Resources now available on website + unique video series featuring former TV reporter to play at county offices
LITTLE ROCK – The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) has launched a new Outreach Toolkit at ar.gov/engage that provides sharable materials about the new ARHOME Community Engagement and Work Requirement including fliers, posters, templates for text messages and emails, and a series of videos that will play a unique message in each of the 75+ DHS county offices.
Beginning January 1, 2027, ARHOME beneficiaries who are not exempt will need to work, volunteer, go to school, or combine these activities for a total of 80 hours per month to keep their coverage. The goal of this requirement is to help beneficiaries find jobs and build careers that bring purpose, meaning, and financial independence, which can lead to better health.
“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.”
As part of the toolkit, DHS is also encouraging organizations to sign up for free customized promotional videos featuring DHS Division Manager and former television reporter Jason Pederson. He’ll mention the business, church, clinic, or organization by name, share key information about upcoming ARHOME changes in about 30 seconds, and direct viewers to ar.gov/engage. The video can be used on social media, in emails, on office or store displays.
DHS has already produced 75 different videos to play on digital bulletin boards in offices in every county in the state featuring Pederson promoting the new requirement and mentioning some local icons, like high school teams, popular businesses, or tourist attractions. The videos will begin playing in county offices today, and they can also be viewed in full here.
Organizations that would like their own video should sign up by clicking here or visiting ar.gov/engage before Oct. 1. A preview of these customizable videos is available here.
The ARHOME Outreach Toolkit also consists of general resources that can be used across audiences – including a flyer, poster, video, and written templates for letters, emails, text messages, blog posts, and social media captions. Health care providers, Qualified Health Plans (QHPs), faith-based groups, nonprofits, civic clubs, local elected officials, and more can download individualized written templates tailored to their audiences. Customizable graphics are also available for organizations to easily add their own logo, including free Canva templates that can be edited on a phone.
“We know our beneficiaries rely heavily on access to clear communication when they have questions or concerns regarding their coverage,” said Mary Franklin, Director of the Division of County Operations. “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 earlier this year began a soft launch of the new Community Engagement and Work Requirement, though no penalties are in place until the full program launches on Jan. 1, 2027.
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