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Arkansas assisted living payment guide
Last updated: 26 September 2026
Arkansas families usually need more than one source of money to make assisted living work. The main Medicaid route is Living Choices, but it pays covered care services rather than the resident’s room and board. The best plan is to check Medicaid, the resident’s monthly income, veterans benefits if relevant, and lower-cost care alternatives before signing a facility contract.
Bottom Line
If an older adult needs help with daily activities and has limited income or resources, start with Arkansas LTSS Medicaid assistance. Living Choices can cover approved care in a participating Level II assisted living facility, but Arkansas says the waiver does not cover room and board. For 2026, the state lists a monthly LTSS income limit of $2,982 and resource limits of $2,000 for one applicant and $3,000 for a couple, with special spouse rules that can change the resource calculation.
Do not wait for a crisis. Arkansas also states in its summary chart that Assisted Living Facility waiver coverage has no standard retroactive coverage. The current Medicaid policy manual says the assisted living begin date depends on the application date, the assessment and plan-of-care date, and the date the person entered the facility. Do not assume an earlier private-pay bill will be reimbursed; ask DHS for the exact coverage begin date.
Urgent Help
If the resident is unsafe, being abused, or facing an immediate discharge, handle safety and rights first. Call 911 for immediate danger. For suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an adult, contact Arkansas Adult Protective Services at 1-800-482-8049. For a transfer, discharge, billing, or resident-rights problem, use the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman route and keep every notice.
If food, utilities, housing, or another bill is creating the crisis, the GFS Arkansas emergency help guide lists other places to try while the care plan is being worked out.
Start Here
- Call Choices in Living at 1-866-801-3435. Ask which long-term care path fits the person’s needs: Living Choices, ARChoices, PACE, or nursing facility care.
- Get a written facility price sheet. Ask what is room and board, what Medicaid may cover, what remains private-pay, and whether the facility is accepting new Living Choices residents.
- Start payment routes together. Apply for Medicaid promptly, and start VA pension review at the same time if the person is a veteran or qualifying surviving spouse.
Quick Payment Routes
| Route | May help with | Main limit |
|---|---|---|
| Living Choices Medicaid | Covered assisted living care services | Room and board is not covered |
| Resident income | Room, board, and personal costs | Social Security or other income may not cover the full bill |
| VA pension | Care and housing costs | Separate federal eligibility rules apply |
| PACE | Coordinated medical and long-term care in the community | Only in listed service areas; not assisted living rent help |
| Private pay or insurance | Deposits, gap months, or covered policy benefits | Savings can run down quickly; policy terms vary |
| Home-care pivot | Lower-cost care outside assisted living | Safe housing and enough support are still needed |
For a wider look at Arkansas help that can free up money for care, use the Arkansas senior benefits guide.
What Has Changed
If you used an older version of this guide, three points matter now. First, Arkansas’s current 2026 Medicaid chart still lists the assisted living income limit at $2,982 a month and the basic resource limits at $2,000 for one applicant and $3,000 for a couple. Second, the state still says room and board is excluded and its quick chart lists no standard retroactive Assisted Living Facility coverage; the policy manual ties the begin date to application, assessment and care-plan timing, and facility entry. Third, Arkansas DHS now lists the Central Arkansas PACE phone number as 1-501-441-8000; an older number in this guide has been removed.
Arkansas Medicaid Living Choices
Living Choices is Arkansas’s main Medicaid path for assisted living. The state describes it as a home- and community-based program for people who need a meaningful level of daily support but can be served safely in a Level II assisted living setting rather than a nursing facility.
Arkansas DHS says eligibility includes financial rules and an Intermediate Level of Care decision. A person who needs only light housekeeping may not meet the care standard. A person who needs skilled nursing facility care may also need a different setting. DHS makes the final eligibility decision.
What the waiver may cover
The current Living Choices materials describe services such as attendant care, therapeutic social and recreational activities, periodic nursing evaluations, limited nursing services, medication oversight, and help obtaining non-medical transportation. The exact plan depends on the person’s assessed needs.
