Last Updated: January 2026
Arkansas Medicaid income limits for 2026 are split by category. Limits for seniors and people with disabilities increased on January 1, 2026.
Limits for adults, children, and pregnant women will be updated on April 1, 2026, based on the new Federal Poverty Level.
Quick Summary:
- SSI-related limits (seniors, disabled) are active now at $994/month for individuals
- ARHOME adult limits will increase to $1,836/month in April 2026
- ARKids income limits range from $1,889 to $5,803 per month by April
- Pregnancy Medicaid covers up to 209% of federal poverty level
- Long-term care limit is $2,982/month with $2,000 asset cap
- No asset limits for adults, children, or pregnant women
Arkansas Medicaid Income Limits 2026 (Monthly & Annual)
Arkansas uses different income limits for different groups. The 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines were released in January 2026.
These new numbers determine who qualifies for Medicaid.
Two main schedules exist:
SSI-Related (Seniors & Disabilities): Active now since January 1, 2026.
MAGI (Adults, Kids, Families): Will update April 1, 2026.
If you apply before April 1, you use the 2025 limits. If you apply on or after April 1, you use the 2026 limits.
The 2026 Federal Poverty Level is $15,960 for one person. Arkansas calculates Medicaid income limits as percentages of this amount.
ARHOME Income Limits 2026 (Adults)
ARHOME provides Medicaid coverage for low-income adults ages 19-64. The income limit is set at 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Current limits (until March 31, 2026):
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,800 |
| 2 | $2,443 |
| 3 | $3,087 |
| 4 | $3,731 |
| 5 | $4,376 |
Updated limits (starting April 1, 2026):
| Family Size | Monthly Income Limit | 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 |
ARHOME has no asset limits. Only income counts. You do not need to report savings, cars, or homes.
Source: Arkansas Department of Human Services
Arkansas Medicaid Income Limits 2025 (Comparison)
The primary change from 2025 to 2026 is the Federal Poverty Level increase. The base income threshold rose from $15,650 to $15,960 for individuals.
Adults & Families (ARHOME) – Changes Effective April 1, 2026:
| Family Size | Current (2025) | Upcoming (April 2026) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,800 | $1,836 | +$36 |
| 2 | $2,443 | $2,489 | +$46 |
| 3 | $3,087 | $3,142 | +$55 |
| 4 | $3,731 | $3,795 | +$64 |
| 5 | $4,376 | $4,448 | +$72 |
Seniors & Medicare Savings (SSI) – Active January 1, 2026:
| Category | 2025 Limit | 2026 Limit (Now Active) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI Individual | $967 | $994 | +$27 |
| SSI Couple | $1,450 | $1,491 | +$41 |
| QMB (Medicare Help) | $1,325 | $1,350 | +$25 |
| Long-Term Care | $2,901 | $2,982 | +$81 |
Applications submitted before April 1, 2026, are evaluated using 2025 limits. Applications on or after April 1 use the new 2026 limits.
ARKids A & ARKids B Income Limits 2025–2026
ARKids First provides health coverage for children under 19. Two levels exist based on income.
ARKids A (0-142% FPL): Free coverage with no copays.
ARKids B (142-211% FPL): Low-cost coverage with small copays.
ARKids A Monthly Income Limits (No Cost):
| Family Size | 2025 Limit | 2026 Limit (April) | ARKids B 2025 | ARKids B 2026 (April) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,852 | $1,889 | $2,752 | $2,807 |
| 2 | $2,513 | $2,561 | $3,733 | $3,806 |
| 3 | $3,174 | $3,233 | $4,715 | $4,804 |
| 4 | $3,836 | $3,905 | $5,697 | $5,803 |
ARKids has no asset limits. All children under 19 who meet income requirements qualify. Newborns are automatically covered for one year if the mother had Medicaid.
To apply for ARKids, visit Arkansas.gov/dhs or call 1-888-ARKids-1.
Arkansas Pregnancy Medicaid Income Limits 2025–2026
Pregnant women qualify for Arkansas Medicaid with income up to 209% of the Federal Poverty Level. The unborn child counts in household size.
Example: A single pregnant woman counts as a family of 2.
Pregnancy Medicaid Income Limits:
| Family Size | Current (2025) | April 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 2 (Mom + Baby) | $3,700 | $3,769 |
| 3 | $4,672 | $4,758 |
| 4 | $5,644 | $5,746 |
Pregnancy Medicaid covers:
- Prenatal care and checkups
- Labor and delivery
- Postpartum care for 12 months
- Prescription medications
- Emergency services
No asset limits apply. Coverage begins immediately upon approval. Apply online at Access Arkansas or call 1-855-372-1084.
Source: Arkansas DHS Medicaid
Arkansas Medicaid Income Chart (By Household Size)
This table shows all major Arkansas Medicaid programs side-by-side for 2026. Limits for adults and children take effect April 1, 2026.
Adults & Families (MAGI Group) – Effective April 1, 2026:
| Family Size | Adults (ARHOME) 138% FPL | ARKids A (No Cost) 142% FPL | ARKids B (Copay) 211% FPL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,836 | $1,889 | $2,807 |
| 2 | $2,489 | $2,561 | $3,806 |
| 3 | $3,142 | $3,233 | $4,804 |
| 4 | $3,795 | $3,905 | $5,803 |
| 5 | $4,448 | $4,577 | $6,801 |
| 6 | $5,101 | $5,249 | $7,800 |
Pregnant Women (209% FPL):
- Family of 2 (Mom + Baby): $3,769/month
- Family of 3: $4,759/month
Seniors, Blind & Disabled (SSI-Related) – Active Now:
| Category | Individual Limit | Couple Limit | Asset Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSI / Full Medicaid | $994 | $1,491 | $2,000 / $3,000 |
| Long-Term Care (300%) | $2,982 | N/A | $2,000 |
Medicare Savings Programs (MSP):
| Program | Individual Limit | Couple Limit | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| QMB (100% FPL) | $1,330 | $1,803 | Pays Part A/B premiums + copays |
| SLMB (120% FPL) | $1,596 | $2,164 | Pays Part B premium |
| QI-1 (135% FPL) | $1,796 | $2,435 | Pays Part B premium |
What Is the Monthly Income Limit for Medicaid in Arkansas?
