Arkansas Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Arkansas.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Arkansas Department of Human Services - Division of Medical Services
Processing Time
45-90 days standard, expedited processing for urgent nursing facility cases
Arkansas Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Arkansas, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Arkansas follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month (nursing home)
Married Couple (One Applying)
$5,964/month (both applying)
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,000
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$157,920 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Arkansas Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $6,083/month average (semi-private), $6,692/month (private) (the average monthly nursing home cost in Arkansas).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Arkansas
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Arkansas once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $6,083/month average (semi-private), $6,692/month (private). Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver (ALW): Arkansas covers personal care services and case management for individuals residing in licensed Level II assisted living facilities. Room and board costs are not covered. Has limited enrollment slots with a waiting list when full. Contact Choices in Living Resource Center at 1-866-801-3435.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Arkansas offers 3 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)
Provides 24-hour supervision and personal care services in state-licensed Level II assisted living facilities for individuals age 65+ or disabled adults age 21-64 requiring intermediate nursing home level of care. Approximately 1,725 enrollment spots.
Program Details →ElderChoices Waiver
Provides home and community-based services for elderly individuals requiring nursing facility level of care, including personal care, adult day care, and case management.
Program Details →Alternatives for Adults with Physical Disabilities
Serves adults age 21-64 with physical disabilities who require nursing facility level of care, providing in-home services and community supports.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Arkansas
Arkansas Medicaid applications typically take 45-90 days standard, expedited processing for urgent nursing facility cases. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Arkansas through:
- Online through Arkansas Access portal
- Mail to local DHS county office
- In-person at county office
- Call 1-800-482-5431
- Through nursing facility
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Arkansas from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Arkansas-Specific Programs and Resources
Medically Needy Spend-Down Program
Allows individuals who exceed income limits to become eligible for Medicaid by spending the majority of their income on medical expenses.
Learn MoreChoices in Living Resource Center
Provides information and assistance for long-term care options. Call 1-866-801-3435 to apply for the Living Choices Assisted Living Waiver.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Arkansas Medicaid?
Contact Arkansas Department of Human Services - Division of Medical Services for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.
Main Office Phone
1-800-482-5431Application Helpline
1-800-482-5431