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Arkansas Medicaid Eligibility Guidelines

The Medicaid program is administered in Arkansas through the state's Department of Human Services. Eligibility is based on various factors, including income, resources and Arkansas residency. The joint federal-state program reimburses the health care providers of eligible benefit recipients who satisfy certain requirements. Arkansas Medicaid applications should be made at the DHS office in the county where the applicant resides.

  1. Full Medicaid

    • Most recipients of full Medicaid in Arkansas are low-income individuals who are elderly, blind or disabled. Other low-income individuals may include persons under age 19 (or under age 21 and in foster care), women who are pregnant or have breast or cervical cancer, and individuals living in a nursing home.

    Full Medicaid Eligibility

    • As of January 2011, a Supplemental Security Income recipient with a monthly income of up to $674 (or $1,011 for a married couple), who is 65 or older, or is blind or disabled may qualify for Medicaid, subject to additional qualifications. Resources of up to $2,000 are permitted for individuals ($3,000 for married couples), and certain resources are excluded from the calculation, including the applicant's home and the value of a single car (if the car's value is below $4,500).

    Medicaid Spend-Down

    • Individuals who earn too much money to qualify for Arkansas' Medicaid program may qualify for the Medicaid Spend-Down program if they become injured or ill and require significant medical attention. To qualify for this option, applicants must spend a large portion of their income on qualifying medical expenses; if approved, applicants must reapply every three months.

    Medicaid Options for Children

    • Arkansas' Medicaid program also has provisions for children under 19 who are not covered under their parent's medical plans or who otherwise may not use their existing medical plans. The program, called ARKids First-B, will make a small co-payment toward prescription drugs and certain medical care, not including preventive care such as checkups.

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