Arkansas Independent Choices Program

Program Overview

The Arkansas Independent Choices Program is a member-directed option for seniors and disabled adults. It is also known as the IC program and is established by the state of Arkansas. It is known to follow the Cash and Counseling model. This model states that an eligible state resident is to receive a monthly cash allowance. The amount provided is meant to be spent on their care. For the appropriate use of funds, program staff is also available. They provide guidance to either the applicant themselves or to their legal representative. It is common practice for the recipients to use the funds for their personal care at home. Moreover, the program also gives permission to the recipients to reside outside nursing homes. This concept is known as self-directed, consumer-directed, or participant-directed.

The Independent Choice program also involves the benefit of individuals chooses their caregivers. This means that the candidates can choose their caregivers from their own relatives. This can include adult children of aging parents as well who are paid for the care provided. However, these personal care services cannot be provided by the spouse or legal guardian of the applicant.

The IC program is not a Medicaid program and should not be viewed as such. It is simply an option for seniors and disabled residents of Arkansas. Through it, they can choose how they want to receive personal assistance services or attendant care services. Services that are provided under Arkansas’ State Medicaid Personal Program and the ARChoices in Homecare Medicaid Waiver. The administration of this program is carried out by the DHS Division of Aging and Adult Services, also known as DAAS. DHS is known as the Arkansas Department of Human Services.

Eligibility Criteria

There are two kinds of requirements when it comes to the criterion of the IC program. The first set of requirements helps to point out the basic requirements expected from an individual. This set of requirements help the Arkansas government to know the most deserving candidates. It differentiates them from the rest of the population. The interested applicant of Independent Choices must:

• Be above the age of 18 years.
• Have a medical need for personal care services
• Require assistance with ADLs. These are known as the activities of daily living including eating and undressing.
• Be a resident of the State of Arkansas
• Be a U.S. citizen or a legal alien.

The second set of requirements is the financial eligibility of individuals. The person must be eligible for a Medicaid program that provides personal care services. This eligibility is dependent on the personal situation of the applicant. This makes it a complex subject as pregnant women have different requirements compared to children, seniors, or young families. In the case of seniors and disabled individuals, two programs are of concern. These are the Personal Care Program via the Arkansas state Medicaid plan and the ARChoices in Homecare Medicaid Waiver. The financial requirements of both are different which is why financial eligibility is termed as complicated. We will discuss these requirements separately of each program to help ease up the process.

Personal Care Program

• Income Limitation – The monthly income limit for this program is $783. This is for A single individual and can be said to be 100% of the Federal Benefit Rate. This amount increases to $1,175 per month for a married couple. This is because the income of both spouses is considered in the eligibility process. They both are treated as applicants.
• Asset Limitation – For individuals, this limit is said to be $2,000 whereas it is $3,000 for married couples. This limit remains the same whether or not both spouses’ are applying.

ARChoices Medicaid Waiver

• • Income Limitation – An individual must have a monthly income of $2,349 which remains the same in the case of married couples. This is because if even both the spouses’ are applying, they are considered separately.
  • Asset Limitation – The countable asset limit for this program is the same as the Personal Care Program. However, the asset limit may increase if only one spouse is applying in the case of married couples.

How to Apply

The Independent Choices program can be contacted directly by interested individuals. This can be done through the website of DHS. Also known as the Department of Human Services, it includes the appropriate information required by an applicant. This means that an eligible individual can go over the information from the comfort of their homes. To start up the application process, Medicaid eligible parties must call 1-866-710-0456. However, those people who do not have Medicaid must first apply for it or consult a Medicaid planner.

For Further Information

The website of DHS is established to cater to the needs of individuals. It also includes an Independent Choices manual which can easily be downloaded. This will prove helpful as it may eliminate any queries the person may have. Moreover, they can also get in touch with their county offices which are spread state-wide or call at 501-682-1001.

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