Arkansas Medicaid, through the ARHOME program, provides free or low-cost coverage for families, children, and low-income adults. In 2025, a single adult may qualify if their earnings are below $21,597 per year, and a family of four might qualify if their income is under $44,367.
As Congress debates changes under the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which adds work requirements starting January 2027 and may tighten other benefit rules, knowing your Medicaid eligibility is more crucial than ever.
Key Takeaways
- Single adult limit: Up to $21,597/year (138% FPL) under ARHOME
- Family of four limit: Up to $44,367/year
- Children: May qualify at higher levels through ARKids programs
- Pregnant women: May qualify up to 214% FPL ($45,301 for family of two, $68,801 for family of four)
- Arkansas’s ARHOME model: Links health coverage with job and community support programs through December 2026
- Upcoming changes: Work requirements begin January 1, 2027 under federal legislation
Arkansas Medicaid Income Limits 2025 by Household Size
| Household Size | 100% FPL (Annual) | 138% FPL (Adults under ARHOME) | 214% FPL (Pregnant Women) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $15,650 | $21,597 | $33,491 |
| 2 person | $21,150 | $29,187 | $45,261 |
| 3 person | $26,650 | $36,777 | $57,031 |
| 4 person | $32,150 | $44,367 | $68,801 |
| 5 person | $37,650 | $51,957 | $80,571 |
| 6 person | $43,150 | $59,547 | $92,341 |
Explanation:
- Adults qualify through ARHOME up to 138% FPL
- Pregnant women qualify at higher levels, up to 214% FPL (coverage ends 60 days after birth)
- Children qualify through ARKids programs at various income levels
- Larger households have higher limits since living costs increase with family size
Example: A single adult earning $21,000 per year could qualify for ARHOME. A family of four earning $44,000 could also qualify.
ARKids First Income Limits 2025
Arkansas children may qualify for ARKids First coverage at higher income levels than adults. Current limits effective April 1, 2025:
| Family Size | ARKids A (Monthly) | ARKids B (Monthly) | ARKids A (Annual) | ARKids B (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,851.82 | $2,751.79 | $22,222 | $33,021 |
| 2 | $2,502.75 | $3,718.88 | $30,033 | $44,627 |
| 3 | $3,153.58 | $4,685.96 | $37,843 | $56,232 |
| 4 | $3,804.42 | $5,653.04 | $45,653 | $67,836 |
- ARKids A: Medicaid for children with lower family incomes
- ARKids B: CHIP program for children in families with higher incomes but still within qualifying ranges
Understanding ARHOME: Arkansas’s Medicaid Model
While many states expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, Arkansas took a different approach. Instead of enrolling most adults in the traditional Medicaid program, Arkansas uses ARHOME (Arkansas Health & Opportunity for Me), which provides coverage through private marketplace health plans paid for with Medicaid funds.
This “private option” means enrollees often use the same insurance cards and provider networks as people with regular private insurance. It also includes health and job support services to encourage independence and stability.
ARHOME replaced earlier Medicaid expansion programs like the “Private Option” and “Arkansas Works.” The current waiver runs through December 31, 2026, and serves over 188,000 adults ages 19-64. Arkansas has submitted a “Pathway to Prosperity” amendment that would add work requirements starting January 1, 2026, ahead of the federal mandate.
Who Qualifies for Medicaid in Arkansas?
Eligibility in Arkansas depends on your group:
Adults (ARHOME): Covered up to 138% FPL under the expansion model. Must be ages 19-64 and meet income requirements.
Children: Covered through ARKids First programs at various income levels. ARKids A covers children in lower-income families, while ARKids B extends coverage to families with higher incomes.
Pregnant women: Covered up to 214% FPL to ensure comprehensive maternity care. Coverage includes prenatal care, delivery, and extends for 60 days after birth. Arkansas has the shortest postpartum coverage period in the nation.
Parents: Eligible if income is within ARHOME limits when combined with their children.
Seniors and people with disabilities: Covered under different rules that consider both income and assets, along with medical needs.
