If you care for someone with disabilities, you’ve likely heard of Medicaid waiver programs. In Arkansas, these programs can help your loved one receive vital services—at home or in the community. From therapy to daily care, waivers can cover needs that regular Medicaid doesn’t. But who qualifies? And how do you get started? We’ll walk you through what you need to know to access the support your family deserves.
Key Takeaways:
- Medicaid waivers in Arkansas allow people to receive care at home instead of in nursing facilities.
- Main programs include CES Waiver (for developmental disabilities), ARChoices (for adults 21+), and Living Choices (for seniors in assisted living). Consequently, these programs cater to a wide range of needs.
- Services covered encompass personal care, skilled nursing, day programs, home modifications, respite, meals, and transportation. Thus, they provide comprehensive support.
- Eligibility requires a nursing home-level need, income under $2,829/month, and savings under $2,000; additionally, trusts can be used for excess income.
- Waivers like TEFRA serve children with disabilities regardless of family income. Therefore, they ensure all children have access to necessary care.
- Caregivers, including family members, may be paid under Consumer-Directed Services if they meet state requirements. As a result, families can be directly involved in caregiving.
- Waitlists, especially for CES, may take years; however, priority is given to critical cases.
- Waivers include 1915(c) (group-specific), 1915(k) (no waitlist), and 1115 (pilot programs like Arkansas Works). Moreover, the variety of waivers offers flexible options for eligibility.
Understanding Medicaid Waiver Programs in Arkansas: Your Guide to Care at Home
Medicaid waiver programs in Arkansas help individuals who need long-term care remain at home, rather than going into nursing facilities. These programs offer invaluable support like personal care, therapy, and transportation. These programs specifically assist people with disabilities, seniors, and children with special needs. Moreover, Easterseals Arkansas actively supports families in navigating these life-changing services.
Medicaid Waiver Programs Provide In-Home Support Services
In Arkansas, Medicaid waiver programs give people more choices about where and how they receive care. Instead of moving into a facility, eligible individuals can get support in their homes or communities. These services can include:
- Daily personal care (bathing, dressing, meal prep)
- In-home nursing visits
- Transportation to appointments
- Modifications to make homes safer
- Meals delivered to your door
These programs are known as Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). They focus on helping people live as independently as possible while receiving the support they need.
Medicaid Waiver Services Go Beyond Basic Medicaid
Regular Medicaid pays for doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. However, Medicaid waiver programs go a step further. By waiving some federal rules, they allow states like Arkansas the flexibility to offer extra care. Consequently, individuals can receive additional support tailored to their needs.This includes help with:
- Bathing and dressing
- Home safety upgrades
- Respite care for family caregivers
- Specialized day programs
These services are meant for people who need the same level of care as a nursing home but prefer to stay at home.
Arkansas Offers Home and Community-Based Care Through Medicaid Waivers
To receive HCBS in Arkansas, you must:
- Need the level of care provided in a nursing facility.
- Be able to live safely at home with support.
- Meet income and asset limits set by Medicaid.
If approved, services are delivered by trained providers based on a personal care plan. Additionally, in some cases, family members can also be paid to provide care through consumer-directed options.
Medicaid Waiver Programs Support Adults With Disabilities
For adults with disabilities, Arkansas Medicaid waivers may provide:
- Personal assistants
- Day support centers
- Job coaching and training
- Transportation to work or appointments
- In-home nursing or therapy
- Home modifications like wheelchair ramps
Each service is thoughtfully matched to the individual’s needs. Moreover, providers work closely with families to ensure that goals are met and independence is supported.
Eligibility for Arkansas Medicaid Waiver Programs
To qualify for a Medicaid waiver, you must meet health and financial criteria.
Medical eligibility means needing help with tasks like:
- Personal safety
- Meal prep
- Dressing or hygiene
Financial eligibility in 2025 requires:
- Income under $2,829/month
- Savings under $2,000 (home and car not counted)
If your income is too high, you may still qualify by setting up a special needs trust to manage extra funds for care.
Arkansas Medicaid Waiver Programs Serve All Ages
There is no age limit to apply for a waiver. However, programs are often age-specific:
- TEFRA/Katie Beckett helps children with disabilities, regardless of parent income.
- CES Waiver supports all ages with developmental disabilities.
- ARChoices helps adults over 21 with physical disabilities or age-related needs.
You can apply for a waiver even if you aren’t currently enrolled in Medicaid. Approval depends on meeting both financial and medical requirements.
Understanding the Types of Waiver Programs in Arkansas
Arkansas Medicaid waiver programs include:
- Community and Employment Support (CES) Waiver: Specifically for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, including autism. Therefore, it offers job training, therapy, and daily care.
- ARChoices in Homecare Waiver: For adults age 21+ with disabilities. Consequently, services include personal care, meals, and transportation.
- Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver: Designed for seniors who need care in an assisted living setting. Thus, it provides the necessary support for aging comfortably.
Overall, each program supports different needs. Applying to more than one can increase your chances of receiving help.
Services Covered by Arkansas Waiver Programs
Additionally, examples of expanded services include:
- Home safety updates, such as grab bars and ramps
- Moreover, meal delivery
- Additionally, help with dressing or hygiene
- Furthermore, adult day programs
- Consequently, transportation to work or medical care
- In addition, therapy for autism or brain injury
Therefore, waivers are flexible and respond to individual goals and health needs.
Getting Started With the Medicaid Waiver Application
Here’s how to apply:
- Review your care needs and income.
- Call your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office to request an intake.
- Attend a medical review or exam.
- Complete the Medicaid waiver application.
- Wait for approval and placement on the list, if needed.
Some parts of the process can be done online or by phone. Others require in-person visits.
Documents You May Need to Apply
Prepare:
- Proof of ID and residency
- Birth certificate and Social Security number
- Income and bank records
- Medical records or doctor’s notes
- Guardianship or legal documents (if applicable)
If your income is too high, ask about Medicaid income trusts.
Be Aware of Waitlists for Medicaid Waivers
Most Arkansas waiver programs have a waitlist. Some families wait years, especially for the CES Waiver.
To keep your spot:
- Renew your application every year
- Submit updated health and income info
- Notify the state of any changes
People in crisis, such as those who have lost a caregiver, may receive priority placement.
Medicaid Waiver Options for Children and Special Needs
Arkansas offers waivers for children through:
- Katie Beckett (TEFRA): For kids with serious health needs, regardless of family income.
- CES Waiver: For children with autism or developmental disabilities.
Covered supports include:
- In-home therapy
- Speech and behavior support
- School assistants
- Respite care for parents
- Home safety updates
Early application is key. These programs help children stay with their families while receiving essential care.
Finding a Provider Through Medicaid Waiver Programs
To find a provider:
- Use the Medicaid waiver provider search tool.
- Talk to a support coordinator—they help set up services, schedule care, and check progress.
You can often choose your agency or caregiver under consumer-directed care; however, background checks and training are required.
Take the First Step Toward Care With Easterseals Arkansas
Easterseals Arkansas helps individuals and families navigate Medicaid waiver programs. From applying to hiring caregivers, they’re with you every step of the way. Furthermore, waivers can unlock home care, independence, and peace of mind. Therefore, don’t wait—get the support your family deserves.
In addition, join Easterseals Arkansas in creating a more inclusive future. Whether you give, volunteer, or advocate, your support fuels real change. So, explore how you can get involved today.
Visit Get Involved at Easterseals Arkansas.
