Program Name: IndependentChoices

Goals: To provide people with disabilities with more options and greater personal autonomy in determining how best to meet their personal care needs in a cost effective manner

Target population: Elderly and adult recipients in need of Medicaid personal care services

Number of participants to date: 3,597

Waiver used: 1115

Lead agency: Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS)

Website: www.independentchoices.com

Questions and enrollment:

Deborah Ellis
Program Director
IndependentChoices Program
Division of Aging and Adult Services
AR Department of Health and Human Services
1417 Donaghey Plaza South
P.O. Box 1437, Slot S530
Little Rock, AR 72203-1437

(p) 501-682-8082
(f) 501-682-8155
debby.ellis@arkansas.gov

Cash & Counseling program provides consumers the option to control their own waiver services. Consumers receive a monthly budget based on his/her needs, and can use this money to hire personal assistant services, make home modifications, and more. Counselors work with consumers to develop and revise individual budgets. Consumers have the option of appointing a representative, and being part of a peer support group. This program is available statewide in Arkansas.