Arkansas Medicaid covers hundreds of thousands of low-income residents through several distinct programs, each with its own income threshold. If you are wondering whether you qualify in 2026, the answer depends on your age, household size, and which program category you fall under. This guide breaks down the current income limits for every major Arkansas Medicaid program, explains how the numbers work, and walks you through how to apply.
How Arkansas Medicaid Is Structured
Arkansas runs its Medicaid program through the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS). The state expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, which means low-income adults without children can qualify for coverage through a program now called ARHOME. Before expansion, adults without dependent children were generally shut out of Medicaid in Arkansas.
The main program categories are:
- ARHOME (adults ages 19 to 64, expanded Medicaid)
- ARKids A (children under 19 at lower income levels, free coverage)
- ARKids B (children at moderate income levels, CHIP coverage with small copays)
- Pregnancy coverage (higher income limits for pregnant women)
- SSI-related Medicaid (elderly, blind, and disabled individuals)
- Long-term care Medicaid (nursing home and home-based care for seniors)
Income limits are set as a percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). The 2026 FPL for a household of one is $15,060 per year. Most MAGI-based programs (ARHOME, ARKids, pregnancy) updated their income thresholds on April 1, 2026. SSI-related programs updated on January 1, 2026.
ARHOME Income Limits 2026 (Adults 19 to 64)
ARHOME covers adults who earn up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. There are no asset limits for this program.
| Household Size | Monthly Income Limit | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,836 | $22,025 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $29,873 |
| 3 | $3,143 | $37,721 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $45,540 |
| 5 | $4,449 | $53,388 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $61,212 |
| 7 | $5,755 | $69,060 |
| 8 | $6,408 | $76,908 |
If your income falls at or below these figures, you likely qualify for ARHOME coverage. These limits apply to applications submitted on or after April 1, 2026. Applications submitted before April 1 use 2025 limits.
ARKids A and B Income Limits 2026 (Children Under 19)
ARKids A provides free coverage with no premiums or copays for children in lower-income households. ARKids B covers children at slightly higher income levels through the CHIP program, with small copays.
ARKids A covers children up to 142% of the FPL.
ARKids B covers children from 142% to 211% of the FPL.
| Household Size | ARKids A Monthly Limit (142% FPL) | ARKids B Monthly Limit (211% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,889 | $2,806 |
| 2 | $2,561 | $3,806 |
| 3 | $3,233 | $4,805 |
| 4 | $3,905 | $5,803 |
| 5 | $4,577 | $6,801 |
| 6 | $5,249 | $7,799 |
Children who exceed the ARKids B income limit may still qualify for subsidized coverage through the ACA Marketplace. Use the free screener at BenefitsUSA to check all options at once.
Pregnancy Coverage Income Limits 2026
Pregnant women qualify for Arkansas Medicaid at 209% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is significantly higher than the ARHOME limit. When calculating income for a pregnant woman, the unborn child counts as a household member, which further raises the income threshold.
| Household Size (Including Unborn) | Monthly Income Limit (209% FPL) |
|---|
| 2 (pregnant woman counted as 2) | $4,253 |
| 3 | $5,371 |
| 4 | $6,490 |
| 5 | $7,608 |
| 6 | $8,726 |
Coverage for pregnant women includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care for 12 months after the birth.
SSI-Related Medicaid Income Limits 2026 (Elderly and Disabled)
SSI-related Medicaid serves Arkansas residents who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. These limits updated on January 1, 2026, and are tied to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit amounts rather than the FPL percentage.
| Category | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|
| Individual | $994 |
| Couple | $1,491 |
Asset limits apply to SSI-related programs: $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple. Certain assets are exempt, including your primary home, one vehicle, and personal belongings.
Long-Term Care Medicaid
For seniors who need nursing home care or home-based services through the PACE program, different income and asset rules apply. Long-term care Medicaid uses a spend-down process where income above a threshold goes toward the cost of care. This area is complex, and consulting a benefits counselor is recommended before applying.
What Counts as Income
Arkansas uses MAGI (Modified Adjusted Gross Income) to determine eligibility for ARHOME, ARKids, and pregnancy coverage. MAGI includes:
- Wages and salaries
- Self-employment income
- Social Security income (if taxable)
- Alimony received (for pre-2019 agreements)
- Rental income
MAGI does not count child support received, most Social Security disability payments for non-tax filers, and certain other non-taxable income sources.
