Arkansas Medicaid expansion has not been repealed in 2026. The program, now called ARHOME (Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me), remains active and continues to cover adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). However, the program faces significant changes in 2026 and 2027 driven by federal legislation, new work requirements, and funding reductions that could affect coverage for tens of thousands of Arkansans. Here is what you need to know about where things stand right now.
What Is ARHOME and Why Does It Matter?
Arkansas expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act starting January 1, 2014. The state took a unique approach: rather than enrolling low-income adults in traditional Medicaid, Arkansas uses Medicaid dollars to purchase private commercial insurance plans for eligible adults. This model launched as the "Private Option" in 2014, was renamed Arkansas Works, and is now called ARHOME.
As of early 2026, approximately 217,000 Arkansans are enrolled in ARHOME. The program covers adults who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid but cannot afford marketplace coverage without heavy subsidies. Without ARHOME, most of these individuals would be uninsured.
Arkansas was the first state in the country to use this private insurance model for Medicaid expansion, and it has influenced how other states approach the program.
Current Income Limits for ARHOME in 2026
To qualify for ARHOME, adults ages 19 to 64 must have income at or below 138% FPL. Arkansas updates its income limits on April 1 each year, so the figures below reflect the updated 2026 thresholds:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $22,025 | $1,836 |
| 2 | $29,685 | $2,474 |
| 3 | $37,345 | $3,112 |
| 4 | $45,540 | $3,795 |
| 5 | $53,735 | $4,478 |
| 6 | $62,090 | $5,174 |
These limits apply to ARHOME only. Other Medicaid categories (children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities) have different income thresholds and separate rules.
Income Limits for Other Arkansas Medicaid Programs
| Program | Who It Covers | Income Limit |
|---|
| ARKids A | Children 0 to 18 | Up to 211% FPL |
| ARKids B | Children 0 to 18 | Up to 317% FPL (cost-sharing) |
| Pregnant Women | During pregnancy + 60 days postpartum | Up to 213% FPL |
| Traditional Medicaid | Seniors and people with disabilities | Income and asset limits vary |
Is Arkansas Repealing Medicaid Expansion?
No. As of May 2026, there is no active state-level effort to repeal Medicaid expansion in Arkansas. The Arkansas legislature has not passed or introduced repeal legislation. ARHOME continues to operate with bipartisan support.
The confusion around "repeal" largely stems from two sources: federal legislative proposals that would reduce Medicaid funding nationwide, and the ongoing debate about work requirements. Neither of these is a repeal, but both carry the potential to reduce enrollment significantly.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and What It Means for Arkansas
The federal budget legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is the most significant threat to ARHOME coverage in 2026 and beyond. The legislation, which passed the House in 2025, includes sweeping changes to Medicaid funding and eligibility rules.
Key provisions affecting Arkansas:
Work and Community Engagement Requirements. The OBBBA mandates that all Medicaid expansion states implement work and community engagement requirements by January 1, 2027. Arkansas DHS launched a soft implementation phase on July 1, 2026. During this soft phase, no one loses coverage for failing to meet requirements. Enforcement begins January 1, 2027.
FMAP Incentive Reduction. The legislation eliminated a temporary 5-percentage-point enhanced federal match that states received for expanding Medicaid. This reduces federal dollars flowing to Arkansas, increasing the state's financial burden.
Provider Payment Cuts. Analysis estimates the OBBBA will cut State Directed Payments by approximately $739 million for Arkansas providers over the legislation's timeline. These cuts threaten provider reimbursement rates and could reduce available healthcare services.
Projected Coverage Losses. According to analysis from Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families, an estimated 131,000 Arkansans could lose health insurance coverage over the next decade as a result of the law, with another 57,000 at risk of losing coverage.
Mandatory In-Person Verification. The OBBBA requires in-person eligibility verification every six months for expansion enrollees, creating additional administrative burdens that could result in coverage gaps for people who are technically eligible but fail to complete paperwork on time.
Arkansas ARHOME Work Requirements: What You Need to Know
Arkansas DHS began a soft rollout of community engagement requirements on July 1, 2026. Here is how the requirements work:
Who must comply: Non-exempt ARHOME enrollees (adults ages 19 to 64 not in an exemption category).
What counts: Work, job training, education, volunteering, or other qualifying activities totaling at least 80 hours per month (20 hours per week).
Who is exempt:
- Pregnant and postpartum women
- Caregivers of children age 13 and under
- Individuals with disabilities or serious medical conditions
- Veterans with a total disability rating
- Individuals actively participating in addiction treatment
- People with intellectual or developmental disabilities
Timeline:
- July 1, 2026: Soft implementation begins. DHS runs automated checks but no penalties apply.
- January 1, 2027: Enforcement begins. Non-compliant enrollees who are not exempt have 30 days to show compliance before benefits are suspended.
DHS is using the soft implementation period to educate enrollees, refine processes, and identify areas for improvement before full enforcement starts.
Important: If you receive a letter about work requirements, read it carefully. Even during the soft phase, you should verify whether you fall into an exempt category. Applying for an exemption before enforcement begins can protect your coverage.
How to Apply for ARHOME in 2026
If you do not currently have Medicaid and think you may qualify, here are the steps to apply:
Step 1: Check your income. Use the income limits table above to see if your household falls at or below 138% FPL. You can also use our free benefits screener to check eligibility across multiple programs at once.
