.
- Call the Arkansas Medicaid customer service line.
- Seek help from health insurance navigators who can assist with applications and answer questions.
These services are available regardless of language or income background to help you successfully complete your ARHOME application.
