Medicaid in Arkansas (2026): Eligibility and How to Apply

What Is Arkansas Medicaid?

Medicaid is a joint federal-state health insurance program that provides free or low-cost coverage to people who meet income and eligibility requirements. In Arkansas, the Medicaid program is Arkansas Medicaid. It is administered by the state but jointly funded by state and federal governments. Adults 19 to 64 who qualify through the expansion are covered by ARHOME, which uses Medicaid funds to buy them a private health plan.

Arkansas Has Expanded Medicaid

Arkansas expanded Medicaid under the ACA, extending coverage to adults with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level (approximately $22,025 for a single adult in 2027). This means non-disabled adults without children who meet the income threshold can now qualify for Arkansas Medicaid — a major change from pre-expansion rules that limited Medicaid to narrow eligibility categories.

Arkansas Medicaid Eligibility Categories

Beyond the general adult expansion (in states that expanded), Medicaid covers several other groups:

• Children: All states cover children in families at much higher income thresholds than adult Medicaid, often up to 200-300% FPL or more through CHIP
• Pregnant women: Covered at higher income thresholds (typically 185-250% FPL) in all states
• People with disabilities: SSI recipients and people with qualifying disabilities are eligible in all states
• Elderly adults: Adults 65+ with limited income and resources qualify through the Medicare Savings Programs

Marketplace as Alternative in Arkansas

If you don’t qualify for Arkansas Medicaid, the ACA marketplace is your primary option. Arkansas marketplace carriers include: Ambetter from Arkansas Health & Wellness, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Health Advantage and Octave. ACA premium tax credits are available for households earning between 100% and 400% FPL (~$15,960–$63,840 for a single adult in 2027).