The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) unveiled an extensive ARHOME Outreach Toolkit on its website (ar.gov/engage) to ensure that residents across the state are fully informed about the new Community Engagement and Work Requirement set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
What the requirement entails
Beginning the first day of 2027, individuals receiving ARHOME benefits who are not exempt must complete a total of 80 hours each month of work, volunteer service, school attendance, or a combination of these activities. DHS says the goal is to help participants find stable employment, build careers that provide purpose and financial independence, and ultimately improve health outcomes.
Toolkit components for local groups
The new toolkit offers a suite of ready‑to‑use resources that can be shared by churches, nonprofits, civic clubs, health‑care providers, qualified health plans, and local elected officials. Materials include printable flyers, posters, and customizable templates for letters, emails, text messages, blog posts, and social‑media captions. Free Canva graphics let organizations add their own logos, making the messaging feel personal and trustworthy.
One of the most distinctive features is a library of more than 75 short, 30‑second videos starring DHS Division Manager and former television reporter Jason Pederson. Each video mentions a specific business, church, clinic, or community organization by name, highlights the upcoming ARHOME changes, and directs viewers to the engagement site. The videos are already playing on digital bulletin boards in every county office and can be downloaded for use on social media, email newsletters, or in‑store displays.
How to obtain a custom video
Organizations that want a personalized version of the video can sign up through the toolkit portal before October 1. After submitting basic information, DHS will produce a tailored clip that references the applicant’s name, location, and any local icons—such as high‑school teams or popular attractions—to make the message resonate with the community.
Leadership comments
“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.”
Mary Franklin, Director of the Division of County Operations, added, “We know our beneficiaries rely heavily on clear communication when they have questions or concerns regarding their coverage. That’s why we created these resources for a wide range of entities that can be easily incorporated into existing messaging or customized with their own logo.”
Implementation timeline
DHS began a soft launch of the Community Engagement and Work Requirement earlier this year, allowing participants to become familiar with the expectations without facing penalties. Full enforcement, including potential loss of coverage for non‑compliance, will begin on Jan. 1, 2027.
Local officials and community leaders are encouraged to use the toolkit to reach out to ARHOME beneficiaries, answer questions, and connect individuals with job‑training programs, volunteer opportunities, and educational resources that can help them meet the 80‑hour monthly goal.
Where to find the resources
All materials—including the video library, printable graphics, and template documents—are available for free at ar.gov/engage. Organizations interested in a custom video should submit their request by the October 1 deadline.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
