Arkansas currently has three programs that are open to children. Two are HCBS 1915(c) Medicaid waivers and one is a TEFRA-like program. While the TEFRA-like program and Autism waiver waive parental income, we do not know whether the Community and Employment Support (formerly ACS) waiver counts parent income or not. See this older Guide to Services for Children with Disabilities for general information or this page on services for children.

Advocacy Organizations in Arkansas:

Last updated 8/24/23

Programs in Arkansas

  • Target Population: Children who would otherwise require care in an institution with any type of disability, including medical, developmental, intellectual, or psychiatric conditions.
  • Ages: 0-18
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility, Nursing Facility, Hospital
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted. However, a sliding scale family fee may be charged.
  • Waiver Type: 1115
  • Spots: unlimited
  • Expiration Date: 12/31/2023 (renewal pending)
  • Description: Provides Medicaid coverage only. This waiver is identical to a TEFRA program except that it allows the state to charge a sliding-scale family fee to middle and upper income families. See this page for further information on family fees and guidelines.
  • Online State Information: TEFRA for Children
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Follow the directions on this application page or apply at your DHS county office.
  • Waiting List: none

Previously called ACS or Alternative Community Services

  • Target Population: Children and adults who have developmental or intellectual disabilities, including autism.
  • Ages: all ages
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility
  • Income Waiver: unknown
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 8433
  • Expiration Date: 2/28/2027
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides respite, supported employment, supportive living, specialized medical supplies, adaptive equipment, community transition services, consultation, environmental modifications, and supplemental support services for individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, and developmental disabilities, ages 0 to no maximum age.
  • Online State Information: Waiver Services
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: To apply, call 501-683-5687.
  • Waiting List: There are 3246 individuals with ID/DD on the waiting list.
  • Target Population: Children with autism.
  • Ages: 1-7
  • Levels of Care: Intermediate Care Facility
  • Income Waiver: Yes, the waiver is based on the child’s income only. Parent income is not counted.
  • Waiver Type: 1915(c)
  • Spots: 200
  • Expiration Date: 12/6/2022 (renewal pending)
  • Description from medicaid.gov: Provides consultative clinical and therapeutic services, individual assessment/treatment development/monitoring, lead therapy intervention, line therapy intervention, and therapeutic aides and behavioral reinforcers for children with autism ages 1-7.
  • Online State Information: Arkansas Autism Partnership and this brochure entitled Arkansas Autism Partnership for more information.
  • Official Federal Information
  • How to Apply: Call 800-342-2923 or download the application.
  • Waiting List: There are 3246 individuals with ID/DD on the waiting list.
  • Advocacy/Support Group: Arkansas Autism

Additional Information

No information for this state at this time