ARKids First Application Arkansas: How Grandparents Apply for a Grandchild

Getting a grandchild onto health coverage is one of the first things kinship caregivers need to handle — prescriptions, vaccinations, and dental visits do not wait for paperwork to catch up. ARKids First is Arkansas's public health insurance program for children, and the income rules are more generous than most grandparents expect.

ARKids A vs ARKids B

ARKids First has two tiers based on household income:

ARKids A (Title XIX Medicaid) covers children with household income up to 147% of the Federal Poverty Level. Full Medicaid — no co-pays, no deductibles, no monthly premiums.

ARKids B (Title XXI CHIP) covers children with household income between 148% and 211% FPL. Services require small co-pays ($10 for office visits, $10–$20 for prescriptions) but no monthly premiums.

For a grandparent applying for a grandchild, here is the critical part: when a non-parent relative files a child-only application, the caregiver's income and assets are completely excluded from the calculation. Only income directly in the child's name counts — such as survivor pensions or trust distributions. Most kinship children have none of that, which puts them squarely in ARKids A territory with zero out-of-pocket costs.

Current Income Limits (Effective April 2026)

For the child's own income, measured monthly:

• 1-person unit: ARKids A up to $1,888.60/month, ARKids B up to $2,806.30/month
• 2-person unit: ARKids A up to $2,560.73/month, ARKids B up to $3,805.03/month
• 3-person unit: ARKids A up to $3,232.87/month, ARKids B up to $4,803.77/month

Since most grandchildren in kinship care have no personal income, the income test is a formality.

How to Apply

Apply through the Access Arkansas portal (access.arkansas.gov) or submit a paper DCO-0004 form at any DHS county office. Telephone intake through the DHS Customer Service Call Center also works.

You will need:

• The child's birth certificate or equivalent identity document
• The child's Social Security number (or proof you have applied for one)
• Your photo ID
• Proof the child lives with you (school records, doctor records at your address)

You do not need to give your own Social Security number, tax filing status, or immigration documents when applying as a non-applicant caretaker on a child-only case.

Three Things Worth Knowing

Retroactive coverage. ARKids A can reach back up to three months before the month you apply, as long as the child was eligible during those months. If the child had medical expenses before you filed, those may be covered.

12-month continuous eligibility. Once approved, coverage lasts a full year regardless of minor income changes mid-year.

PASSE managed care. Children with complex medical needs, severe behavioral health conditions, or developmental disabilities may be enrolled in PASSE, which coordinates specialized therapies, respite, and behavioral interventions beyond standard Medicaid.

No OCSE Cooperation Required

Unlike child-only TEA cash assistance, child-only Medicaid applications do not require cooperation with the Office of Child Support Enforcement. You can apply for ARKids First without triggering a child support referral against the absent parent.

For a complete walkthrough of health coverage alongside cash assistance, food benefits, and childcare subsidies, see our Arkansas Financial Help for Kinship Caregivers guide.

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