How to apply for Arkansas Medicaid

Last verified: June 2026

Informational — not an official application

This page describes the general application process for Arkansas Medicaid (Arkansas Works). For the actual application and current program details, visit https://medicaid.mmis.arkansas.gov.

Apply at access.arkansas.gov — one application covers ARHOME and traditional Medicaid

Apply for Arkansas Medicaid and ARHOME at access.arkansas.gov. The same application determines whether you qualify for ARHOME (expansion adults), traditional Medicaid, ARKids First (children), or other DHS programs. You can also apply by calling 1-855-372-1084 or visiting a local DHS County Office.

How to apply for Arkansas Medicaid or ARHOME

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) accepts Medicaid applications through the Access Arkansas online portal, by phone, and in person at county offices. Online is generally the fastest.

Online — Access Arkansas

Apply at access.arkansas.gov. Create an account to apply, check status, upload documents, and manage your benefits. The portal handles both initial applications and renewals.

By phone

Call 1-855-372-1084 to apply or ask questions. For ARHOME and eligibility questions, you can also call DHS at 1-888-987-1200. The DMS phone line is 501-682-8292 for provider-facing issues.

In person — DHS County Office

Arkansas has a DHS office in all 75 counties. Staff can help with applications, document verification, and enrollment. Find your nearest office using the county office map at humanservices.arkansas.gov.

MyARMedicaid app

Traditional Medicaid members (non-ARHOME) can view claims and health records through the MyARMedicaid app or at mdp.mmis.arkansas.gov. ARHOME members manage their coverage through their private plan's portal at ar.gov/arhome.

What you need to apply

DHS verifies identity, Arkansas residency, income, and household composition. For ARHOME applicants, the process is identical to regular Medicaid — DHS determines eligibility, then connects you with an ARHOME plan.

Full legal name and date of birth for all household members applying
Social Security numbers for all applicants
Proof of Arkansas residency — utility bill, lease, or official mail at current address
Income documentation — recent pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return if self-employed
Immigration documents for non-citizen applicants
Current health insurance information if any household member is already covered
For pregnant women: documentation of pregnancy (statement from provider is sufficient)

ARHOME: picking your health plan after approval

If DHS approves you for ARHOME, you must select a private health plan. Per DHS, ARHOME plans are offered through Arkansas BlueCross BlueShield, Arkansas Health & Wellness (Ambetter), and QualChoice. You can review and pick a plan through the ARHOME member portal at ar.gov/arhome or by calling 1-888-987-1200.

If you do not select a plan, DHS will auto-assign you to one. Auto-assignment can be changed — you can switch plans within the first 90 days of enrollment and then once annually during an open enrollment period. Check whether your current doctors are in-network before choosing a plan.

How long does an Arkansas Medicaid application take?

Under 42 CFR 435.912, Arkansas must process most Medicaid applications within 45 days. Coverage typically begins the first of the month you applied, if approved. Pregnant women may qualify for retroactive coverage up to three months before the application date.

Presumptive eligibility for pregnant women — coverage can start the same day

Qualified entities (hospitals, certain clinics) can make presumptive eligibility determinations for pregnant women on the spot. This allows coverage to begin immediately while the full DHS application is processed. Ask your OB provider or hospital if they are a qualified entity for presumptive eligibility. Per DHS, the presumptive eligibility period lasts until DHS completes the standard eligibility review.

What documents you'll need

Gather these before starting your application. Having them ready prevents delays caused by missing information requests, which can add weeks to the review.

Proof of identity — driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
Proof of residency in Arkansas — utility bill, lease, or official mail with your address
Social Security numbers for all household members applying
Proof of income for the past 30 days — pay stubs, employer letter, or benefit award letters
Tax filing information if self-employed — prior year return is typically acceptable
Immigration documents if applicable — green card, visa, or I-94 arrival/departure record
Health insurance information if you currently have coverage through an employer or other source

Not every document is required for every applicant. The application will specify what Arkansas Medicaid (Arkansas Works) needs based on your household composition.

The application process, step by step

1

Gather your documents

Collect proof of identity, residency, income, and household composition before you start. Having everything ready means you can complete the application in one sitting.
2

Submit the application

Apply through your preferred method — online is fastest. The application asks about income, household size, citizenship status, and whether anyone in the household has other insurance. Answer completely to avoid requests for more information.
3

Respond to any follow-up requests

Arkansas Medicaid (Arkansas Works) may request additional documents or clarification. Respond promptly — delays in providing information can pause or restart the review clock.
4

Receive your eligibility notice

The agency will send a written notice of approval or denial. If approved, the notice will state your coverage start date and what benefits you're eligible for.

What to expect after you apply

Under 42 CFR 435.912, states must process most Medicaid applications within 45 days of receipt. Applications based on disability take up to 90 days. If Arkansas hasn't issued a decision by those deadlines, the agency must notify you in writing with the reason for delay.

Medicaid coverage typically starts on the first day of the month in which you applied, assuming you're determined eligible. In some cases — particularly for pregnant women — retroactive coverage going back up to three months may apply if you received qualifying medical services during that period.

Keep your contact information updated while your application is pending. A notice sent to an old address counts as received.

If your application is denied

A denial notice must state the specific reason and your right to appeal. You have the right to request a fair hearing — typically within 90 days of the denial notice — where you can present evidence and contest the decision before an impartial hearing officer.

Common denial reasons include income above the limit, failure to verify documents within the required timeframe, or a missing signature. Many denials can be resolved by reapplying with the correct documentation.

Free application assistance is available

Navigators and certified application counselors can help with the Arkansas Medicaid application at no cost. Contact Arkansas Medicaid (Arkansas Works) or search healthcare.gov for local assistance.