02/01/2026
BLOG POST: How ARChoices Hours Are Determined in Arkansas
Families often want to know how many hours of care their loved one will receive under the ARChoices program. While each person’s needs are different, Arkansas uses a very specific process to determine the number of weekly hours a client is approved for.
Below is a simple explanation of how ARChoices hours are actually calculated, what the nurse looks for, and what families can expect.
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1. Hours Are Based on an In-Home Nurse Assessment
An RN evaluator visits the home and completes a detailed assessment. This assessment is required by Arkansas Medicaid and is the only way hours can be approved.
During the visit, the nurse evaluates the client’s ability to perform essential daily living tasks, including:
• Bathing
• Dressing (upper and lower body)
• Toileting and incontinence care
• Mobility and transferring
• Preparing meals
• Managing medications
• Light housekeeping
• Shopping and errands
• Safety monitoring
The more assistance a person needs with these tasks, the more hours they are likely to receive.
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2. ARChoices Uses a Scoring System
The nurse inputs the assessment information into a state-approved system.
Each task is rated by:
• Level of assistance required
• Frequency (how often help is needed)
• Safety concerns
• Whether help is partial or total
These scores generate the “level of need”, which influences the total hours.
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3. Hours Must Fit Within Medicaid Guidelines
Even if the client needs a high level of care, the final number of hours must fall within the ARChoices program limits. The program is intended as an alternative to facility placement, so it provides significant help, but not 24/7 care.
Most ARChoices clients fall within these ranges:
• Low Need: 5–10 hours per week
• Moderate Need: 11–20 hours per week
• High Need: 21–32 hours per week
• Intensive Need: 33–40+ hours per week (for participants with significant physical limitations)
Hours vary case to case, but these are the most common ranges seen across Arkansas.
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4. Safety Risks Can Increase Hours
If the nurse observes safety concerns, this may add hours.
Examples include:
• Frequent falls
• Leaving the stove unattended
• Wandering or getting lost
• Inability to recognize danger
• Medication mismanagement
• Poor judgment or confusion
• Severe mobility limitations
The more risk factors present, the more support the RN may recommend.
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5. Some Tasks May Not Add Hours
Families are often surprised that certain tasks do not increase hours.
These include:
• Companionship only
• Heavy housekeeping
• Yardwork
• Transportation alone
ARChoices hours are based on medical and functional need, not convenience.
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6. Hours Are Reassessed Every Year
Clients must have a yearly reassessment to keep receiving services.
Hours may:
• Increase (if the client declines)
• Stay the same
• Decrease (if the nurse finds improvement)
If a client’s condition changes suddenly — new diagnosis, hospitalization, fall, or mobility loss — a reassessment can be requested sooner.
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7. If You Disagree With the Hours, You May Appeal
Families have the right to:
• Ask for a reconsideration
• File a Medicaid appeal
• Provide additional medical documentation
A&M Quality In Home Care helps families through the appeals process when needed.
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A&M Quality In Home Care Is Here to Help
Understanding ARChoices can be confusing, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team helps families with:
• Eligibility questions
• Assessment preparation
• Care plan explanations
• Hour change requests
• Appeals guidance
📞 Contact A&M Quality In Home Care today if you believe you or your loved one may qualify for more hours—or want help starting the ARChoices process.
