ARKids Income Limits 2026: Check Eligibility by Family Size

ARKids Income Limits 2026 determine how much a family can earn to qualify for ARKids First A or B in Arkansas. The standard monthly income limit for ARKids A starts at $1,888.60 for a household of one and reaches $3,905 for a household of four. For ARKids B, the limit starts at $2,806.30 for one person and reaches $5,802.50 for a household of four. Children must also meet the program’s other eligibility requirements.

Looking for affordable health insurance for your child? A family’s income can change, but a child’s need for checkups, dental care, and other essential health services does not disappear when money gets tight. 

ARKids First provides health coverage for eligible children through two programs: ARKids A and ARKids B. The income limits differ by program and household size, and the amount you earn is only one part of the eligibility decision.

In this guide, we’ll explain the 2026 income limits, how ARKids A and B differ, who may qualify, what benefits are available, and how to apply.

What Are the ARKids Income Limits 2026?

The standard monthly income limits for ARKids First depend on household size and which coverage category your child qualifies for. The following figures are effective April 1, 2026, according to the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

For each additional household member beyond eight, the standard limit increases by $672.13 for ARKids A and $998.73 for ARKids B.

These are standard income limits, not a guarantee of approval. Arkansas DHS may apply an additional 5% income disregard when the applicable rules allow it. 

For example, a household of four may have an adjusted threshold of $4,042.50 for ARKids A or $5,940 for ARKids B when the disregard applies.

For the official figures and program details, check the Arkansas DHS Medicaid Quick Reference Chart.

What Is ARKids First in Arkansas?

ARKids First is Arkansas’s health insurance program for eligible children younger than 19. It helps families access healthcare when private coverage may be unavailable or unaffordable.

The program has two coverage categories:

• ARKids A: Provides full-benefit coverage through the children’s Medicaid program, with no member charges for covered services.
• ARKids B: Provides coverage through the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), with copayments for certain services.

Your child’s income eligibility category is determined by Arkansas DHS. Families do not need to choose a category themselves before applying.

What Is the Difference Between ARKids A and ARKids B?

The main differences are the income thresholds, coverage structure, and out-of-pocket costs.

The additional 5% disregard may affect the effective income threshold in qualifying cases. ARKids B also has an annual cost-sharing limit of 5% of the family’s annual gross income.

A higher household income does not automatically mean your child is ineligible for every program. The state reviews the application and determines which coverage, if any, applies.

Who Qualifies for ARKids First in 2026?

Children generally need to meet several requirements to qualify:

• Age: The child must be younger than 19.
• Residency: The child must meet Arkansas residency requirements.
• Household income: The family’s income must fall within the applicable program limits, including any allowable disregard.
• Other eligibility rules: The state must verify the requirements that apply to the child’s circumstances.
• Insurance considerations: ARKids B has insurance-related eligibility requirements, so families should provide accurate information about existing coverage.

Household size matters because the income thresholds increase as the household gets larger. Parents and caregivers should report their household information accurately rather than relying on a simple estimate.

For a broader explanation of how income rules vary across coverage categories, see our guide to Arkansas Medicaid income limits in 2026.

What Does ARKids First Cover?

ARKids First helps eligible children access important healthcare services. Depending on the coverage category and applicable program rules, services can include:

• Well-child checkups and preventive care
• Immunizations
• Doctor visits and treatment for illnesses
• Dental checkups and eye exams
• Prescription medications
• Other medically necessary covered services

ARKids A provides a full Medicaid benefit package, while ARKids B has a more limited package and may require copayments for certain services. Do not assume every service has identical coverage under both programs; confirm the details before receiving care.

How Can You Apply for ARKids First?

Families can start an application through the Website of – Access Arkansas. The state reviews the information submitted and determines whether the child qualifies for ARKids A, ARKids B, or another available coverage option.

Follow these steps:

1. Visit the Access Arkansas website.
2. Start an application and provide the requested household information.
3. Report income and any existing health insurance accurately.
4. Submit the application and respond to requests for additional information.
5. Review the eligibility decision and any instructions provided by Arkansas DHS.

For help with ARKids First, call 1-888-474-8275, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What If Your Income Is Above the ARKids Limit?

Do not assume that your child has no coverage options simply because your income is above the standard threshold. The additional 5% disregard may apply in qualifying circumstances, and eligibility depends on the full application rather than income alone.

You can still submit an application so Arkansas DHS can review your household’s circumstances. If ARKids First is not available, you may also investigate other health insurance options.

 Our guide to Medicaid eligibility by state in 2026 explains why requirements differ by location and coverage category.

Families comparing options may also find our 2026 Medicaid income limits by state guide useful. These resources provide general information; the state agency makes the official eligibility determination.

Could Your Child Still Qualify for ARKids First? Check Before You Give Up 

Don’t assume you’re out of options before checking the rules. ARKids First may help eligible Arkansas families access essential care, from routine checkups to dental and vision services.

Before you give up on coverage, review the ARKids income limits 2026, check whether the additional income disregard may apply, and let Arkansas DHS assess your family’s eligibility. A quick application could be the first step toward finding the right coverage for your child.

Ready to check your options? Visit Access Arkansas to apply, or call the ARKids hotline at 1-888-474-8275 for assistance.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Income limits and eligibility decisions are subject to Arkansas DHS rules. Verify the current requirements with the state before making coverage decisions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the ARKids income limit for a family of four in 2026?

The standard monthly limit is $3,905 for ARKids A and $5,802.50 for ARKids B. An additional 5% disregard may apply in qualifying cases.

2. Is ARKids First free in Arkansas?

ARKids A has no member charges for covered services. ARKids B may require copayments for certain services, subject to program rules and cost-sharing limits.

3. What age does a child have to be to qualify for ARKids?

A child generally must be younger than 19 and meet the program’s other eligibility requirements.

4. Can a child qualify for ARKids B if the family earns too much for ARKids A?

Possibly. ARKids B has a higher standard income threshold, but the child must also meet the other applicable requirements, including insurance-related rules.

5. Where can I apply for ARKids First?

You can start online at https://access.arkansas.gov/ or call the ARKids hotline at 1-888-474-8275 for assistance.