TEAM Resource Library Topic: Funding in Arkansas
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Applying for State Funding in Arkansas is now offered online for ARKids First, TEFRA, Autism Waiver, and CES/DDS Waiver at https://access.arkansas.gov.
ARKids First is full health care coverage for children under age 19 that covers the costs of well-child checkups, doctor visits, immunizations, medications, eye exams, and other medical services. Eligibility for ARKids is based on the size of your family and your household income. While some people do not have to pay any costs for ARKids, some households may have to make payments at the time of service, known as a co-pay, based on their incomes.
The Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) is a Medicaid program that can help children younger than 19 years old who have a disability. The program helps these children get Medicaid services that they might not qualify for otherwise. Children qualify for the TEFRA program based on a medical review process. TEFRA covers therapy, well-child checkups, immunizations, eye exams, dental checkups, and more. Some TEFRA clients must pay a monthly premium payment for services which is based on income. If approved for TEFRA, families can apply for The Arkansas Health Insurance Premium Payment Program online at: https://www.myarhipp.com/
Autism Waiver Services (The Arkansas Autism Partnership), or Autism Waiver, provides intensive one-on-one treatment for eligible children ages 18 months through the child’s eighth birthday who have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Treatment, including Applied Behavior Analysis, is offered in the child’s home and in community settings. To qualify, a child must have an autism spectrum diagnosis, apply before his or her fifth birthday, and meet the financial eligibility and medical review requirements. Available service slots for the waiver are limited.
Community Employment Support Waiver (DDS Waiver), also known as the Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) Waiver, provides services for people with disabilities in their homes such as care coordination, supported living, non-medical transportation, adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, supplemental support, consultation, and crisis intervention through DDS-licensed community providers. Approval for the Waiver is based on financial eligibility and a medical review process. Available service slots for the waiver are limited. Parents who apply for CES/DDS Waiver become part of Provider-Led Arkansas Shared Savings Entities (PASSE) manage Medicaid payment for services. This managed care model took effect in Arkansas in 2019. Children’s Therapy TEAM is in-network with all PASSES.
Early Intervention (EI)/First Connection provides support and services for families and their children, birth to age three who have special needs or developmental delay. Children’s Therapy TEAM is a certified EI provider. Applications must be made online https://ardhs.force.com/DDSReferral/s/fcs-referral-intake. For support call:1-800-643-8258 or 1-501-682-8158. Email: firstconnectionsreferrals@dhs.arkansas.gov.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program that provides disability benefits to children with disabilities who are under 18 years of age. There is an income requirement for SSI. Families can apply online or over the phone: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/ssi/ 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call TTY 1-800-325-0778.