ARHOME is a Lifeline for Cancer Patients in Arkansas

LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – August 17, 2026. – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) supports the Arkansas Department of Health and Human Services’ proposed ideas for a path forward to Arkansas Health and Opportunity for Me Program (ARHOME). The Hospital, Medicaid and Developmental Disabilities Subcommittee met following the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) verbal denial of Arkansas’ request to renew its hybrid Medicaid program.

ARHOME is a hybrid Medicaid initiative that uses federal dollars to provide health insurance to eligible Arkansans. The program currently serves over 200,000 Arkansans across the state.

The following statement can be attributed to Oklahoma and Arkansas Government Relations Director, Matt Glanville:

“We applaud the state’s effort to seek a two-year extension to work out a plan to keep Arkansans covered. Research shows having health insurance is one of the most significant factors in surviving cancer. Access to health coverage results in earlier cancer diagnoses, when the disease is more treatable and less costly and cancer outcomes are improved.

“Continuity of coverage is vital for cancer patients. We cannot let patients get caught in the middle of this renewal process and have their care taken from them. It is important that CMS prioritizes the well-being of patients as they reach an agreement. We look forward to working with state policymakers to ensure coverage for over 200,000 Arkansans is protected during this transition period."