Step 2: Gather documents. You will typically need:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, state ID, or passport)
- Proof of Arkansas residency
- Social Security number
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or employer letter)
- Immigration documents if applicable
Step 3: Apply online. Visit the Arkansas Access Portal at access.arkansas.gov to apply online. This is the fastest method. Most applications are processed within 45 days, though many are approved faster.
Step 4: Apply by phone or in person. Call Arkansas DHS at 1-855-372-1084. Or visit your local DHS county office. Use the DHS office locator to find the nearest location.
Step 5: Respond to requests. After submitting, DHS may request additional documentation. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
Step 6: Receive your determination. You will receive written notice of approval or denial. If approved for ARHOME, you will be enrolled in a private health insurance plan and receive a member ID card.
What Happens If You Already Have ARHOME
If you are currently enrolled in ARHOME, your coverage continues as of May 2026. You should:
- Watch for mail from DHS. Letters about community engagement requirements, eligibility reviews, or re-enrollment periods require action.
- Report income changes. If your income changes significantly, report it to DHS. An income increase above 138% FPL could shift you to marketplace coverage with premium tax credits.
- Understand the July 2026 soft launch. You may receive information about work requirements starting mid-2026. Review your exemption status. If you are not exempt, start tracking your qualifying hours now before enforcement begins in January 2027.
- Verify your contact information. DHS sends notices by mail. Make sure your address is current to avoid missing important correspondence.
Other Arkansas Medicaid Programs
ARHOME is just one part of the Arkansas Medicaid system. Other programs may apply depending on your situation:
ARKids First. Medicaid coverage for children under 19. ARKids A covers children up to 211% FPL at no cost. ARKids B covers children up to 317% FPL with small cost-sharing requirements.
Pregnant Women Medicaid. Covers prenatal and delivery care for pregnant women up to 213% FPL. Note: Arkansas is currently the only state without extended postpartum Medicaid coverage beyond 60 days after delivery, though legislative efforts to change this have been discussed.
Long-Term Care and Aged, Blind, Disabled. Traditional Medicaid for seniors and people with disabilities. These programs have income and asset tests that differ from ARHOME.
ARChoices. Home and community-based services for adults with disabilities and elderly individuals who need help to remain in their homes.
Will Arkansas Medicaid Expansion Be Repealed?
No state legislature has formally moved to repeal Medicaid expansion in Arkansas. However, federal funding cuts and administrative changes could functionally reduce the program's reach over the next several years. The CBO has projected that nationwide Medicaid work requirements and eligibility checks mandated by the OBBBA could reduce Medicaid enrollment significantly.
The most realistic scenario for 2026 through 2027 is not a formal repeal but a gradual reduction in enrollment through:
- Work requirement enforcement removing non-compliant adults starting January 2027
- More frequent eligibility verification creating administrative barriers
- Provider payment reductions reducing healthcare access even for those who retain coverage
- State budget pressure from reduced federal match potentially leading to program restrictions
If you are currently uninsured and potentially eligible for ARHOME, applying now under current rules is your best option. Income limits and eligibility criteria are unchanged as of mid-2026.
Use our free screener to check your eligibility for ARHOME and other Arkansas benefits programs, or visit the Arkansas benefits page for a full overview of programs available in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arkansas Medicaid expansion being repealed in 2026?
No. Arkansas Medicaid expansion (ARHOME) has not been repealed and no repeal legislation is currently active. The program continues to cover adults up to 138% FPL. Federal funding changes and new work requirements create challenges but are not the same as repeal.
What is ARHOME?
ARHOME stands for Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me. It is Arkansas's version of Medicaid expansion, covering adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% FPL. Unlike traditional Medicaid, ARHOME enrollees receive coverage through private commercial insurance plans purchased with Medicaid dollars.
What are the income limits for Arkansas Medicaid in 2026?
For ARHOME, the 2026 income limit is $22,025 per year (about $1,836 per month) for a single adult. For a family of four, the limit is $45,540 per year (about $3,795 per month). These limits updated on April 1, 2026.
When do ARHOME work requirements start?
The soft implementation phase began July 1, 2026, with no penalties. Full enforcement starts January 1, 2027. Enrollees who are not exempt must complete 80 hours per month of qualifying activities or risk suspension of benefits 30 days after a compliance notice.
Who is exempt from Arkansas Medicaid work requirements?
Exemptions include: pregnant and postpartum women, caregivers of children under 14, individuals with disabilities or serious medical conditions, veterans with a total disability rating, and individuals in addiction treatment. Contact DHS at 1-855-372-1084 or log in to your account at access.arkansas.gov to check your exemption status.
How do I apply for Arkansas Medicaid in 2026?
Apply online at access.arkansas.gov, by calling DHS at 1-855-372-1084, or in person at a local DHS county office. You will need proof of identity, Arkansas residency, income, and your Social Security number.
How many people are on ARHOME?
As of early 2026, approximately 217,000 Arkansans are enrolled in ARHOME. Total Arkansas Medicaid enrollment, including all categories, covers nearly 950,000 residents.
What is the Big Beautiful Bill and how does it affect Arkansas Medicaid?
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act is federal budget legislation that includes major Medicaid changes. For Arkansas, it mandates work requirements for ARHOME, reduces federal funding incentives for expansion, requires more frequent in-person eligibility checks, and cuts provider payments by an estimated $739 million. Analysts project 131,000 Arkansans could lose coverage over the next decade as a result.
Will ARHOME enrollees be automatically enrolled in work requirements?
No, you will not be automatically enrolled in a compliance category. DHS will send notifications about your status beginning mid-2026. Review any mail from DHS carefully and contact the agency if you believe you qualify for an exemption.