Work and Community Engagement Requirements (Starting 2027)
Arkansas has approved new community engagement requirements for ARHOME enrollees. Starting July 1, 2026, the state will run a soft implementation to educate beneficiaries. Full enforcement begins January 1, 2027.
Under the requirement, ARHOME enrollees ages 19 to 64 must complete at least 80 hours per month of qualifying activities. Activities that count include:
- Employment
- Vocational education or job training
- Volunteer work
- Community service
Certain groups are exempt from the work requirement, including:
- Pregnant and postpartum women
- Individuals with a disability or serious medical condition
- Disabled veterans
- Primary caregivers of a dependent child or adult
- Individuals in substance use disorder treatment
If you receive ARHOME coverage, update your contact information in your Access Arkansas account now so you receive notices about the new requirements. You can update your address, phone, and email at access.arkansas.gov or by calling 1-855-372-1084.
How to Apply for Arkansas Medicaid
Arkansas has three ways to apply. Most people find the online portal fastest.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Before applying, collect:
- Proof of identity (driver's license, passport, or state ID)
- Proof of Arkansas residency (utility bill, lease, or bank statement)
- Social Security numbers for all household members applying
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter)
- Immigration documents if applicable
Step 2: Choose Your Application Method
Online (Fastest): Go to access.arkansas.gov and create an account. You can apply for the entire household in one application. The portal also lets you upload documents, check your status, and update your information.
By Phone: Call the Arkansas Medicaid helpline at 1-855-372-1084. A representative can walk you through the application.
In Person: Visit your local DHS county office. Bring all documents listed above. You can find your nearest office at humanservices.arkansas.gov.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Submit your completed application with supporting documents. DHS is required to make an eligibility determination within 45 days for most applicants (90 days if disability is being evaluated).
Step 4: Watch for Your Notice
DHS will mail or send an electronic notice with the decision. If approved, you will receive a Medicaid card and information about choosing a health plan if applicable. If denied, the notice will explain the reason and how to appeal.
Step 5: Renewal
Arkansas has returned to annual renewals. You will receive a renewal packet by mail or through your Access Arkansas account. Respond promptly to avoid a gap in coverage.
Not sure if you qualify? The BenefitsUSA screener checks Medicaid eligibility alongside SNAP, CHIP, and other programs in about two minutes. You can also visit the Arkansas benefits page for information on other assistance programs in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Arkansas Medicaid for a single person in 2026?
A single adult applying for ARHOME (the standard expansion program) can earn up to $1,836 per month or $22,025 per year. For SSI-related Medicaid, the limit is $994 per month. Pregnant women have a higher limit at 209% of the FPL.
Does Arkansas have expanded Medicaid?
Yes. Arkansas expanded Medicaid under the ACA and covers adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level through the ARHOME program.
Can I have assets and still qualify for Arkansas Medicaid?
For ARHOME, ARKids, and pregnancy coverage, there are no asset limits. SSI-related Medicaid does have asset limits: $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
What are the income limits for ARKids in Arkansas in 2026?
ARKids A covers children up to 142% of the FPL, and ARKids B covers children from 142% to 211% of the FPL. For a family of four, the ARKids A monthly limit is approximately $3,905 and the ARKids B limit is approximately $5,803.
Will Arkansas Medicaid have work requirements?
Arkansas approved community engagement requirements for ARHOME enrollees. The state begins a soft rollout on July 1, 2026, but will not enforce penalties until January 1, 2027. The requirement is 80 hours per month. Many groups are exempt, including disabled individuals, caregivers, pregnant women, and veterans.
How long does it take to get approved for Arkansas Medicaid?
Most applications receive a decision within 45 days. Applications involving a disability determination can take up to 90 days. You will receive a written notice by mail or through your Access Arkansas account.
What is the phone number for Arkansas Medicaid?
You can call 1-855-372-1084 for the main Arkansas Medicaid enrollment line or 1-800-482-8988 for the general DHS helpline.
Can undocumented immigrants get Arkansas Medicaid?
Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for full Medicaid coverage. However, Emergency Medicaid covers pregnancy-related care and life-threatening emergency services regardless of immigration status.
Do I need to renew Arkansas Medicaid?
Yes. Arkansas requires annual renewals. You will receive a renewal packet by mail or through Access Arkansas. Missing the renewal deadline can result in coverage loss.
What if I am slightly over the income limit?
If you earn slightly above the ARHOME income limit, you may qualify for subsidized health insurance through the federal Marketplace at healthcare.gov. Depending on your income, you could receive significant premium tax credits that make coverage affordable. Use the BenefitsUSA screener to see your options.
