How to Renew Arkansas Medicaid
Updated August 2026
Arkansas uses an ex parte renewal process first. DHS checks income and household data against IRS, SSA, and state agency records. If the data match confirms eligibility, coverage renews automatically. You may receive a notice confirming auto-renewal without needing to take action.
Annual
Renewal frequency
Access Arkansas
Online renewal portal
10 days
Deadline to report household changes
Renewal is the same process for ARHOME and traditional Medicaid
Arkansas Medicaid eligibility — whether you are in ARHOME or traditional Medicaid — must be renewed annually. DHS sends renewal notices to your address on file. Renew online at access.arkansas.gov, by phone at 1-855-372-1084, or in person at a DHS County Office. The renewal deadline is firm — failing to respond results in coverage termination. Most people who lose Medicaid still qualify and simply missed the renewal step.
How Arkansas Medicaid renewal works
When ex parte renewal cannot confirm eligibility — often due to a change in income, household, or missing data — DHS sends a renewal packet requiring a response. Under 42 CFR 435.916, members have at least 30 days to respond before coverage ends. The most common cause of coverage loss is not responding to these notices.
How to renew
Arkansas DHS offers a few ways to complete your renewal.
- Online at access.arkansas.gov
- By phone — call 1-855-372-1084
- In person — at your DHS county office
Renewal checklist
Keep these points in mind to avoid a gap in coverage.
- Keep your address, email, and phone number current in Access Arkansas throughout the year
- Watch for mail and email from DHS — renewal packets look like official government correspondence
- Report income changes as they happen, not just at renewal time
- Have documentation ready: recent pay stubs, employer letter, or tax return for self-employment income
- If household members join or leave (birth, marriage, divorce), report within 10 days per DHS policy
- ARHOME members: plan renewal is separate from Medicaid eligibility renewal — your coverage year runs on the calendar year for ARHOME plan selection
- If coverage lapses but you still qualify, contact DHS about reinstatement — in some cases coverage can be restored retroactively
ARHOME renewal — what is different
For ARHOME members, Medicaid eligibility renewal (through DHS) and private plan enrollment are separate things. Your Medicaid eligibility determines whether you remain in ARHOME. Your ARHOME plan selection determines which private insurance carrier covers you.
ARHOME plan selection happens annually during the plan's open enrollment period. If your circumstances have not changed, you typically stay with your current plan unless you actively switch. To switch plans, use the ARHOME member portal at ar.gov/arhome or call 1-888-987-1200. Switching is available within the first 90 days of coverage and once annually during open enrollment.
How to complete your renewal
Follow these steps once your renewal notice arrives.
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1
Watch for your renewal notice
DHS sends it before your anniversary month. Update your address in Access Arkansas any time you move — many renewal packets are never received due to address changes.
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2
Review pre-populated information
DHS may pre-fill your current income and household details. Correct errors before submitting.
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3
Provide updated documentation if requested
Common requests are recent pay stubs, proof of Arkansas residency, or information about new household members.
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4
Submit by the deadline
Use Access Arkansas online, call 1-855-372-1084, or visit your DHS county office. Keep your confirmation or a copy of what you submitted.
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5
Watch for the decision
If approved, coverage continues. If denied, you have appeal rights — request a hearing within the timeframe on the denial notice.
If your coverage ends — your right to appeal
You have the right to a fair hearing if your Medicaid coverage is terminated or denied. Request a hearing within 90 days of the notice date. Filing a timely appeal (within 10 days while coverage is still active) allows you to continue receiving services while the appeal is pending, in most cases.
Contact Arkansas Legal Services at (501) 376-3423 or arlegalservices.org for free help with Medicaid fair hearings. DHS must provide you with a hearing officer who has not been involved in your case and issue a written decision within 90 days.
If your renewal is denied
A denial must state the reason in writing and explain your right to appeal. Common renewal denials include income that increased above the threshold, failure to respond to the renewal packet, a change in household size that affects eligibility, or immigration status questions. Some of these can be addressed by reapplying with updated information rather than appealing.
A reconsideration or new application filed promptly can often restore coverage retroactively to the date it was lost.
Arkansas Medicaid (Arkansas Works)
- Access Arkansas online portal: access.arkansas.gov
- Arkansas DHS renewal phone line: 1-855-372-1084
- ARHOME member portal: ar.gov/arhome (1-888-987-1200)
- Arkansas Legal Services: (501) 376-3423 — arlegalservices.org