Medicaid and financial assistance, in plain language.
Arkansas has several programs that can help pay for long-term care. Each one has its own rules and its own front door. Start with the situation that sounds most like yours.
This is a general overview, not an eligibility decision. Financial and functional limits change, so ClearPath does not list dollar amounts here. Arkansas DHS makes all eligibility determinations.
ARChoices in Homecare
Who it generally helps
Adults generally 65 or older, or adults 21 to 64 with a physical disability, who meet both financial and functional (care need) eligibility and want to remain at home or in the community.
What it may cover
Home and community-based services such as help with personal care and daily activities, so a person can stay at home. It is not a substitute for skilled nursing care.
Where to start
Call Choices in Living at 1-866-801-3435 or review the DHS program page . A DHS assessment determines care-level eligibility.
PACE
What it is
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly coordinates medical care and support services so people can keep living in the community.
Who it generally helps
People 55 or older who need a nursing-facility level of care but can live safely in the community with support, and who live in the program's service area.
Service area
DHS lists PACE of the Ozarks for Benton, Madison and Washington counties. Exact address eligibility must be confirmed with the program.
Living Choices Assisted Living
Who it generally helps
Medicaid-eligible adults who need assisted living level care and choose a participating Level II assisted living community.
The room-and-board distinction
The waiver helps with care services. It does not cover room and board, so families should ask each community how that portion is paid.
Where to start
Participating communities often help families begin. DHS and Choices in Living can also explain the process.
Nursing Facility Medicaid
Who it generally helps
People who meet both Medicaid financial criteria and the required level of care for long-term nursing facility care.
Good to know
Medicare does not pay for ongoing custodial nursing home care. Many families rely on Medicaid for long-term stays once other resources are used.
Where to start
The nursing facility's business office can often help with an application. DHS can also help directly.
Not sure where to start?
There is no single front door. Some families start with a facility, others with DHS or the Area Agency on Aging. Any of these can point you in the right direction.
- Arkansas DHS: Long-Term Services and Supports
- Choices in Living Resource Center: 1-866-801-3435
- Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas
- Access Arkansas (online applications)