Arkansas’ Department of Human Services is planning a soft launch this summer for new Medicaid rules that will require certain recipients to work or participate in approved activities to keep their coverage.
The changes apply to adults ages 19 to 64 enrolled in the state’s expanded Medicaid program, known as ARHOME. Participants will need to complete at least 20 hours per week of work, school, job training or volunteering unless they qualify for an exemption.
Although the federal requirement does not officially take effect until Jan. 1 of next year, DHS says the early rollout beginning in July is intended to give clients time to prepare and avoid losing benefits unexpectedly.
State officials say the policy is designed to encourage employment and long-term financial stability while maintaining access to health coverage.
Pregnant and postpartum women, disabled veterans, caregivers and individuals with certain medical conditions will be exempt from the requirement.
DHS plans a statewide outreach campaign using mail, email, text messages and social media to notify affected recipients ahead of the changes.
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