Medicaid Basics

What is Medicaid?

• Medicaid is a program that helps you pay for the medical care you need.
• Medicaid uses state and federal money to pay these bills. In Arkansas, the Department of Human Services (DHS) runs the Medicaid program.
• Medicaid is not the same thing as Medicare. Medicare pays for medical services for people aged 65 and older, and for disabled people.

What is ARKids First?

• ARKids First is health care insurance for children whose families make below a certain amount and who cannot get insurance through their parent’s employer.
• ARKids First has two programs: ARKids First A and ARKids First B.
  • ARKids First A is Medicaid for children.
  • ARKids First B is for people who make too much money to get Medicaid, but still not enough to afford health insurance through their job or from an insurance company.
  • When you fill out the ARKids First application, you can apply for both programs. DHS will find out which program your child needs.