Medicaid entitlement for 4 - FY 2026 - T19

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services awarded the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Medical Services $17.651 billion on October 1, 2025, under the Grants to States for Medicaid program (CFDA 93.778), a block grant providing financial assistance to states for medical assistance payments on behalf of cash assistance recipients, children, pregnant women, the aged, and other categorically-eligible groups meeting income and resource requirements.

The award funds Medicaid entitlements for the state of Arkansas and covers the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. The Division of Medical Services, Arkansas's designated state Medicaid agency, administers healthcare coverage, eligibility determination, and claims processing to support vulnerable and low-income populations across the state. The program provides medical assistance to qualified individuals, including coverage of Medicare premiums, copayments, and deductibles for beneficiaries meeting income thresholds, with medically-needy persons who would otherwise qualify for cash assistance also eligible for assistance in certain cases. States receive quarterly grant awards based on estimated funds needed, with distributions on October 1, January 1, April 1, and July 1 of each fiscal year.