Medicaid self-directed care
IndependentChoices
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- Who qualifies
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Adults 18 or older who are eligible for Medicaid in a category that covers personal care (or for SSI), or who are eligible for ARChoices and need attendant care or personal care as the DHS registered nurse determines, and who receive or are medically eligible to receive personal assistance services. You cannot live in a home or property owned, operated or controlled by a provider of services, unless the provider is related to you by blood or marriage.
IndependentChoices gives a monthly allowance and counseling in place of agency personal assistance. You, or a representative, become the employer who hires, trains, supervises and if necessary fires the worker. The number of participants is limited by the Medicaid State Plan.
Source: Arkansas Medicaid IndependentChoices Provider Manual, Section II (Arkansas Department of Human Services)Checked
- Can a family member be paid
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Yes. Yes. Family members, other than those with legal responsibility for the beneficiary, may serve as personal assistants.
A power of attorney or income payee may not serve as the paid caregiver, and a representative who manages the program for you may not be paid or be your employee.
Source: Arkansas Medicaid IndependentChoices Provider Manual, Section II (Arkansas Department of Human Services)Checked
- Can a spouse be paid
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No. No. A spouse may not serve as a caregiver or employee.
Source: Arkansas Medicaid IndependentChoices Provider Manual, Section II (Arkansas Department of Human Services)Checked
- Can a legal guardian be paid
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No. No. A court-appointed legal guardian may not serve as a caregiver or employee.
Source: Arkansas Medicaid IndependentChoices Provider Manual, Section II (Arkansas Department of Human Services)Checked