AR Choices in Homecare, also simply referred to as AR Choices, is a Medicaid Waiver program for frail elders and physically disabled adults. Implemented in January 2016, AR Choices is operated by the Arkansas Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging, Adult and Behavioral Health Services and the Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance.

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ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES

To be eligible for AR Choices, an applicant must be a resident of Arkansas who is physically disabled between the ages of 21 and 64, or is 65 years of age or older. In addition, functional and financial requirements must also be met. All applicants must require a nursing home level of care and require a minimum of one of the services offered through AR Choices.

 

Financially, as of 2020, a single applicant must not have income greater than $2,349 per month. This figure is equivalent to 300 percent of the SSI Federal Benefit Rate. Countable assets, which are assets that are easily converted to cash such as bank accounts, mutual funds, and stocks, are limited to $2,000 for an individual. However, several assets are considered non-countable (exempt), such as your loved one's primary home, given the value does not exceed $595,000 (in 2020) and the applicant or his/her spouse resides in it. Additional exemptions include household goods, burial trusts, and personal items such as a wedding ring.

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For those who do not meet the financial requirements, there are ways to effectively lower income and assets in order to meet program eligibility. If your loved one is over the income and/or asset limit(s), it is highly recommended to seek the counsel of a professional Medicaid planner. Need help finding a planner? Give us a call at 501-725-2273 and let us help.

 

Please note: It is crucial to not give away assets or sell them cheaply in order to meet Medicaid’s asset limit. This is because Medicaid has a look-back period (60 months in Arkansas) in which all past asset transfers within the defined period are reviewed. If your loved one has gifted assets or sold them under fair market value, he/she will be ineligible for Medicaid for a determined period of time.

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BENEFITS & SERVICES

Via AR Choices Medicaid waiver, case management, as well as the following services may be available:

• Home Modifications 

• In-Home and Out-of-Home Respite Care

• Adult Day Care/Adult Day Health

• Personal Emergency Response Systems

• Meal Delivery

• Attendant Care – Assistance with ADLs

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HOW TO APPLY OR LEARN MORE

For additional information on AR Choices or to apply, call 1-866-801-3435 or contact your local Department of Human Services (DHS) county office. An AR Choices program brochure can be downloaded here and additional information can be found on the DHS website.