How to apply for Arkansas Medicaid (Health Care) for people who are aged, blind, or disabled (AABD)

Who it's for

Arkansas Medicaid, called Health Care by DHS, has full-coverage groups for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. People who get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) get Health Care automatically. For the main aged, blind and disabled groups, the 2026 income limit is $994 a month for one person or $1,491 for a couple, and the savings limit is $2,000 for one person or $3,000 for a couple. A home and one vehicle do not count. If your income is higher, a spend-down group lets you subtract medical bills to qualify. ARSeniors gives full Medicaid to people 65 or older with income up to $1,064 a month ($1,442.67 for a couple) and savings up to $9,950 ($14,910 for a couple). Apply online at Access Arkansas, at your local DHS county office, or call the Access Arkansas Call Center at 1-855-372-1084.

What you'll need

• Call to ask what to bring

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Arkansas Medicaid (Health Care) for people who are aged, blind, or disabled (AABD). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need call to ask what to bring — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Check whether this program may fit your situation. It is for people age 65 or older, or for people who are blind or disabled.
2. Know that Arkansas has several aged, blind, and disabled Medicaid groups with different income and savings limits. If your income is a little over the limit, apply anyway because some income is not counted and a spend-down group may help you qualify.
3. If you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI), know that you get Health Care automatically.
4. Call the Access Arkansas Call Center at 1-855-372-1084 to ask what documents to bring or have ready.
5. Apply for Arkansas Medicaid by phone through the Access Arkansas Call Center or online through Access Arkansas.
6. Answer all questions fully and give any information DHS asks for. If you are under age 65, you must meet Social Security's disability or blindness rules. DHS makes the final decision.

What to expect: After you apply, DHS reviews your information and decides whether you qualify for the right Medicaid group. You may be asked for more information, and processing times can vary, so ask DHS for an estimate if needed. If approved, be ready to renew your coverage every year.

Renewals

annual