Healthcare Assistance for Single Mothers in Arkansas

Where to start

Use this order if you are overwhelmed.

For a broader state benefits overview, see the ASMOM Arkansas help guide. For a national Medicaid overview, use our Medicaid guide before you compare programs.

Quick reference

Medicaid, ARHOME, and ARKids in Arkansas

Arkansas Medicaid helps pay for medically needed care for people who meet state rules. DHS says eligibility depends on income, resources, Arkansas residency, and the coverage category. For adults, many single mothers are checked for ARHOME, the adult Medicaid expansion program. ARHOME uses Medicaid dollars to buy private plan coverage through approved carriers, while you are still covered by Medicaid.

Children are usually checked for ARKids A or ARKids B. ARKids A has no charge for covered services. ARKids B has copays for some services and has an annual out-of-pocket limit. If your child is uninsured, apply even if you are unsure. DHS uses the family information to decide which coverage type fits.

The income numbers below come from the Arkansas DHS Medicaid chart. They are monthly figures listed by DHS as of this update. The chart includes income disregards and other details, so use these as a screening guide, not as a final decision.

For children with disabilities or high medical needs, ask DHS about TEFRA Medicaid. TEFRA can help some children under 19 receive care at home instead of in an institution. Some families pay a sliding-scale premium. Our disability help page can help you think through related supports in Arkansas.

Pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care

If you are pregnant and uninsured, ask your clinic or local health unit about PE-PW before you put off care. Arkansas DHS says PE-PW can cover prenatal doctor visits, prenatal lab tests, pregnancy-related prescriptions, and emergency room prenatal visits while the full application is reviewed. It does not cover labor and delivery if you are admitted to the hospital, so you still need to finish the full Medicaid application.

Arkansas pregnancy Medicaid uses 209% of the federal poverty level, and DHS counts expected babies in the household size. The DHS quick chart also says pregnancy coverage ends at the 60th day postpartum. Before that date, ask DHS whether you qualify for another Medicaid category, ARHOME, Marketplace coverage, employer coverage, or another option.

The Arkansas Department of Health has pregnancy resources and says local health units can help with maternity, WIC, and related services. The ARK MOMS phone number is 855-275-6667.

For more help with pregnancy and baby needs, the ASMOM WIC guide may help you plan food, breastfeeding, and referrals before your appointment.

WIC and local health units

WIC is not health insurance, but it can make a big difference if you are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under 5. Arkansas WIC helps with approved foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals. Some families who get Medicaid, ARKids, SNAP, or TEA may be income-eligible for WIC, but you still need to contact WIC or a local health unit.

The Arkansas Department of Health posted the following WIC income limits effective July 1, 2025. These are gross income limits and can change each year.

To find a county clinic, use the ADH health units page or call ADH at 1-800-462-0599. If breastfeeding is part of your plan, Arkansas WIC also has a breastfeeding helpline at 1-800-445-6175.

If your food budget is short, WIC may not be enough by itself. See our SNAP help guide and call 211 for local pantries while benefits are pending.

Clinics, doctors, dental care, and prescriptions

If you already have Medicaid or ARKids but cannot find care, start with ConnectCare. ConnectCare helps Medicaid and ARKids First families find or change a primary care provider and can connect families with Spanish and Marshallese bilingual help. Ask whether the provider is accepting new Medicaid patients before you schedule.

You can also use the Arkansas Medicaid provider search to look for medical, dental, pharmacy, hospital, physician, and therapy providers. Provider lists can change, so call the office before you go.

For dental care, Arkansas moved Medicaid dental services back to fee-for-service beginning November 1, 2024. The DHS dental site has dental updates for providers and beneficiaries. If you cannot find a dentist, call ConnectCare and ask for the next available Medicaid or ARKids dental office near your ZIP code.

If you do not have insurance or cannot find a provider who takes your plan, check the HRSA health center locator. Federally funded health centers offer primary care and other services, and fees may be based on income. You can also use our ASMOM healthcare help guide and dental help guide when you need broader options.

Rides to care, Marketplace plans, and hospital bills

Arkansas Medicaid’s Non-Emergency Transportation program, often called NET, can help eligible Medicaid and ARKids First members get rides to covered care. DHS says regular appointment changes and multiple appointments need 72 hours’ notice. For questions or problems, call the NET helpline at 1-888-987-1200 and have your Medicaid or ARKids number ready.

If you are over Medicaid limits, losing postpartum coverage, or waiting for a decision, check Marketplace options. You can preview plans through HealthCare.gov plans. For free Arkansas enrollment help, call My Arkansas HelpLine at 1-844-355-3262. A baby, loss of coverage, move, marriage, divorce, or other life change may open a special enrollment period.

If you already have hospital bills, ask the hospital for its financial assistance or charity care application. Nonprofit hospitals must have written financial assistance policies, but each hospital has its own process. Ask for an itemized bill, apply in writing, and keep copies.

Health problems often come with other bills. If rent, utilities, transportation, or child care are blocking care, use ASMOM’s Arkansas emergency help, housing help, and local resource guide to find next steps.

What to do if Medicaid is denied, delayed, or closed

First, read the notice carefully. Look for the date on the letter, the reason for the action, what proof is missing, and the deadline. If the decision seems wrong, do not rely on a phone call only. Ask how to upload proof or request an appeal in writing.

For Medicaid or health care denials, DHS says the Office of Appeals and Hearings must receive your hearing request within 30 calendar days from the date on the Notice of Action. If Medicaid or ARKids will not pay for a service, the DHS appeal page explains how to request a hearing. If the problem is about a doctor or service, ask your provider for the medical records, denial letter, and prior authorization notes.

If you need legal help with a benefits appeal, start with our Arkansas legal help page before the appeal deadline. Legal aid may not be able to take every case, so contact them early.

Documents and information to gather

You do not have to be perfect before you apply. Apply first if you need care, then respond quickly if DHS asks for proof. Still, having these items ready can reduce delays.

If dental bills or Medicaid dental limits are part of the problem, ASMOM’s Medicaid dental article can help you ask better questions before you agree to care.