Arkansas Medicaid waiver checklist

This checklist helps Arkansas families organize CES Waiver steps through DHS Developmental Disabilities Services. It is an organizer, not an eligibility decision.

Step 1

Start with DDS Intake and Referral

Arkansas DHS says DDS Intake and Referral is the best place to start for services and support. Families can call 501-683-5687 or submit the online request linked from DHS.

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Step 2

Organize diagnosis and medical records

DHS says a clinical review team reviews medical records, diagnosis or condition information, and whether the condition is expected to continue indefinitely.

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Step 3

Track level-of-care support areas

DHS describes review of substantial support needs in areas such as self-care, language, learning, mobility, self-direction, and independent living.

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Step 4

Record CES Waiver waitlist details

DHS states there is a waitlist and that eligible clients move into waiver slots based on when they were added to the waitlist.

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Step 5

Keep yearly DDS contact-update letters

DHS says families on the waiting list receive a yearly letter from DDS to update contact information.

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Step 6

Track health coverage separately through Access Arkansas

DHS points families to Access Arkansas for health coverage programs such as traditional Medicaid, ARKids First, or TEFRA while waiting.

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Last reviewed by WaiverPath: June 21, 2026.

Medicaid.gov Home & Community Based ServicesFederal HCBS overview describing home and community-based services for Medicaid beneficiaries.Florida APD Applying for ServicesFlorida APD application page with documents, submission instructions, and regional-office guidance.Florida APD iBudget FloridaFlorida APD page for iBudget Florida waiver information and related notices.Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed CareFlorida portal for Medicaid managed care programs, member portal access, plans, complaints, and hearings.Arkansas DHS Developmental Disabilities ServicesArkansas DHS division page for Developmental Disabilities Services programs, contacts, forms, and resources.Arkansas DHS CES WaiverArkansas DHS page for the Community and Employment Support Waiver, DDS Intake and Referral, waitlist, and official waiver resources.Access ArkansasArkansas portal DHS links to for applying for health coverage programs while on the CES Waiver waiting list.