LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) has introduced a new ARHOME Outreach Toolkit, designed to assist organizations and individuals in preparing for changes tied to the ARHOME Community Engagement and Work Requirement. The toolkit is now available online at ar.gov/engage and includes a variety of educational resources such as fliers, posters, email templates, text message drafts, and customizable videos.
Set to take full effect on January 1, 2027, the ARHOME work requirement mandates that non-exempt beneficiaries work, volunteer, enroll in school, or combine these activities for a minimum of 80 hours per month to maintain their health coverage. According to DHS, the objective is to help participants secure employment and develop careers that provide financial independence and improved health outcomes.
“DHS is committed to helping Arkansans prepare for changes that may affect their health care,” said DHS Secretary Janet Mann. “This toolkit provides ready-to-use educational resources for organizations and community members to spread the word about the new requirements and what they need to do to maintain their coverage.”
At the heart of the initiative is an extensive video campaign led by DHS Division Manager and former television reporter Jason Pederson. As part of the project, over 75 videos tailored to each of Arkansas’s counties have been created, featuring local landmarks, businesses, and sports teams. These videos, which began playing in county DHS offices on Monday, emphasize the new requirements and direct viewers to additional information at ar.gov/engage.
DHS also offers free customized promotional videos for organizations, including businesses, clinics, churches, and civic groups. Pederson will personalize a 30-second video with the organization’s name and key details about the ARHOME program. Interested groups can register for a custom video by October 1 through the ARHOME website.
In addition to video content, the toolkit offers downloadable materials like flyers, letters, text templates, and social media graphics to assist health care providers, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and other entities in communicating the new requirements to their audiences. Templates are editable and include free Canva designs that allow organizations to easily add their logos.
Mary Franklin, Director of the DHS Division of County Operations, emphasized the importance of clear communication during this transition. “We know our beneficiaries rely heavily on access to clear communication when they have questions or concerns regarding their coverage,” Franklin said. “That’s why we created these resources for a wide range of entities that can be easily incorporated into their existing messaging or customized with their own logo.”
DHS first initiated a soft rollout of the Community Engagement and Work Requirement earlier this year. However, repercussions for non-compliance will not begin until the program is fully launched in 2027. Organizations and individuals seeking customizable outreach materials or specific guidance can visit ar.gov/engage for additional details.