Arkansas ARChoices in Homecare (1915(c) Waiver) and IndependentChoices Self-Direction (1915(j))

Arkansas offers two related but distinct consumer-directed programs. ARChoices in Homecare is a 1915(c) HCBS waiver for adults 21+ with physical disabilities or seniors 65+ requiring an intermediate or nursing-facility level of care; it provides attendant care, home-delivered meals, adult day services, PERS, respite, and environmental modifications. IndependentChoices is Arkansas's 1915(j) self-direction option that spans BOTH state-plan Personal Care recipients AND ARChoices attendant care recipients — it allows Medicaid-eligible individuals 18+ to hire and direct their own attendants (including family members, but not spouses) without a waiver-level LOC requirement for the state-plan Personal Care pathway. Arkansas was one of the original Cash & Counseling demonstration states.

Two programs: (1) ARChoices in Homecare (1915(c) waiver, age 21+, intermediate/nursing-facility LOC required): attendant care, home-delivered meals, PERS, adult day services, respite, environmental modifications. 2026 Medicaid Quick Reference income limit: $2,982/mo for an individual; resource limit: $2,000; income trust available if over limit. (2) IndependentChoices (1915(j) self-direction, age 18+): allows Medicaid-eligible individuals to hire and direct personal attendants — available to both state-plan Personal Care recipients (no waiver LOC required) and ARChoices waiver participants. Family members (but not spouses) can be hired as attendants at approximately $13–$15/hr under either program. Sources: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/aging-adult-behavioral-health-services/find-home-community-based-services-for-adults-seniors/archoices-in-homecare/, https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/county-operations/medicaid-quick-reference-chart/, and https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/aging-adult-behavioral-health-services/self-direction-independent-choices/

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

• Asset limit of $2,000
• Care recipient must have a qualifying disability
• Care recipient age: at least 21
• Relationship: parent, child, sibling, grandparent, other relative, non relative

Services

Two programs: (1) ARChoices in Homecare (1915(c) waiver, age 21+, intermediate/nursing-facility LOC required): attendant care, home-delivered meals, PERS, adult day services, respite, environmental modifications. 2026 Medicaid Quick Reference income limit: $2,982/mo for an individual; resource limit: $2,000; income trust available if over limit. (2) IndependentChoices (1915(j) self-direction, age 18+): allows Medicaid-eligible individuals to hire and direct personal attendants — available to both state-plan Personal Care recipients (no waiver LOC required) and ARChoices waiver participants. Family members (but not spouses) can be hired as attendants at approximately $13–$15/hr under either program. Sources: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/aging-adult-behavioral-health-services/find-home-community-based-services-for-adults-seniors/archoices-in-homecare/, https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/county-operations/medicaid-quick-reference-chart/, and https://humanservices.arkansas.gov/divisions-shared-services/aging-adult-behavioral-health-services/self-direction-independent-choices/

How to apply

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.