ARHOME UpdatesOn August 17th, DHS leaders testified and updated legislators during the ALC Hospital, Medicaid, & Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee in Little Rock. They shared that Arkansas has begun a “soft launch” of the new federal Medicaid community engagement requirements, using existing data to determine how ARHOME beneficiaries would fare once the rules become enforceable on January 1, 2027. The requirements generally apply to adults ages 19–64 and call for the equivalent of 80 hours per month of employment, education, community service, work programs, or a combination of qualifying activities. DHS plans to rely heavily on existing state and federal data rather than requiring monthly beneficiary reporting. Numerous exemptions will apply, including for certain parents and caregivers, pregnant and postpartum individuals, people with disabilities or serious medical conditions, former foster youth, and others identified under federal guidance. DHS also said qualifying education and training may count toward compliance and that the agency hopes to verify enrollment and exemption status electronically whenever possible. To reduce administrative burdens, DHS will check compliance primarily at application and renewal, provide beneficiaries time to submit additional information when needed, and offer assistance through online tools, outreach efforts, town halls, and a new outbound customer service center. Here is a LINK to watch the full recording of the meeting.
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