Last updated: June 20, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother in Arkansas and need health coverage, start with Access Arkansas. It is the state portal for Medicaid, ARKids, TEFRA, SNAP, and TEA. One application can help the Arkansas Department of Human Services check several paths for you and your children.
The main health care paths are ARHOME for many adults, ARKids A or ARKids B for children, pregnancy Medicaid, Presumptive Eligibility for Pregnant Women, TEFRA for some children with disabilities, WIC, community clinics, Medicaid rides, dental care, and Marketplace coverage if Medicaid does not fit.
This guide is general information, not medical, legal, or benefits advice. Do not delay emergency care because you are unsure about coverage. For broader state support, keep ASMOM’s Arkansas help guide nearby.
If you need health care today
- Medical emergency: Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Mental health crisis: Call or text 988. The 988 Lifeline is open 24 hours a day.
- Pregnant and uninsured: Ask your clinic, health unit, or DHS about PE-PW coverage so prenatal care can start while the full Medicaid application is reviewed.
- No food, formula, or ride: Call 2-1-1 or use Arkansas 211 for food pantries, baby supplies, transportation help, and local clinics.
- Coverage denied or closed: Read the notice right away. Arkansas DHS has a DHS appeal page, and deadlines can be short.
Where to start
Use this order if you are overwhelmed. Apply first if you need care, then send proof as soon as you can. Keep screenshots, letters, case numbers, and names of workers you speak with.
1. Apply or renew
Use Access Arkansas to apply, upload documents, read notices, report changes, and renew benefits. If the portal is hard to use, call 1-855-372-1084 or ask a county DHS office for help.
2. Get care while waiting
If you are pregnant, ask about PE-PW. If you need care now and have no coverage, search for a community clinic or call 211 for local health referrals.
3. Fix provider issues
If you have Medicaid or ARKids but cannot find care, call ConnectCare. If you need a covered ride, call the NET helpline early.
4. Check other help
Health care often connects to food, housing, transportation, and child care. ASMOM’s Arkansas emergency help guide can help with urgent bills.
Quick reference
| If you need | Start here | Reality check |
|---|---|---|
| Medicaid, ARHOME, ARKids, or TEFRA | Apply through DHS applications. | DHS may ask for proof. Read all notices and portal messages. |
| Coverage for children | Check ARKids First. | ARKids A and ARKids B have different cost rules. |
| Adult coverage | Ask about ARHOME coverage. | ARHOME is Medicaid, but coverage comes through approved private plans. |
| Pregnancy care now | Ask a clinic about PE-PW. | PE-PW is temporary and limited. Finish the full Medicaid application. |
| A doctor or dentist | Call ConnectCare. | Ask whether the office accepts new Medicaid or ARKids patients. |
| A ride to care | Use NET rides. | Regular rides usually need 72 hours of notice. |
Medicaid, ARHOME, and ARKids
Arkansas Medicaid helps pay for medically needed care for people who meet state rules. DHS says eligibility can depend on income, resources, Arkansas residency, age, disability, pregnancy, family role, and the coverage category. Apply even if you are unsure which program fits.
ARHOME is Arkansas’s Medicaid expansion program for many adults ages 19 to 64. DHS says ARHOME uses Medicaid dollars to buy private insurance through approved carriers. You are still covered by Medicaid, but the plan may come through Blue Cross Blue Shield or Ambetter.
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 an annual family cost limit. For a plain national overview, see ASMOM’s Medicaid and CHIP guide.
| Family size | ARHOME 138% FPL | ARKids A | ARKids B | Pregnant women |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1,835.40 | $1,888.60 | $2,806.30 | $2,779.70 |
| 2 | $2,488.60 | $2,560.73 | $3,805.03 | $3,768.97 |
| 3 | $3,141.80 | $3,232.87 | $4,803.77 | $4,758.23 |
| 4 | $3,795.00 | $3,905.00 | $5,802.50 | $5,747.50 |
| 5 | $4,448.20 | $4,577.13 | $6,801.23 | $6,736.77 |
The numbers above come from the DHS Medicaid chart. They are monthly screening figures, not a final decision. DHS also lists earned-income deductions and other details, so let DHS decide if your income is close.
Tip
If you are pregnant, expected babies can count in the household size. Do not decide alone that you are over income. Apply and ask DHS or a clinic to screen you.
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 premium. ASMOM’s disability help guide explains related next steps.
