HJAR Jan/Feb 2026

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS I  JAN / FEB 2026 37 health coverage. You can also support your patients by encouraging them to update their contact information as soon as possible. Beneficiaries can visit or call their local county office, where staff can quickly update addresses, phone numbers, and email information during the visit or call. They may also update their information and sign up to receive text and email alerts about their coverage online through the Access Arkansas website at: access.arkansas.gov Everything needed to assist your patients will be available on the Update Arkansas website. The site will include a “Resources” section with social media graphics, printable flyers, and videos that beneficiaries can use to create an Access Arkansas account, sign up for text and email alerts, and more. We encourage you to utilize these resources and share themwithin your clinics, offices, and community networks. The more beneficiaries who receive timely, accurate information, the better prepared they will be for the upcoming changes to ARHOME. By working together, we can help beneficiaries understand this new program and continue receiving the care they need. n Amber El-Amin Medicaid Communications Specialist Arkansas Department of Human Services for beneficiaries, friends and family, and community partners. Find it at: ar.gov/update Update Arkansas has a simple focus: encouraging ARHOME beneficiaries to update their contact information, mailing address, phone number, and email address so they can receive important information about the work requirement when additional details are available. DHS will begin implementing communi- cation efforts to ensure beneficiaries fully understand the details of theARHOME work requirement. Some of these upcoming out- reach efforts include: • Text messages to beneficiaries, • Mailed letters/notices to beneficiaries, • Flyers and infographics to share with beneficiaries, • Brochures to share with beneficiaries, and • Social media graphics posted on DHS platforms. Partnering with Patients Through the Transition As medical providers, you play a key role in sharing this information. Your patients trust you and what you tell them regarding their UNDER H.R. 1, states are required to enforce that able-bodied beneficiaries served by Medicaid expansion programs, such as Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME), engage in work, volunteer service, or educational activities for a minimum of 20 hours per week (80 hours per month). The purpose of this requirement is to help nonexempt beneficiaries between the ages of 19 and 64 achieve economic independence and improve their overall health and well-being. Arkansas plans to launch its program in 2026. We understand that this transition will be an adjustment not only for beneficiaries but also for providers. Our goal is to make the process as smooth and transparent as possible while ensuring that both beneficiaries and providers fully understand the requirement. Preparing Beneficiaries for the New Requirements As a first step to help eligible beneficiaries maintain their coverage, the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is developing the Update Arkansas campaign, which includes an online resource center that will offer guidance and educational materials “Under H.R. 1, states are required to enforce that able-bodied beneficiaries served by Medicaid expansion programs, such as Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me (ARHOME), engage in work, volunteer service, or educational activities for a minimum of 20 hours per week (80 hours per month).”