Disability services in Arkansas

Children with an autism diagnosis ages 18 months to 5 years who meet ICF/IID level of care. Services must start before the 5th birthday and last up to 3 years.

Start with: Arkansas Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) · (501) 683-5687 · Website (opens in a new tab)

DDS says there is typically a waitlist for an Autism Waiver slot.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. See your child's Arkansas Medicaid primary care doctor (PCP) about your concerns.
2. The PCP screens your child and refers you for an autism evaluation.
3. Get the diagnosis from a team or from two of three clinician types (doctor, psychologist, speech pathologist).
4. Contact DDS at 501-683-5687 to apply for the Autism Waiver.
5. Apply early. Services must start before age 5.

Have these ready

• Autism diagnostic evaluation report
• PCP referral
• Child's Medicaid number, if any
• Birth certificate

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Medicaid members on the CES Waiver or its waitlist, people in a private DD ICF, and people with a behavioral health diagnosis whose Independent Assessment shows Tier 2 or higher.

Start with: Arkansas PASSE program (beneficiary support line) · (833) 402-0672 · Website (opens in a new tab)

PASSE enrollment is based on assessed need, not a wait list.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Get full Medicaid first.
2. Get an Independent Assessment, or join the CES Waiver or its waitlist.
3. DHS enrolls you in a PASSE health plan.
4. Meet your care coordinator and make a person-centered service plan.
5. During open enrollment, call 1-833-402-0672 by October 31 to switch plans.

Have these ready

• Medicaid number
• Independent Assessment results
• CES Waiver letter, if any

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Children under 19 with a disability who live at home and would otherwise need institutional care. Parent income does not block eligibility, but some families pay a sliding premium.

Start with: Your DHS county office · (855) 372-1084 · Website (opens in a new tab)

DHS pages do not describe a wait list for TEFRA.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Get the TEFRA application packet.
2. Fill it out and give it to your local DHS county office.
3. Send the medical records the packet asks for.
4. If approved, pay the premium if one applies to your family.
5. Call 1-855-372-1084 with questions.

Have these ready

• TEFRA application packet
• Child's medical records
• Family income papers
• Child's Social Security number

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Adults 21 to 64 with a physical disability, or people 65 and older, who meet intermediate nursing home level of care, meet financial rules and need at least one service.

Start with: Choices in Living Resource Center (Arkansas DAABHS) · (866) 801-3435 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Arkansas reported no waiting list for older adults and adults with physical disabilities in the 2026 KFF survey.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call the Choices in Living Resource Center at 1-866-801-3435.
2. Ask to apply for ARChoices in Homecare.
3. A nurse checks if you meet nursing home level of care.
4. Apply for Medicaid through your DHS county office or Access Arkansas.
5. Pick a provider for your services.

Have these ready

• Social Security number
• Proof of income
• Bank statements
• Medical information

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People 65 and older, or adults 21 to 64 with a physical disability, who meet intermediate nursing home level of care, meet financial rules and need at least one service in an assisted living facility.

Start with: Choices in Living Resource Center (Arkansas DAABHS) or DHS county office · (866) 801-3435 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Arkansas reported no waiting list for older adults and adults with physical disabilities in the 2026 KFF survey.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call your local DHS county office or the Choices in Living Resource Center at 1-866-801-3435.
2. Ask about the Living Choices assisted living program.
3. Get a level of care assessment.
4. Apply for Medicaid.
5. Choose a participating assisted living facility.

Have these ready

• Social Security number
• Proof of income
• Bank statements
• Medical information

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Arkansans of any age with an intellectual or developmental disability expected to last indefinitely who need substantial support in at least 3 life areas.

Start with: Arkansas DDS Intake and Referral · (501) 683-5687 · Website (opens in a new tab)

There is a waitlist. People move into slots in the order they were added. DDS sends a letter each year to update contact information.

Medicaid eligibility is decided as part of the waiver.

Steps

1. Call DDS Intake and Referral at 501-683-5687, or submit an online request for services.
2. Send medical records so the clinical team can check level of care.
3. If approved, your name goes on the CES Waiver waitlist.
4. While you wait, apply for Medicaid, ARKids First or TEFRA at access.arkansas.gov.
5. When a slot opens, DDS contacts you to start the waiver.

Have these ready

• Medical records with diagnosis
• Psychological or developmental evaluations
• Social Security number
• Proof of income for Medicaid

Apply or start here (opens in a new tab) · About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas