How to Apply for Arkansas Medicaid
Updated August 2026
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.
How to apply for Arkansas Medicaid or ARHOME
- 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.
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.
Arkansas Medicaid (Arkansas Works)
Visit the official Arkansas Medicaid websiteRelated guides
How to Apply
A step-by-step walkthrough of the application process and what you'll need.
Read more →Eligibility Requirements
The income, household, age, and state rules that determine who qualifies.
Read more →Approval Time
Federal processing deadlines and what affects your approval timeline.
Read more →