·State program
Arkansas ARChoices in Homecare (1915(c) Waiver) and IndependentChoices Self-Direction (1915(j))
Arkansas offers self-directed Medicaid services through two related but distinct programs: IndependentChoices, a 1915(j) State Plan Services option, and ARChoices, a 1915(c) HCBS waiver. Self-direction lets participants or representatives manage certain services with support, including employer authority over who provides care and budget authority over approved spending. ARChoices serves adults ages 21-64 with physical disabilities and seniors age 65 or older who meet financial criteria, require intermediate nursing-home level of care, and need at least one available service.
What it offers
Arkansas self-direction operates through two Medicaid paths: IndependentChoices (1915(j) State Plan Services) and ARChoices (1915(c) HCBS Waiver Services). Participants choosing self-direction can recruit, hire, train, and supervise the people who furnish services and may have authority over how an approved Medicaid budget is spent. ARChoices provides home and community-based services for adults ages 21-64 with a physical disability and seniors age 65 or older; listed services include attendant care, home-delivered meals, PERS, adult day services, respite, and environmental modifications.
Questions that decide eligibility
GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:
- 01
Does the person receiving care live in Arkansas?
Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
- 02
Does your relationship to the person — parent, child, sibling, grandparent, other relative, or non relative — count for this program?
- 03
What are the current income and asset limits, and whose income counts?
Our record lists gross monthly limit around $2,982 for a household of one or an asset limit around $2,000 — limits change, so confirm the current figures.
- 04
Is the person receiving care in the covered age range (21–null)?
- 05
What counts as a qualifying disability or level of care need, and what documentation shows it?
- 06
Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?
- 07
Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?
- 08
Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.
Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- 09
What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- 10
Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?