Pregnancy and newborn care
If you are pregnant and uninsured, ask about PE-PW before you put off care. Arkansas DHS says PE-PW can allow pregnant women who are likely eligible for Medicaid to get prenatal care for a limited time before the full Medicaid decision is made. PE-PW does not replace the full Medicaid application.
The DHS chart lists pregnancy Medicaid and PE-PW at 209% of the federal poverty level. It also says expected babies count in household size and pregnancy coverage ends at the 60th day postpartum. Before that date, ask DHS if you may move to ARHOME, another Medicaid category, employer coverage, or a Marketplace plan.
The Arkansas Department of Health has pregnancy resources and says local health units can help with maternity services, WIC, and related support. The ARK MOMS line is 855-275-6667. For more pregnancy and baby help, see ASMOM’s pregnancy support guide.
WIC and local health units
WIC is not health insurance, but it can help if you are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under 5. Arkansas WIC provides approved foods, nutrition support, breastfeeding help, and referrals. Some families who get Medicaid, ARKids, SNAP, or TEA may meet the income part, but you still need to contact WIC.
The Arkansas Department of Health posted these gross WIC income limits effective July 1, 2025. These figures can change each year.
| Household size | Monthly limit | Weekly limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2,413 | $557 |
| 2 | $3,261 | $753 |
| 3 | $4,109 | $949 |
| 4 | $4,957 | $1,144 |
| 5 | $5,805 | $1,340 |
| 6 | $6,653 | $1,536 |
Use the ADH WIC income chart for the full list. To find a county clinic, use ADH health units. Arkansas WIC also lists breastfeeding support through local health units and the WIC Breastfeeding Helpline at 1-800-445-6175.
If food is still short, WIC may not be enough by itself. Use ASMOM’s Arkansas WIC and Arkansas food help pages while you ask 211 about pantries.
Clinics, doctors, dental care, and prescriptions
If you already have Medicaid or ARKids but cannot find care, start with ConnectCare at 1-800-275-1131. ConnectCare helps Medicaid and ARKids First families find or change a primary care provider and can help with dental care. Ask whether the office is accepting new Medicaid patients before you go.
You can also use the Arkansas Medicaid provider search for medical, dental, pharmacy, hospital, physician, and therapy providers. Provider lists can be out of date, so call the office and ask if they take your exact plan or Medicaid ID.
Arkansas Medicaid dental services moved back to fee-for-service beginning November 1, 2024. The DHS dental services page says members now use their Medicaid ID instead of an MCNA or Delta Dental card. If you cannot find a dentist, call ConnectCare. ASMOM’s Arkansas dental help guide can help you plan the call.
If you do not have coverage, search the HRSA health center locator. Federally funded health centers offer care in many areas, and fees may be based on income. For broader care options, use ASMOM’s healthcare help guide.
Watch out
Discount cards, medical bill companies, and short-term plans are not the same as Medicaid or full health insurance. Before paying anyone, ask what is covered, what is excluded, and whether your doctor accepts it.
Rides, Marketplace plans, and hospital bills
Arkansas Medicaid’s Non-Emergency Transportation program, called NET, can help eligible Medicaid and ARKids First members get rides to covered care. DHS says to call at least 72 hours before a regular appointment, not counting weekends or holidays. The NET helpline is 1-888-987-1200.
If you are over Medicaid limits, losing pregnancy coverage, or waiting for a decision, compare Marketplace options. The Arkansas Health Insurance Marketplace has Marketplace help, and HealthCare.gov lets you preview Marketplace plans. 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 billing office for its financial assistance or charity care application. Ask for an itemized bill, apply in writing, and keep copies. If transportation blocks care, ASMOM’s Arkansas transportation guide may help.
If Medicaid is denied, delayed, or closed
Read the notice first. Look for the date, the reason, what proof is missing, and the appeal deadline. If the decision seems wrong, do not rely on a phone call only. Ask how to upload proof or request a hearing in writing.
DHS says many Medicaid, TEA, and benefit closure appeals must be requested within 30 calendar days from the date on the letter. SNAP has different timing. If Medicaid or ARKids will not pay for a service, ask your provider for the denial, medical records, and prior authorization notes.
- Upload missing proof in Access Arkansas and save the receipt.
- Ask whether a child can qualify under ARKids, TEFRA, or another category.