Special populations: Foster youth and former foster care children are automatically eligible for coverage until age 26.
Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women
Arkansas implemented presumptive eligibility for pregnant women in 2025, allowing immediate temporary coverage while applications are processed. This addresses Arkansas’s lengthy processing times, which can exceed 45 days. Qualified providers can grant immediate temporary Medicaid coverage for pregnant women who appear eligible, ensuring early prenatal care access.
Upcoming Work Requirements
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed into federal law includes work requirements for Medicaid expansion beneficiaries:
- Implementation date: January 1, 2027
- Requirements: 80 hours per month of work, training, education, or community service
- Exemptions: Available for caregivers, students, people with disabilities, and other qualifying circumstances
- Arkansas preparation: The state has submitted an amendment to begin requirements January 1, 2026, including “Success Coaching” and Personal Development Plans
Non-compliance results in coverage suspension (not termination), with the ability to regain coverage upon meeting requirements.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Arkansas
To apply for Medicaid or ARHOME in 2025, follow these steps:
- Start your application: Visit the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) website or Medicaid.gov
- Check eligibility: Use online screening tools with your household size and income
- Gather required documents:
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements)
- Social Security numbers for all family members
- Photo identification
- Proof of Arkansas residency (state ID, lease, utility bill)
- Proof of pregnancy if applicable
- Immigration documents if applicable
- Submit your application: Online, by mail, phone, or at your local DHS office
- Follow up: Report income changes promptly as they may affect eligibility
- Interview: Some applicants may need to complete a phone or in-person interview
Applications can be submitted at local County DHS offices, which is particularly helpful for people in rural areas with limited internet access.
Alternatives If You Don’t Qualify
If you don’t meet Medicaid or ARHOME requirements, other options include:
ARKids First: Covers children in families with incomes above Medicaid limits but within ARKids ranges. Benefits include doctor visits, hospital care, dental services, and vision care.
ACA Marketplace Plans: Available through HealthCare.gov with premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions. Many Arkansas families qualify for plans with low monthly premiums.
Community Health Centers: Federally qualified health centers throughout Arkansas offer sliding-scale fees based on income and family size.
Hospital Charity Care: Many Arkansas hospitals provide financial assistance programs for uninsured patients, with eligibility based on income and medical debt.
Free and Charitable Clinics: Volunteer-run clinics in various communities provide basic healthcare services at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum income for a single adult to qualify for Medicaid in Arkansas in 2025?
A: About $21,597 per year under ARHOME (138% of the federal poverty level).
Q: Does Arkansas cover adults without children?
A: Yes. Through ARHOME, childless adults qualify up to 138% FPL, provided they meet other eligibility requirements.
Q: What are the income limits for pregnant women in Arkansas?
A: Pregnant women can qualify up to 214% of the federal poverty level. Coverage extends for 60 days after birth.
Q: What is ARKids First?
A: ARKids First is Arkansas’s children’s health insurance program, including both Medicaid (ARKids A) and CHIP (ARKids B) components, providing coverage for children above regular Medicaid income limits.
Q: How often are income limits updated?
A: Income limits are updated annually when the Department of Health and Human Services releases new federal poverty guidelines, typically in January or February.
Q: Where can I apply for Arkansas Medicaid or ARHOME?
A: Through the Arkansas DHS website, Medicaid.gov, by phone, or at your local DHS county office.
Q: When do work requirements start?
A: Federal work requirements begin January 1, 2027. Arkansas may implement its own version starting January 1, 2026.
Conclusion
Arkansas Medicaid, through the ARHOME program, provides essential healthcare coverage for families, children, and adults across the state. With 2025 income limits based on federal poverty guidelines, many residents can access affordable healthcare through various programs.
The upcoming work requirements represent a significant change starting in 2027, making it important for current and potential beneficiaries to understand the evolving landscape. Arkansas’s unique approach through ARHOME continues to serve as a model for other states, combining traditional Medicaid benefits with private insurance options and support services.