What it does not cover
The most important exclusion is room and board. The federal waiver pays for covered services, not the resident’s ordinary housing charge. That is why a Medicaid approval can still leave a large monthly bill.
A licensed assisted living facility is also not automatically a Living Choices provider. Arkansas requires waiver providers to meet Level II licensing and Medicaid enrollment rules. Families can use the state facility search, then confirm Medicaid participation and current openings directly with the facility and Choices in Living.
Plan for the Room and Board Gap
Before paying a deposit, ask the facility for the full monthly price in writing. Separate the housing charge from care charges so you can see what remains after Medicaid begins.
- Monthly room and board
- Move-in or community fee
- Medication management charges
- Personal care supplies
- Transportation not covered by the care plan
- Private-pay charges before Medicaid starts
- Charges if Medicaid is denied or ends
Monthly income such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), pension income, VA benefits, savings, long-term care insurance, or family help may be used toward the remaining costs, depending on each program’s rules. Do not build a budget around money that has not been approved yet.
Medicare is not a substitute for this gap. Medicare’s long-term care rules state that it generally does not pay for ongoing custodial long-term care, including care provided in assisted living settings.
If housing cost is the main problem, compare assisted living with home care versus assisted living. A lower-cost senior apartment plus home-based support can sometimes be more sustainable.
2026 Arkansas Medicaid Financial Rules
The current Arkansas Medicaid quick chart lists these figures for Nursing Facility, Assisted Living, ARChoices, and DDS waiver categories. The chart is a summary, so DHS still applies the full Medicaid policy to each case.
| Rule | 2026 figure | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly income limit | $2,982 | Applicants are treated as individuals for income purposes |
| Individual resource limit | $2,000 | Countable resources matter; exclusions can apply |
| Couple resource limit | $3,000 | Spousal protections may change this result |
| Community spouse resources | Up to $162,660 | Arkansas says a spouse may keep a portion based on a formula |
| Retroactive coverage | No standard retroactive coverage | Ask DHS for the exact waiver begin date; timing depends on application, assessment, care plan, and facility entry |
If income is over $2,982: do not assume the case is over. Arkansas DHS says an applicant above the LTSS income limit may become eligible by establishing an Income Trust, sometimes called a Miller trust. This is an irrevocable legal arrangement with strict handling rules. Follow DHS instructions rather than moving income informally.
If resources are over the limit: ask DHS what is countable before selling, gifting, or retitling property. Spousal resource rules can protect part of a couple’s assets when one spouse remains in the community. Transfers made to qualify can also create problems under Medicaid rules.
If the monthly assisted living budget still does not work after benefits, the GFS low-income assisted living guide compares broader payment strategies.
Veterans and Surviving Spouses
Veterans and some surviving spouses should check VA pension with Aid and Attendance while the Medicaid case is moving. Arkansas’s Veteran Service Officer map can connect families with free claims help.
For the rate year that began 1 December 2025, VA lists a maximum annual pension rate with Aid and Attendance of $29,093 for a veteran with no dependents and $34,488 for a veteran with one dependent. The current veteran rates also list a net-worth limit of $163,699 through 30 November 2026.
For a surviving spouse with no dependent child who qualifies for Aid and Attendance, the current survivor rate lists a maximum annual pension rate of $18,697. These are maximum annual pension rates, not guaranteed payments. VA subtracts countable income, and some unreimbursed medical expenses may reduce income for VA purposes.
VA also applies asset-transfer rules. Do not give away assets just to try to qualify. Start with an accredited service officer and use the GFS Arkansas veterans guide for other state and local veteran resources.
PACE in Arkansas
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is not a subsidy for assisted living rent. It is a coordinated care model for people age 55 or older who live in a PACE service area, meet nursing-facility level-of-care rules, and can live safely in the community with support.
