MANUAL TRANSMITTAL
Arkansas Department of Health
and Human Services
Division of
Policy Directive Issuance Number: MS 06-02
Medical Services Policy Manual Issuance Date: 03-08-06
From: Joni Jones, Director Expiration Date: Until Superseded
Subj: Referrals for IndependentChoices
IndependentChoices is for individuals who are 18 years of age or older,
who are eligible for Medicaid in a category that covers personal care, are
medically eligible for personal care services, who are not receiving hospice
and who are able to direct their own care or have a representative who can
direct the care for them.
IndependentChoices allows a Medicaid recipient in need of personal care
to hire his or her own caregiver. The
participant is given an allowance based on medical need to pay the
caregiver. The main personal care
service that the client must need to qualify is help with bathing. Caregivers are often friends or family
members. A spouse or anyone legally
responsible for the participant (e.g., a guardian) cannot be the paid
caregiver.
In recent months, the IndependentChoices program staff has reported they are
receiving referrals on individuals who are not eligible for the program. Referrals have been made on clients who are
not Medicaid eligible or who are in a category of Medicaid that doesn’t pay for
personal care. Therefore, guidance is
being provided to reduce the number of inappropriate referrals for IndependentChoices.
Individuals who are eligible
in a category of Medicaid that does not pay for personal care services are not
eligible for IndependentChoices. These categories are:
¨
Medicare Savings
categories (QMB, SMB, and QI) – Note:
Individuals enrolled in ARSeniors are eligible
for IndependentChoices.
¨
Medically Needy
categories (both Exceptional and Spend Down)
¨
Alternatives for
Adults with Physical Disabilities (AAPD) – Note: This category does provide personal care, but
AAPD requires an individual to hire an attendant and self-direct their care,
thus participating in IndependentChoices is not
applicable.
¨
DDS Waiver –
Note: It was decided by the Division of
Developmental Disabilities Services that DDS Waiver individuals would not
participate in IndependentChoices.
¨
Arkids B
¨
Pregnant Women
Poverty Level
¨
TB Medicaid
¨
Family Planning
Waiver
Individuals enrolled in all
other Medicaid categories may be eligible for IndependentChoices
if the other criteria are met.
Individuals who are not currently on Medicaid or are in one of the above
categories should not be referred to IndependentChoices. County offices should continue to refer
interested individuals who are Medicaid recipients in appropriate categories to
the IndependentChoices toll-free number at
1-888-682-0044.
County office staff who have further questions regarding eligibility for IndependentChoices may also call the above number.
Inquiries to: Judy Key, 501-682-8259