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Does Arkansas Pay for Home Health Care?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
Arkansas offers several options to help seniors cover the cost of home health care services, including Medicare and Medicaid waivers. To receive help with home care costs, seniors must be homebound and have been assessed by a physician as requiring the type of care they’re requesting. Seniors who are mobile would usually be expected to attend an adult day health care center or travel to outpatient appointments.
According to the Genworth 2022 Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of home health care in Arkansas is $22 per hour. While this is lower than the national average, seniors who require regular visits from home health care professionals may find the cost prohibitive, especially if they also require support with personal care tasks and the activities of daily living. State Medicaid programs help these seniors remain in their own homes and engaged with the community.
Coverage of Personal Care Services by Medicare
Medicare can cover the cost of physical, occupational and speech therapy as well as other medical services such as wound care or catheter care delivered in the home. However, it will not cover the cost of help with the activities of daily living, meal service, transport or other services that are delivered by home health care services. Seniors with limited mobility who require help with these tasks may be eligible for support through Medicaid. Veterans and their spouses may also qualify for financial aid from the Veterans Administration.
AR Choices Promotes Independent Living
One of the main Medicaid programs in Arkansas is AR Choices. This program includes a home care element that provides help with the cost of personal care services, home-delivered meals, home modifications and access to adult day health services. Seniors may qualify for AR Choices in Home Care if they are on a low income, require one or more of the services covered by the program and have been assessed as eligible for nursing home placement.