Key threshold: If your income is below $22,025 (individual) or $45,540 (family of 4), you likely qualify for ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid with free or very low-cost coverage. No premiums, no deductibles.
Arkansas Medicaid Income Limits 2026
The following table shows the key income thresholds for Arkansas in 2026:
| Household Size | 100% FPL | 138% FPL (Medicaid Limit) | 400% FPL (Subsidy Limit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,960 | $22,025 | $63,840 |
| 2 | $21,640 | $29,863 | $86,560 |
| 3 | $27,320 | $37,702 | $109,280 |
| 4 | $33,000 | $45,540 | $132,000 |
| 5 | $38,680 | $53,378 | $154,720 |
| 6 | $44,360 | $61,217 | $177,440 |
If your household income falls below the 138% FPL column, you qualify for ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid. If your income is between 138% and 400% FPL, you qualify for ACA marketplace subsidies to help pay for private insurance.
About ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid
Who Qualifies for ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid
If you're an Arkansas resident looking for affordable health coverage, you have options through ARKids/Arkansas Medicaid or the HealthCare.gov marketplace. ARKids/Arkansas Medicaid, the state's Medicaid program, covers adults with household incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). For a single individual, this means an income of approximately $20,783 per year, and for a household of three, it's about $35,272 per year (based on 2025 FPL). Children can qualify with higher income limits, up to 147% FPL for Medicaid and up to 216% FPL for CHIP (ARKids First-B). Pregnant individuals also have higher income thresholds, up to 214% FPL. This is a substantial program, with 813,000 children and adults enrolled in Arkansas Medicaid as of May 2025.
If You're Near the Income Line
If your income is just above the Medicaid cutoff, you'll likely qualify for significant subsidies on HealthCare.gov. For example, if your income is between 138% and 400% of the FPL, you could receive tax credits that substantially lower your monthly premium. With a benchmark Silver plan costing around $475 per month in Arkansas, these subsidies can make a big difference in what you actually pay. It's important to remember that changes in your household income can shift your eligibility between Medicaid and marketplace subsidies, so it's crucial to report any income changes to ensure you remain in the correct program. During the recent unwinding of continuous Medicaid enrollment, many Arkansans lost coverage, including 94,000 children between April and December 2023. If you were among those who lost coverage, you can reapply for ARKids/Arkansas Medicaid at any time if your circumstances change.
What ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid Covers
ARKids/Arkansas Medicaid provides comprehensive health coverage with few to no out-of-pocket costs. This includes visits to healthcare providers, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, preventive care, lab tests, X-rays, mental health services, and prescription drugs. Arkansas also offers specific Medicaid waiver programs that provide unique benefits. For instance, the ARChoices in Homecare Waiver assists seniors and adults with disabilities with services like personal care, home-delivered meals, and transportation, helping them stay in their homes instead of nursing facilities. The Community and Employment Support (CES) Waiver is designed for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, offering job training, therapy, and daily care. There's also the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver for seniors needing care in an assisted living setting.
Tips for Applying
Be aware that there can be processing delays when applying for or renewing Medicaid. The state's uninsured rate for non-elderly individuals was 10% in 2022, slightly above the national average, and the child uninsured rate rose to 6.7% in 2023. These numbers highlight the importance of proactive engagement with the application process. You can apply for ARKids/Arkansas Medicaid online through Access Arkansas, visit your local Department of Human Services office, or call 1-800-482-8988. Your concrete action step is to gather your household income and size information and visit Access Arkansas online to determine your eligibility and start your application.
Marketplace Insurance in Arkansas
Arkansas residents who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase private health insurance through the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov. The average benchmark (second-lowest cost Silver) plan in Arkansas costs approximately $475/month for a 40-year-old in 2026.
Premium tax credits (subsidies) are available for households with income between 100% and 400% FPL. Here is what a 40-year-old individual in Arkansas might pay for a Silver plan after subsidies, based on the $475/month benchmark:
| Income Level | Annual Income | Your Cost | Monthly Subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150% FPL | $23,940 | ~$80/mo | $395/mo |
| 200% FPL | $31,920 | ~$173/mo | $302/mo |
| 250% FPL | $39,900 | ~$277/mo | $198/mo |
| 300% FPL | $47,880 | ~$392/mo | $83/mo |
| 400% FPL | $63,840 | ~$475/mo | $0/mo |
These estimates are for a 40-year-old individual on a benchmark Silver plan in Arkansas. Actual premiums depend on your age, household size, tobacco use, and plan choice. Households with income between 100-250% FPL also qualify for cost-sharing reductions (CSR) on Silver plans, which lower deductibles and copays. Arkansas uses the federal marketplace at HealthCare.gov.
How to Apply for ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid
Medicaid enrollment is open year-round — there's no deadline. You can apply through any of these channels:
- Online: Apply through HealthCare.gov — the system automatically checks your ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid eligibility when you enter your income. Or apply directly through ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid.
- Phone: Call Arkansas's Medicaid helpline for guided help with your application.
- In person: Visit your local human services office or a certified application counselor.
You'll need proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), proof of Arkansas residency, and Social Security numbers for household members.
Calculate Your Subsidy in Arkansas
Enter your income, age, and household size to see if you qualify for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies in Arkansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income limit for Medicaid in Arkansas?
In 2026, the Medicaid income limit in Arkansas is 138% of the federal poverty level: $22,025 per year for an individual, $29,863 for a household of 2, $37,702 for 3, and $45,540 for a family of 4.
Does Arkansas have Medicaid expansion?
Yes, Arkansas has expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Adults aged 19-64 earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level qualify for ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid.
How do I get help paying for health insurance in Arkansas?
Arkansas residents with household income between 100% and 400% FPL ($15,960 to $63,840 for an individual in 2026) qualify for premium tax credits that reduce the cost of marketplace health insurance. Apply through HealthCare.gov.
What is the name of Arkansas's Medicaid program?
Arkansas's Medicaid program is known as ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid. It provides health coverage for eligible low-income residents including children, pregnant women, seniors, and adults up to 138% FPL.
What should I do if my ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid coverage is ending?
If your ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid coverage ends due to income changes or redetermination, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period on the marketplace. This gives you 60 days to sign up for a private plan through HealthCare.gov. If your income is between 100-400% FPL, you'll likely qualify for subsidies to help cover the cost.
Can I get Medicaid in Arkansas if I have a job?
Yes. Medicaid eligibility in Arkansas is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), not your employment status. If your household income is at or below 138% FPL ($22,025 for an individual), you qualify for ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid even if you work full-time. Many ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid enrollees are working adults.
What's the difference between Medicaid and marketplace insurance in Arkansas?
Medicaid (ARKids / Arkansas Medicaid) is free or near-free with no premiums or deductibles. Marketplace plans in Arkansas average $475/month before subsidies. If you qualify for Medicaid, it's the more affordable option. If your income puts you just above the cutoff, subsidized Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions are the next best thing.