A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Paid as a Family Caregiver in Arkansas: Exploring Medicaid and State Programs

In Arkansas, family members who dedicate their time and energy to caregiving may be eligible to receive financial assistance for their work. This guide explores various programs that provide financial support to family caregivers in the state.

Getting Reimbursed as a Family Caregiver in Arkansas Through Medicaid

Arkansas's Medicaid program, known as Arkansas Medicaid, covers about 800,000 residents. For family caregivers, there are several programs available through Medicaid that can help you get reimbursed for your caregiving services.

Arkansas Medicaid Personal Care Services Program

The Arkansas Medicaid Personal Care Services Program provides support for seniors and individuals with disabilities. This program allows patients to select and train their caregivers, but spouses are not eligible to be paid under this program.

Steps to Apply:

1. Eligibility: Your family member must be enrolled in Medicaid and meet specific medical and financial criteria.
2. Application: Contact the Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) for the application process. DHS has several programs that are designed to help adults with physical disabilities and seniors stay in their homes and communities rather than go to a skilled nursing facility. To apply for the programs below, please reach out to your local county office. If you would like to talk to a counselor about your options, call the Choices in Living Resource Center at 1-866-801-3435 or email choicesinliving@arkansas.gov.
3. Caregiver Designation: Once approved for the Personal Care Services Program, you can be designated as the paid caregiver.

For more information on applying, contact the DHS office helpline at 501-682-1001.

Arkansas Government Self-Direction/Independent Choices Program

The Independent Choices Program allows Medicaid beneficiaries to self-direct their care. Participants receive a monthly budget to manage their care needs, including hiring family members as paid caregivers. This program offers greater flexibility and control over the caregiving process.

Steps to Apply:

1. Eligibility: Your family member must be enrolled in Medicaid and meet the program's criteria.
2. Application: Contact the DHS Independent Choices Program office to apply. The phone number is 866-710-0456. For more details, you can visit the Arkansas DHS Independent Choices Program website.
3. Budget Management: Approved participants receive a monthly budget and can hire family members as caregivers.

ARChoices in Homecare Waiver

The ARChoices in Homecare Waiver provides home and community-based services for adults with disabilities and the elderly. This program allows family members to be paid for providing care, enhancing support for caregivers.

Steps to Apply:

1. Eligibility: Your family member must meet the medical and financial criteria for the waiver.
2. Application: Contact the DHS office to apply for the ARChoices Waiver.

Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)

The DDS supports individuals with developmental disabilities through various programs, including Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). This program allows family members to be paid caregivers.

Steps to Apply:

1. Contact DDDS: Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services at 501-682-8678.
2. Eligibility: Ensure your loved one meets the eligibility criteria for DDS services.
3. Apply for HCBS: Apply through the HCBS program and follow the necessary steps to become a paid caregiver.

Veteran Support Programs

The Veterans Administration (VA) has numerous programs to provide support to veterans and their caregivers. Here are a few to know.

Veteran Directed Care (VDC)

Veterans in Arkansas can hire family members as caregivers through the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program. This program provides veterans with a flexible budget to purchase home and community-based services, including hiring family members.

Eligibility:

1. Veterans must be enrolled in VA medical benefits.
2. Apply for the VDC program by calling the the VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274.

Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension Benefit

Veterans who require long-term in-home, assisted living, or nursing home care may qualify for the A&A Pension, which can provide up to $3,261 per month for caregiving expenses, including payments to family caregivers.

Housebound Pension Benefit

This benefit offers up to $1,882 per month to veterans who are mostly confined to their homes. It can be used to pay family caregivers, although spouses are not eligible for payment under this benefit.

Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

The PCAFC provides a stipend, training, counseling, and respite care to family caregivers of veterans who were seriously injured or became ill in the line of duty and require assistance with daily activities.

Additional Support Programs

The Arkansas Caregiver Coalition offers various support services to family caregivers. These include respite care, caregiver training, support groups, and access to resources designed to assist caregivers in managing their responsibilities and maintaining their well-being.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provide several services to support family caregivers, including:

• Information and Referrals: Guidance on local resources, support groups, and caregiver training.
• Respite Care: Temporary relief for caregivers to take breaks and attend to their own well-being.
• Support Groups: Facilitation of caregiver support groups for sharing experiences and learning from others.

Here is contact information for each individual agency.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Arkansas also follows the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), ensuring up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for eligible employees. This allows caregivers to take time off work to care for a loved one without the risk of losing their job.

Contact Information for Caregiver Support

For additional questions and support, contact the following resources:

• Arkansas DHS Office: 800-482-8988
• Independent Choices Program: 866-710-0456
• Division of Developmental Disabilities Services: 501-682-8678
• VA Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274
• Arkansas Caregiver Coalition: Contact through local AAA offices

Conclusion

Arkansas offers several programs to support family caregivers through financial assistance and resources. These programs recognize the essential role caregivers play and aim to provide necessary support and compensation.

For further assistance and to explore more resources, consult with your Medicaid case manager or contact one of the relevant offices listed above.