Arkansas DHS currently lists three PACE regions. Coverage is based on county and, in some areas, ZIP code, so call before assuming a location qualifies.
| Program | Area | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| PACE of the Ozarks | Benton, Madison, Washington | 1-479-463-6600 |
| Total Life Healthcare | Craighead, Cross, Greene, Lawrence, Mississippi, Poinsett, Randolph | 1-870-207-7500 |
| Complete Health with PACE | Faulkner, Garland, Hot Spring, Lonoke, Pulaski, Saline | 1-501-441-8000 |
Check the current PACE locations before calling. If the person still has safe housing, PACE may make it possible to stay in the community rather than move into assisted living. The GFS PACE decision guide explains who may fit this model.
How to Start Without Wasting Time
- Talk to Choices in Living. Call 1-866-801-3435 and describe the person’s age, disability status if relevant, current living setting, and the help needed with bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, medication, or supervision.
- Submit the LTSS application. Arkansas DHS says applicants can complete the LTSS packet and return it to the local county office. The state also provides Access Arkansas for health coverage applications and case management.
- Do not wait for every paper. The DHS LTSS page says to submit what you have; the caseworker can request missing proof.
- Call facilities yourself. Ask whether the facility is Level II, enrolled for Living Choices, accepting new waiver residents, and willing to hold a room while the case is reviewed.
- Build a bridge budget. Write down the resident’s monthly income, private-pay charges, deposits, expected family help, insurance benefits, and the maximum number of months the plan can last.
If online paperwork is difficult, the GFS Arkansas benefits portal guide explains practical Access Arkansas steps.
Documents to Gather
- Social Security number and proof of identity
- Proof of Arkansas residency
- Social Security, pension, annuity, and other income records
- Recent bank, investment, and retirement-account statements
- Property, vehicle, life-insurance, burial, and trust information if requested
- Health insurance and Medicare information
- Medical records or care information that explains daily support needs
- Facility price sheet and proposed admission date
- VA discharge papers and marriage records if pursuing VA pension
- Any Medicaid notice, request for proof, denial, or appeal letter
Reality Checks
- Medicaid approval and facility admission are separate. A person may meet Medicaid rules and still need a participating facility with an available space.
- Do not count on retroactive payment. Arkansas lists no standard retroactive Assisted Living Facility waiver coverage. Ask DHS for the exact begin date before relying on reimbursement for any earlier private-pay period.
- Room and board remains the household’s problem. Ask exactly what the monthly housing charge is and how it can change.
- Care needs can outgrow assisted living. If skilled nursing becomes necessary, another level of care may be safer.
- Medicaid estate recovery may apply. Arkansas says recovery can affect people age 55 or older who received Medicaid through home- and community-based waiver programs, including Living Choices. Read the state’s estate recovery guide and ask DHS how it applies to the case.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Signing a long contract before confirming what Medicaid will and will not pay.
- Assuming every Level II facility takes Living Choices.
- Waiting until savings are almost gone to start Medicaid.
- Giving away assets or changing ownership without understanding Medicaid or VA transfer rules.
- Ignoring a written deadline because a caseworker said the case was still being reviewed.
- Assuming Medicare will pay for long-term assisted living.
- Using the maximum VA pension rate as if it were the person’s guaranteed payment.
Denied, Delayed, or Overwhelmed
If Medicaid denies eligibility, first ask for the reason in writing. The problem may be financial eligibility, missing verification, level of care, or another program rule. Arkansas’s Medicaid appeal page says a request for an administrative hearing after a Medicaid eligibility denial must reach the Office of Appeals and Hearings within 30 calendar days of the date on the notice.
Do not wait until day 30 to act. Keep the notice, envelope, fax confirmation, email, or certified-mail receipt. If the resident is also facing a facility discharge, contact the ombudsman at the same time.
For local navigation, benefits counseling, caregiver support, transportation, and other aging services, the GFS Arkansas aging agencies guide can help you find the regional Area Agency on Aging.
Backup Options if Assisted Living Is Still Too Expensive
A different setting can be safer than a payment plan that fails after a few months.
- ARChoices at home: Arkansas ARChoices in Homecare may provide attendant care, meals, adult day services, respite, emergency response systems, and certain home modifications for eligible people.
