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MEDICAL SERVICES – APPENDIX X, REFERRALS FOR INDEPENDENTCHOICES 01/01/23 IndependentChoices is for individuals who: 1. Are 18 years of age or older and currently receive Health Care in a category that covers personal care, or 2. Are in the ARChoices in Homecare waiver program; and a. have an assessed need for personal assistance services; and b. are willing to accept the responsibilities of directing their in-home servicesor c. have a representative who can direct their care for them. IndependentChoices allows a Health Care recipient in need of personal care or ARChoices attendant care to hire his or her own caregiver. The participant is given an allowance based on medical need to pay the caregiver. Caregivers are often friends or family members. A spouse or anyone legally responsible for the participant (e.g., a guardian) cannot be the paid caregiver. Health Care categories that do not cover personal care are: • Medicare Savings categories (QMB, SMB, and QI-1) – NOTE: Individuals enrolled in ARSeniors are eligible for IndependentChoices • Medically Needy categories (both Exceptional and Spend Down) • ARKids B • Adult Expansion Group with a Qualified Health Plan (QHP) Individuals enrolled in all other Health Care categories including Medically Frail individuals in the Adult Expansion Group may be eligible for IndependentChoices if the other criteria are met. Individuals who are not currently on Health Care or are in one of the above categories should not be referred to IndependentChoices. County offices should continue to refer interested individuals who are Health Care recipients in appropriate categories to the IndependentChoices toll-free number at 1-866-710-0456. If the individual receives ARChoices in Homecare, direct them to their DAAS RN. County office staff who have further questions regarding eligibility for IndependentChoices may also call the above number. Page 1 of 1