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Learn more →ARHOME Medicaid: Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Explained
What ARHOME is, who qualifies, income limits, what it covers, and how to apply
ARHOME — Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me — is Arkansas’s Medicaid expansion program, providing health insurance to low-income adults who qualify under the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion. It is administered by the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) and delivered through private managed care plans.
If you’ve seen the name ARHOME and weren’t sure what it is or whether you qualify, this guide breaks it down clearly — including who is eligible, what the income limits are, and what it covers.
What Is ARHOME?
ARHOME is Arkansas’s version of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. Arkansas took a unique approach — rather than expanding traditional Medicaid directly, the state uses federal Medicaid funds to purchase private health insurance plans for eligible low-income adults through the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace. This model is sometimes called the “private option” approach.
Members enrolled in ARHOME receive coverage through private insurance plans rather than a traditional Medicaid card, though the program is fully funded through Medicaid and costs members nothing if they meet income requirements.
Is ARHOME the Same as Medicaid?
Yes — ARHOME is Arkansas’s Medicaid expansion program. It is part of the broader Arkansas Medicaid system administered by the Department of Human Services. However, it serves a specific population: low-income adults aged 19–64 who fall within the expansion income range. It is separate from traditional Arkansas Medicaid, which covers seniors, children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities under different rules.
Who Qualifies for ARHOME?
ARHOME is designed specifically for low-income adults who do not otherwise qualify for traditional Medicaid. Key eligibility criteria:
- Age: 19 to 64 years old
- Income: At or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL)
- Residency: Must be an Arkansas resident
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen or qualifying immigrant
- Not already covered: Must not be eligible for Medicare or employer-sponsored insurance that meets minimum standards
Seniors 65 and older, children, and pregnant women are covered under separate Arkansas Medicaid programs — not ARHOME. If you are 65 or older, you would apply for traditional Arkansas Medicaid through DHS.
ARHOME Income Limits (2026)
Income eligibility for ARHOME is based on 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. Here is a general reference:
| Household Size | Approx. Monthly Income Limit (138% FPL) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$1,732/month |
| 2 people | ~$2,342/month |
| 3 people | ~$2,952/month |
| Each additional person | +~$610/month |
Note: There are no asset limits for ARHOME eligibility — only income is considered. Figures are approximate and updated annually. Contact Arkansas DHS or visit myARkansasBenefits.com for current limits.
What Does ARHOME Cover?
Because ARHOME uses private marketplace plans, coverage varies somewhat by plan. However, all ARHOME plans must cover the following essential health benefits:
- Doctor and specialist visits
- Hospital care — inpatient and outpatient
- Prescription medications
- Mental health and substance use services
- Preventive and wellness services — screenings, vaccinations, annual exams
- Emergency services
- Rehabilitative services
- Maternity and newborn care
- Pediatric services including dental and vision for children
Dental and vision coverage for adults varies by plan. Non-emergency medical transportation is also available for ARHOME members who need rides to medical appointments.
What Does ARHOME Cost Members?
For most ARHOME members, there is no monthly premium. Copays are minimal or waived depending on income level. Because the program is funded through Medicaid, the cost to eligible members is significantly lower than purchasing private insurance independently — often free for those at the lowest income levels.
How to Apply for ARHOME
- Apply online at myARkansasBenefits.com — Arkansas’s benefits portal
- Apply in person at your local Arkansas DHS office
- Apply by phone through the Arkansas Medicaid eligibility line at 1-800-482-5431
- Once approved, you will choose a private health insurance plan through the Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace — your options will be presented during enrollment
- Coverage typically begins the first of the month following approval
There is no open enrollment period for ARHOME — you can apply at any time if you meet the income requirements.
ARHOME vs. Traditional Arkansas Medicaid
It helps to understand how ARHOME fits within the broader Arkansas Medicaid system:
| Program | Who It Serves |
|---|---|
| ARHOME | Low-income adults 19–64 (Medicaid expansion) |
| Traditional Arkansas Medicaid | Seniors 65+, people with disabilities, children, pregnant women |
| ARSeniors (AR Medicaid) | Seniors needing long-term care through Arkansas Medicaid |
What This Means for Arkansas Residents
If you are between 19 and 64, live in Arkansas, and have limited income, ARHOME could provide comprehensive health coverage at little or no cost. Because Arkansas uses private marketplace plans, you get the benefits of private insurance backed by Medicaid funding — with no premium if your income qualifies.
If you are 65 or older or have a disability, traditional Arkansas Medicaid is the program to explore instead. Either way, applying through myARkansasBenefits.com is the starting point for all Arkansas Medicaid programs.
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Last Updated on 22 June 2026 by ingmin