Arkansas Requests Temporary Extension In Response To CMS Waiver Renewal Denial; Plans To Redesign ARHOME Medicaid Expansion Model

Arkansas will develop a new service delivery model for its ARHOME Medicaid expansion program after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) determined that the state's pending waiver renewal would not comply with new federal budget-neutrality rules taking effect in 2027. The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) is seeking a temporary two-year extension of the current waiver while it develops the replacement model.

The change will not end Medicaid expansion, change eligibility, or eliminate enhanced federal Medicaid funding for the expansion population, according to DHS. ARHOME currently provides coverage to 213,597 low-income Arkansas . . .