The monthly income limit depends on your category and household size.
For adults (ARHOME): The limit is $1,836/month for one person starting April 1, 2026. For a family of four, it is $3,795/month.
For children (ARKids A): The limit is $1,889/month for one child. For a family with four children, it is $3,905/month.
For seniors and disabled (SSI): The limit is $994/month for individuals and $1,491/month for couples.
For long-term care: The limit is $2,982/month. If your income exceeds this, you may still qualify using a Qualified Income Trust (Miller Trust).
Income includes wages, Social Security, pensions, and child support. It does not include SNAP, WIC, or tax refunds.
Asset limits only apply to seniors and people with disabilities. Adults, children, and pregnant women have no asset limits.
ARHOME vs ARKids vs Pregnancy Medicaid
Arkansas offers different Medicaid programs based on age and situation. Here’s how they compare:
| Program | Who Qualifies | Income Limit (2026) | Asset Limit | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARHOME | Adults 19-64 | 138% FPL ($1,836 for 1) | None | Doctor visits, hospital, prescriptions |
| ARKids A | Children 0-18 | 142% FPL ($1,889 for 1) | None | Free healthcare, no copays |
| ARKids B | Children 0-18 | 211% FPL ($2,807 for 1) | None | Low copays, same coverage |
| Pregnancy Medicaid | Pregnant women | 209% FPL ($3,769 for family of 2) | None | Prenatal, delivery, 12-month postpartum |
| SSI Medicaid | 65+, blind, disabled | $994 individual | $2,000 | Full medical coverage |
| Long-Term Care | Nursing home/waiver | $2,982 | $2,000 | Nursing facility or home care |
All programs provide comprehensive medical coverage. The main differences are income limits and who qualifies.
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 on 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 Arkansas Medicaid
You can apply for Arkansas Medicaid in three ways:
1. Online: Visit Access Arkansas and create an account. Fill out the application. You will get a decision within 45 days.
2. By Phone: Call 1-855-372-1084. A representative will help you apply over the phone.
3. In Person: Visit your local DHS county office. Bring proof of income, identity, and residency.
Documents you need:
- Photo ID (driver’s license or state ID)
- Proof of income (pay stubs, Social Security statement)
- Proof of Arkansas residency (utility bill, lease)
- Social Security numbers for household members
Pregnant women and children may qualify for emergency Medicaid while their application is processed. Processing time is usually 30-45 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Arkansas?
For adults: $1,836/month (individual) starting April 2026. For children: Up to $3,905/month (family of 4). For seniors/disabled: $994/month (individual). Limits vary by household size and program type.
When do the new 2026 income limits start?
It depends on your category. Limits for Aged, Blind, and Disabled (SSI) began January 1, 2026. Limits for families, children (ARKids), and ARHOME typically update April 1, 2026, after Arkansas adopts the new Federal Poverty Level.
What is the ARHOME income limit?
ARHOME income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For 2026, that’s $1,836/month for one person or $3,795/month for a family of four, effective April 1, 2026.
Does the 2026 Social Security COLA affect my Medicaid?
Yes, the 2.5% COLA increase counts as income. However, Arkansas often applies a “COLA disregard” until new poverty guidelines take effect in April, ensuring you aren’t disqualified during gap months.
Do I have to report my bank accounts (assets)?
Only for Senior/Disability programs. If applying for ARHOME, ARKids, or pregnancy coverage, there’s no asset limit. For SSI-related Medicaid or Long-Term Care, the 2026 limit is $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple).
I am pregnant. Does my unborn baby count?
Yes. For income calculations, your unborn child counts in household size. A single pregnant woman is counted as a family of 2, increasing her monthly income limit to $3,769 (2026 projection).
What if my income is slightly over the limit?
You may qualify for the “Spend-Down” program (medically needy). This lets you subtract medical bills from income to reach eligibility. ARHOME participants may pay a small premium rather than lose coverage.
Will I lose coverage if I don’t renew on time?
Yes. Arkansas has returned to annual renewals. If you receive a renewal notice in 2026, respond immediately to verify income and household size, or your case will be closed.
Important Dates and Updates
January 1, 2026: SSI-related income limits (seniors, disabled) increased based on federal COLA.
Mid-January 2026: Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2026 officially released.
April 1, 2026: Expected date Arkansas DHS will implement new income limits for adults, children, and pregnant women based on 2026 Federal Poverty Level.
Applications before April 1: Evaluated using 2025 income limits.
Applications on or after April 1: Evaluated using 2026 income limits.
Arkansas typically updates MAGI-based Medicaid limits each April. Check the Arkansas DHS website for official announcements.
Additional Resources
- Arkansas Department of Human Services: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/
- Apply for Medicaid (Access Arkansas): https://access.arkansas.gov/
- ARKids First Information: Call 1-888-ARKids-1
- Medicaid Helpline: 1-855-372-1084
- Medicare Savings Programs: Contact the Arkansas Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at 1-800-224-6330
For questions about eligibility or to check your application status, contact your local DHS county office or call the Medicaid helpline.
Disclaimer: Income limits are based on current Federal Poverty Guidelines and Arkansas DHS policies. Always verify your eligibility with Arkansas DHS before making healthcare decisions. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
