Free, plain-English help for seniors and families in Arkansas. Education, not advice. Verify before you rely on it.
Start here (works anywhere in Arkansas)
- 211 (dial 2-1-1), Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116, BenefitsCheckUp.org, Medicare 1-800-633-4227, Social Security 1-800-772-1213, VA 1-800-827-1000, Alzheimer's 24/7 Helpline 1-800-272-3900, National Elder Fraud Hotline 1-833-372-8311, Crisis Lifeline 988
Free Medicare counseling (Arkansas SHIP)
Arkansas calls its SHIP program SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program), administered by the Arkansas Insurance Department. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling is available statewide by phone, in person, or virtually through trained, certified volunteers.
- Phone: 1-800-224-6330
- Website: insurance.arkansas.gov/consumer-assistance/medicare-resources/shiip/
SHIIP serves all 75 Arkansas counties through 36 sponsoring organizations. Counselors help with Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement plans, and Part D drug plans at no cost.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for reporting suspected Medicare fraud: 1-866-726-2916
Medicaid in Arkansas
Arkansas Medicaid provides long-term care coverage for seniors who meet income and care-level requirements. The standard adult Medicaid program is called ARHOME.
- How to apply: Online at humanservices.arkansas.gov (Access Arkansas portal) or call 1-800-482-8988 or visit a local Department of Human Services county office
- 2026 single-applicant Nursing Home Medicaid income limit: under $2,982/month, assets under $2,000, and a nursing home level of care required (limits adjust annually; confirm with DHS)
Prescription help
Arkansas does not operate a standalone state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP). Seniors on Medicare should apply for Extra Help (the federal Low Income Subsidy), which reduces Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays.
- Apply for Extra Help: Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213 or ssa.gov
- Free prescription discount card open to all Arkansas residents (no income or age requirement): Arkansas Drug Card at rxresource.org
- Manufacturer patient-assistance programs by drug name: NeedyMeds.org
Energy and utility help
Arkansas LIHEAP is delivered through a network of county-level Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) across all 75 counties. Do not mail applications to the state energy office; applications go to your local CBO.
- Find your county's CBO: adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx
- Winter priority enrollment opens around December 8 each year for households with a member aged 60 or older, a person with a disability, or a child under age 6. General public enrollment opens in early January. Applications typically accepted through April 30.
- Also call 211 or NEAR 1-866-674-6327 for referrals
Property tax relief (Arkansas)
Arkansas provides two programs under Amendment 79, both administered by county assessor offices.
1. Homestead Tax Credit (any homeowner, no age or income requirement) A credit of up to $500 per year applied against property taxes on your principal residence. Beginning with 2026 tax bills, the General Assembly authorized an increase up to $600. Apply at your county assessor's office.
2. Age 65 or Disabled Assessed Value Freeze (no income limit) Homeowners who already receive the Homestead Tax Credit AND are age 65 or older (or disabled) can have the taxable assessed value of their homestead frozen at the next county assessment date after turning 65. The freeze does not transfer to a new owner if the property is sold. Major improvements (adding 25% or more to value) can trigger a reassessment. Apply separately at your county assessor's office.
Amendment 79 Annual Cap (applies to all real property) Even without the senior freeze, Amendment 79 limits assessed value increases in a county-wide reappraisal: no more than 5% per year on homesteads, no more than 10% on commercial and other real property.
Contact your county assessor to apply for either benefit.
Food, in-home help, caregiver, transportation, and legal help
- Arkansas Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services and Area Agencies on Aging: 1-800-986-3990 or aging.arkansas.gov
- Arkansas Legal Services Partnership (free civil legal help for low-income seniors): arjustice.org or 1-800-952-9243
- Meals on Wheels and senior center meals: contact your local Area Agency on Aging or dial 211
- SNAP (food assistance): apply at humanservices.arkansas.gov or 1-800-482-8988
Frequently asked questions
What is Arkansas's SHIP program? Arkansas calls it SHIIP, run by the Arkansas Insurance Department. Trained volunteers provide free help with Medicare questions including Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans. Call 1-800-224-6330 or visit insurance.arkansas.gov/consumer-assistance/medicare-resources/shiip/.
Does Arkansas offer senior property tax relief? Yes. All homeowners can receive a Homestead Tax Credit of up to $600 (starting with 2026 bills). Homeowners who are 65 or older can also freeze their assessed value so their taxable home value cannot increase over time. Apply for both at your county assessor's office. No income limit applies to either program.
How do Arkansas seniors get help with heating bills? Through LIHEAP, distributed by local Community-Based Organizations. Find your county's CBO at adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx. Priority enrollment opens around December 8 each year for residents aged 60 and older. Also call 211 or NEAR at 1-866-674-6327.
How do I apply for Arkansas Medicaid for long-term care? Contact the Department of Human Services at 1-800-482-8988 or apply at humanservices.arkansas.gov. A Nursing Home Level of Care determination is required. A single applicant generally needs income under $2,982/month and assets under $2,000 (verify current limits with DHS, as they adjust annually).
Sources
- Arkansas Insurance Department SHIIP: https://insurance.arkansas.gov/consumer-assistance/medicare-resources/shiip/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Arkansas Insurance Department SMP: https://insurance.arkansas.gov/consumer-services/senior-medicare-patrol-smp/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Arkansas DFA Property Tax Relief (official): https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/arkansas-assessment-coordination-division/real-property/property-tax-relief/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Arkansas DHS Medicaid Quick Reference: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/county-operations/medicaid-quick-reference-chart/ (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Arkansas LIHEAP overview: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/liheap.aspx (Verified June 10, 2026)
- Arkansas LIHEAP CBO locator: https://www.adeq.state.ar.us/energy/assistance/caad.aspx (Verified June 10, 2026)
Ryan Riggins, NC Real Estate License #361546, eXp Realty. Riggins Strategic Solutions is an education and media company, not a real estate sales business. This is not financial, tax, medical, or legal advice. Income limits, rates, and deadlines change annually, confirm with the program or a licensed professional before acting.