- Family caregiver support: if a relative is doing much of the care, the GFS Arkansas caregiver pay guide explains payment paths and limits.
- Lower-cost housing: the GFS Arkansas senior housing guide can help families compare housing assistance with home-based care.
- Transition from an institution: Arkansas Money Follows the Person may help certain Medicaid beneficiaries move from an institution back to the community.
Phone Scripts
Choices in Living
“I am helping an older adult who may need assisted living. They need help with daily activities. Which Arkansas LTSS program should we apply for first, and what should we submit now?”
Assisted living facility
“Are you a Level II assisted living facility and an active Living Choices Medicaid provider? Are you accepting new waiver residents now? Please give me every charge that would remain private-pay.”
Veteran Service Officer
“The applicant is a veteran or surviving spouse who may need assisted living. Can you screen for Veterans Pension with Aid and Attendance and tell us which records to bring?”
Ombudsman
“My family member received a billing, transfer, or discharge notice from assisted living. I need help understanding the resident’s rights and what we should do before the deadline.”
Resumen Breve en Español
En Arkansas, Medicaid Living Choices puede pagar ciertos servicios de cuidado en una residencia participante de Nivel II, pero no paga cuarto y comida. Para 2026, Arkansas publica un límite de ingresos de $2,982 al mes para estas categorías de cuidado a largo plazo. También hay límites de recursos y reglas especiales para cónyuges.
Llame a Choices in Living al 1-866-801-3435 para preguntar qué programa corresponde. No cuente con pago retroactivo: Arkansas indica que esta cobertura no tiene retroactividad estándar. Pregunte a DHS cuál será la fecha exacta de inicio antes de contar con pago de meses anteriores. Si la persona es veterana o cónyuge sobreviviente, pregunte también por la pensión del VA con Aid and Attendance. Guarde todas las cartas y actúe rápido si recibe una denegación o aviso de alta.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Arkansas Medicaid pay for assisted living?
It may pay covered care services through Living Choices in a participating Level II assisted living facility. Arkansas says room and board is not covered.
What is the 2026 income limit?
Arkansas’s current Medicaid quick chart lists $2,982 a month for Nursing Facility, Assisted Living, ARChoices, and DDS waiver categories. DHS still reviews the full case and other eligibility rules.
What are the 2026 resource limits?
The current Arkansas chart lists $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, but special community-spouse rules can allow a spouse to keep more based on a formula.
Can someone over the income limit qualify?
Possibly. Arkansas says an applicant over the LTSS income limit may become eligible by establishing an Income Trust. Ask DHS for current instructions before setting one up.
Will Medicaid repay earlier assisted living bills?
Do not assume it will. Arkansas’s 2026 quick chart lists no standard retroactive Assisted Living Facility waiver coverage. The policy manual says the begin date depends on application, assessment and care-plan timing, and facility entry, so ask DHS for the exact start date.
Can VA benefits help with assisted living?
They may. Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension with Aid and Attendance can provide monthly income for eligible veterans or surviving spouses, but VA applies separate income, net-worth, medical-need, and service rules.
Does PACE pay assisted living rent?
No. PACE is a coordinated medical and long-term care program for eligible people age 55 or older who can live safely in the community. It is not an assisted living rent subsidy.
What if Medicaid is denied?
Read the Notice of Action, gather missing proof, and act on the appeal deadline. Arkansas says a Medicaid eligibility hearing request must reach the Office of Appeals and Hearings within 30 calendar days of the date on the notice.
About This Guide
Sources: This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources linked in the article.
Editorial note
This guide is produced under the GFS Editorial Standards using official and other high-trust sources. GFS is not affiliated with a government agency and is not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Corrections
Despite careful verification, errors may occur. Readers may email info@grantsforseniors.org with corrections.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, financial, medical, tax, disability-rights, immigration, or government-agency advice. Program rules, policies, funding, and availability can change. Readers should confirm current details directly with the responsible official program before acting.
Last updated: 26 September 2026 · Next review: 26 January 2027
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