Assisted Living in Arkansas

The United States has experienced an escalation of 9.6% in assisted living costs from 2022, hitting an average of $4,459 in 2023. Interestingly, unlike most other states, Arkansas' cost of assisted living has declined, marking a 3% decrease from 2022.

Comparisons to neighboring states, however, emphasize the weight of inflation's effect. In Texas, for example, costs increased by 5.68%. Mississippi and Louisiana followed suit with an 8.2% and 12.38% growth respectively. However, Tennessee stood out with a remarkable increase of 24.18% to reach an average cost of $4,201. With these rising senior care expenses, families should be well-prepared.

Living Choices 

Living Choices is an assisted living Medicaid waiver program that’s designed to delay or prevent nursing home placement among frail seniors. Services funded through this program include: 

• Assisted living services such as recreational programming
• Nonmedical transportation 
• Case management 
• Intermittent and skilled nursing services 
• Medication monitoring and administration 
• Assistance with transfers, personal hygiene and other activities of daily living

To qualify for enrollment in the Living Choices Waiver, you must be at least 65 years old, or be assessed as permanently disabled in accordance with the criteria set by Medicaid. You must also meet the criteria for admission to a nursing home at the intermediate care level, need at least one of the services covered by the program and meet the financial criteria. 

To apply for the Living Choices Waiver, you must: 

• Apply and be approved for the Arkansas Medicaid Program. 
• Contact the nearest Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) county office to arrange for a needs-based assessment. Alternatively, you can call the Choices in Living Resource Center at (866) 801-3435 to set up an assessment. 
• If the DHS assessment confirms that you meet the functional criteria for enrollment in the program, DHS staff will determine what services you’re eligible to receive.   

Eligibility for Arkansas Medicaid is based on age, income, financial resources and need. Individuals who are approved for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits automatically qualify for Medicaid coverage. If you don’t receive SSI payments, you must meet the following criteria: 

• Be at least 65 years old, or
• Be blind or have a permanent disability that meets Medicaid guidelines, and, 
• Meet the current income and asset limits

As of 2023, single applicants may have an annual pretax income of no more than $32,904 and $2,000 in countable assets. Married couples who are both applying can have a combined income of up to $65,808 per year and $3,000 in assets. If only one spouse applies, the assets limits are $2,000 for the applicant and up to $148,620 for the non-applicant.

If you need help applying for Medicaid, obtaining Medicaid-funded services or appealing a declined Medicaid application, you can contact the following programs and agencies for assistance. 

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living in Arkansas. Assisted living facilities are considered to be a “residential setting” and not a “clinical setting,” (think nursing homes). While Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of care received in an assisted living community, it does still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for senior living in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Arkansas.

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Assisted Living affordable.

There are many resources in Arkansas that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.

Cash assistance programs in Arkansas provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.

Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Arkansas seniors afford the nutritious food they need.

Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Arkansas collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.

Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Arkansas have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.

Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Arkansas seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.

Senior centers in Arkansas bring together residents through recreational activities and events. Many also offer advice and support on senior issues, run wellness and nutrition programs, and connect older adults with other resources in the local area.

Senior engagement resources and programs in Arkansas help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.

Social Security offices in Arkansas help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.

Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Arkansas resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.

Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Arkansas retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.

Arkansas retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.

Arkansas Level I and Level II assisted living facilities are regulated under state laws designed to ensure that all residents receive high-quality care in a safe environment. Staff from the Arkansas Department of Human Services regularly perform unannounced inspections for the Office of Long-Term Care. Some key regulations are detailed in the following table.