Applying for Arkansas Medicaid starts at Access Arkansas, but if gross monthly income exceeds $2,982, a Miller Trust must be in place before approval can happen. This guide covers all three application channels, the Miller Trust requirement, required documents, and what to do if you're denied.
For official program information, visit the Arkansas DHS Division of Medical Services.
Before You Apply: The Miller Trust Requirement
Arkansas does not operate a medically needy spend-down for long-term care. It uses a hard income cap of $2,982/month. If an applicant's gross monthly income from all sources (Social Security, pension, annuities) is a single dollar above that cap, they cannot qualify without a Miller Trust.
A Miller Trust, formally called a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), is a legal arrangement set up by an elder law attorney. Each month, the applicant deposits the portion of income exceeding $2,982 into the trust account. That deposited amount is then paid toward the cost of care, and the applicant qualifies as if their income were at or below the cap.
The trust must be drafted and funded before Arkansas DHS approves the application. Submitting an application without the trust in place when income exceeds the limit will result in denial.
The applicant keeps a Personal Needs Allowance of $40/month from their deposited income. The rest goes to nursing home costs.
If the applicant has a spouse living at home: The community spouse may keep up to $162,660 in countable assets (minimum $32,532) and monthly income up to the federal Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance (between $2,643.75 and $4,066.50 depending on the period). An elder law attorney can help calculate the exact figures.
How to Apply for Arkansas Medicaid
The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Medical Services, administers Medicaid in the state. Three channels are available.
Online: Access Arkansas
The fastest route for most applicants is Access Arkansas, the state's online benefits portal. Create a free account, then navigate to "Apply for Benefits" and select Medicaid (formally called ARKids First or Arkansas Medicaid for seniors and people with disabilities, depending on the coverage type).
The portal lets you save progress, upload documents, and check your application status after submission. You do not need to create an account to apply, but having one makes tracking the case significantly easier.
Before starting, make sure:
- The Miller Trust is established if gross monthly income exceeds $2,982.
- You have all required documents ready to upload (list below).
- You know the applicant's Social Security number, income sources, and account information.
By Phone
Call 1-855-372-1084 to reach Arkansas DHS. A representative can walk you through the application, answer questions about eligibility, and note any additional documentation needed.
Phone is a good option if the applicant or their family member is more comfortable speaking with someone directly, or if document upload through the portal is a barrier.
In Person at a Local DHS County Office
Arkansas has DHS county offices across the state. An in-person visit allows staff to help complete the application, review documents on the spot, and clarify program rules. This is particularly useful when the situation is complex (spouse at home, ongoing asset transfers, trust setup questions).
Find your nearest county office through the Arkansas DHS county locator.
Not sure if you qualify? Chat with Brevy's care navigator at brevy.com to check eligibility before you apply.
What Documents You Need to Apply for Arkansas Medicaid
Missing paperwork is the most common reason applications stall. Gather these before you start.
Identity and citizenship:
- Social Security card or SSA letter
- U.S. birth certificate, passport, or Certificate of Naturalization
- State-issued photo ID or driver's license
Income:
- Social Security award letter or recent SSA-1099
- Pension, annuity, or retirement income statements
- Any other monthly income documentation
Assets and accounts:
- Bank statements for all checking and savings accounts (last 3 months minimum)
- For nursing home or waiver applications, prepare up to 60 months of statements to cover the look-back period
- Statements for CDs, investment accounts, and any retirement accounts
- Life insurance policies (include cash surrender value)
- Vehicle title and registration
- Property deed and most recent tax assessment
Miller Trust (if applicable):
- Signed trust document
- Trust bank account number and bank name
Spousal information (if married):
- Community spouse's Social Security number and income documentation
- Joint bank account statements
What Happens After You Apply
Arkansas DHS will review the application and may contact you for additional information or an eligibility interview. Respond promptly to any requests, as delayed responses can stall or close the case.
Processing time: Arkansas has 45 days to render an eligibility decision for most Medicaid applications. Applications that require a nursing-facility level-of-care determination may take longer. If you have not heard anything after 45 days, call 1-855-372-1084 to request a status update.
Approval: If approved, Medicaid can be backdated up to three months before the month of application if the applicant was eligible during that window. Inform DHS of any prior medical bills you need covered retroactively.
Denial: If denied, you have the right to appeal (see below).
If You're Denied: Appeals
A denial notice will explain the reason and your appeal rights. Common reasons include:
- Income above $2,982/month without a Miller Trust in place
- Countable assets above the $2,000 single / $3,000 couple limit
- Incomplete or missing documentation
- Transfer of assets within the 60-month look-back period
To appeal, request a fair hearing in writing within the timeframe listed on your denial notice (typically 30 days). Submit the request to Arkansas DHS at the address shown on the notice. At the hearing, a neutral hearing officer will review the case and issue a written decision.
An elder law attorney or a benefits counselor through Arkansas's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you prepare for the hearing.
Facing a denial? Brevy's care navigator can help you understand your options at brevy.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
For nursing home and HCBS waiver Medicaid, the income cap is $2,982/month (300% of the 2026 SSI Federal Benefit Rate). If gross monthly income exceeds that figure, the applicant must establish a Miller Trust before DHS can approve the application. Regular, non-long-term-care Medicaid uses a lower income threshold.
Arkansas does not operate a medically needy spend-down for long-term care Medicaid. The income cap is firm. Applicants over the limit must use a Miller Trust to redirect excess income each month. A spend-down pathway does exist for non-LTC Medicaid programs only.
A Miller Trust (Qualified Income Trust) must be drafted by a licensed attorney, typically an elder law attorney. The trust account is opened at a bank in the applicant's name with the trust as the holder. Each month, the portion of income that exceeds $2,982 is deposited into the account and paid toward the cost of care. The trust must be operational before DHS approves your application.
Yes. A family member, legal guardian, or person with power of attorney can submit the application and serve as the authorized representative. Documentation of that authority (POA document, guardianship order) must accompany the application. An authorized representative can submit documents, check status, and respond to DHS requests on the applicant's behalf.
Arkansas applies a 60-month look-back to uncompensated transfers of assets. Gifts, below-market property sales, or other transfers made within the 60 months before the application date may trigger a penalty period of ineligibility. The penalty period is calculated based on the value of what was transferred.
The primary home is exempt (subject to a $752,000 equity cap), one vehicle, household furnishings and personal effects, and prepaid burial arrangements. A community spouse's retained assets up to the CSRA ($162,660 maximum) are also excluded from the applicant's asset count.
Learn More
- Arkansas Medicaid Eligibility and Income Limits
- Medicaid Planning Strategies
- Medicaid Estate Recovery Explained
Find personalized help applying for Arkansas Medicaid at brevy.com.
The information on Brevy.com is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, or medical advice. Rules vary by state and program and change frequently. Always verify with the relevant agency or a qualified professional. Brevy is not a law firm, financial advisor, or healthcare provider.