Community Engagement and Work Requirement Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the ARHOME waiver renewal?
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) determined that the pending ARHOME waiver renewal will not comply with the new budget neutrality rules taking effect next year because of the 2025 federal budget law. This decision does not end Medicaid expansion in Arkansas or have any impact on eligibility, and coverage will continue for ARHOME beneficiaries on Jan. 1 and beyond.
Click here for additional information.
What is the community engagement and work requirement?
Some adults who get Medicaid through ARHOME must do certain activities each month. You can:
● Work
● Volunteer
● Go to school or take part in a training program
● Or do a mix of these
You must do at least 80 hours each month, or earn at least $580 a month.
What is ARHOME?
ARHOME stands for Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me, and it’s the Medicaid expansion program that uses Medicaid dollars to buy private health insurance for beneficiaries. Arkansans enrolled in ARHOME are still covered by Medicaid, but their coverage is generally provided by one of two private health insurance carriers – Blue Cross Blue Shield or Ambetter.
When does this rule start?
The rule fully starts January 1, 2027.
A “soft launch” began July 1, 2026, but you will not lose benefits during this time.
Do I have to follow this rule?
If you are 19 to 64 years old and get ARHOME, you must follow the rule unless you are exempt.
Who is exempt?
You may be exempt if you:
● Are pregnant or entitled to postpartum coverage
● Are under 19 or over 64
● Were a foster child and are under 26
● Are a tribal member or Alaska Native
● Are a veteran with rated disabilities
● Have special medical needs
● Are in a substance use or alcohol treatment program
● Already meet SNAP or TANF work rules
● Care for a child age 13 or younger or someone with a disability
● Are entitled to or enrolled in Medicare Part A or enrolled in Medicare Part B
To confirm, contact our Customer Service Center at 855-372-1084.
If I’m pregnant, what happens after my baby is born?
Pregnant women do not have to meet the requirement. After your baby is born, you may still be exempt if you care for a child age 13 or younger.
How many people could this affect?
About 200,000 people may need to follow this rule. Some may be exempt, and many already meet the rule by working, volunteering, or going to school.
How do I meet the requirement if I’m not exempt?
You can:
● Work
● Volunteer in a formal setting such as at a non‑profit, government office, or other state‑funded group
● Take part in school or a training program
● Or combine these activities
You must reach 80 hours each month or earn $580 a month.
When do I have to show proof?
● New applicants (Jan. 1, 2027 or later): You must show you met the requirement the month before you apply.
● Current enrollees: You must show you met the requirement at least one month every six months, though DHS will first try to confirm your status using information we already have.
How does DHS check compliance?
DHS first tries to confirm your status using information we already have, like wage records or SNAP data.
If we cannot tell whether you meet the requirement:
● We will send you a notice.
● You will have 30 days to send proof or show you are exempt.
● A Customer Service Center worker will also call you to help gather documents.
● If you do not respond, you may lose your coverage — but you can reapply
What if two people in the same household have a combined earned income of $580 or greater?
DHS would consider the combined income, and both would meet the requirements of the program.
Where can I get assistance finding a job or growing my career?
Arkansas Workforce Connections offers support and guidance to help individuals succeed in their careers. Click here to learn more about available services and training opportunities.
What does “special medical needs” mean?
You may have special medical needs if you have a medical condition that makes it hard to meet 80 hours a month. This may include:
● Blindness or disability
● Substance use disorder (SUD)
● Serious mental disorders
● Physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities
● Serious or complex medical conditions
Examples of serious conditions: cancer, end‑stage kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, major heart disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease.
Conditions that generally would not qualify unless very severe include diabetes, asthma, hypertension, ADHD, obesity, and anemia.
Are people with substance use disorders exempt?
Yes. People in treatment programs are usually exempt. If someone has been in recovery for five years or more, they may need an individual review.
Are Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients exempt?
Yes.
● If you get SSDI and you have Medicare, the rule does not apply to you.
● If you get SSDI but do not yet have Medicare, you qualify as having a special medical need exemption.
DHS will identify SSDI recipients automatically.
How do I report my hours?
DHS may confirm your hours automatically. If not, you may need to report them:
● Online
● By phone
● In person
Keep your contact information up to date. You can update your contact information through Access Arkansas at access.arkansas.gov. You can visit ar.gov/update to learn more. And you can reach the Customer Service Center at 855-372-1084.
What happens if I am not exempt and don’t meet the requirement?
You may lose your benefits. Contact DHS right away if this happens. You can reach the Customer Service Center at 855-372-1084.
What do Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) do?
Plans like Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, Health Advantage, and Octave can:
● Help with outreach
● Provide education
● Guide people to work programs
● Share health information with DHS for exemption decisions
But they cannot decide if you meet the rule — only DHS can.
I recently received notice that my coverage through Centene will not be renewed. Is this related to the community engagement and work requirement?
This is not related to the community engagement and work requirement. No action is needed by beneficiaries at this time. Centene has decided to end its participation in ARHOME starting in 2027, and DHS will work to move individuals affected by this change to a different plan within ARHOME. DHS will provide additional information on next steps, including open enrollment instructions, in the near future.