- Ask your clinic about a sliding-fee program while you wait.
- Call 211 for clinics, prescriptions, diapers, food, or transportation.
- Ask for legal help if the appeal or notice is confusing.
For a broader plan, use ASMOM’s benefit problems guide. For Arkansas legal help, start with Arkansas legal help before a deadline passes.
Documents checklist
You do not have to be perfect before you apply. Apply first if you need care, then respond quickly if DHS asks for proof. Use ASMOM’s documents checklist if you are applying for several programs.
| Item | Examples | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Driver license, state ID, school ID, birth certificate. | Shows who is applying. |
| Arkansas address | Lease, utility bill, shelter letter, agency mail. | Shows state residency. |
| Income | Pay stubs, child support, unemployment, benefit letters. | DHS uses income for many health programs. |
| Household details | Names, birth dates, Social Security numbers if available. | Helps DHS place each person in the right category. |
| Pregnancy proof | Clinic note or due date if available. | May help pregnancy Medicaid, PE-PW, and WIC. |
| Medical need | Doctor notes, prescriptions, denial letters, bills. | Useful for appeals, TEFRA, or service denials. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring letters: DHS deadlines can be short. Open mail and Access Arkansas messages right away.
- Stopping after denial: You may be able to appeal, add proof, or apply under a different category.
- Waiting during pregnancy: Ask about PE-PW and the full Medicaid application before missing prenatal care.
- Not checking providers: Call before the visit to confirm the office takes your plan or Medicaid ID.
- Calling late for rides: NET rides for regular appointments usually need advance notice.
- Paying bills too fast: Ask for hospital financial assistance before taking a payment plan you cannot afford.
Phone scripts
Calling Access Arkansas
“Hi, I am a parent and I need health coverage for myself or my children. Can you tell me if my case is missing proof, how to upload it, and what deadline I need to meet?”
Calling a clinic
“Hi, I do not have health insurance right now. Do you offer a sliding fee, charity care, or help applying for Medicaid? If I am pregnant, can you screen me for PE-PW?”
Calling ConnectCare
“Hi, I have Medicaid or ARKids. I need help finding a doctor or dentist near my ZIP code who accepts new patients. What should I do if the first office cannot see me?”
Calling after denial
“Hi, I received a notice dated _____. I do not understand the denial or closure. What proof is missing, how do I submit it, and how do I appeal before the deadline?”
Resumen en español
Si usted es madre soltera en Arkansas y necesita seguro médico, empiece en Access Arkansas o llame al 1-855-372-1084. Puede solicitar Medicaid, ARHOME, ARKids, TEFRA y otros beneficios. Si está embarazada y no tiene seguro, pregunte por PE-PW para cuidado prenatal mientras revisan su solicitud completa.
Para WIC, llame a su unidad local de salud. Para encontrar doctor o dentista con Medicaid o ARKids, llame a ConnectCare al 1-800-275-1131. Si le niegan o cierran Medicaid, lea la carta y pida una apelación rápido porque hay fechas límite.
FAQ
Can a single mother get Medicaid in Arkansas?
Yes, some single mothers qualify through ARHOME, pregnancy Medicaid, parent or caretaker categories, disability categories, or other Medicaid paths. Children may qualify for ARKids A or ARKids B. Apply through Access Arkansas so DHS can check the right category.
What is ARHOME?
ARHOME is Arkansas’s Medicaid expansion program for many adults ages 19 to 64 who meet income and other rules. It uses Medicaid dollars to provide coverage through approved private health plans.
Does Arkansas have Medicaid for children?
Yes. Arkansas uses ARKids A and ARKids B for children. ARKids A has no charge for covered services. ARKids B has copays for some services and an annual family cost limit.
What if I am pregnant and uninsured?
Apply for pregnancy Medicaid and ask your clinic, local health unit, or DHS about PE-PW. PE-PW can cover limited prenatal care while DHS reviews your full application, but it does not replace full Medicaid coverage.
Can Medicaid help with rides?
Medicaid’s NET program can help eligible members get rides to covered appointments. Regular rides usually need 72 hours of advance notice, and the NET helpline is 1-888-987-1200.
What should I do if Medicaid is denied or closed?
Read the notice, gather proof, and act before the deadline. DHS says many Medicaid, TEA, and closure appeals must be requested within 30 calendar days from the date on the letter.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified June 20, 2026, next review September 20, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.