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Arkansas - Transitional Assistance Services — Licensing, Medicaid Enrollment and Startup Requirements

Last reviewed: 2026-09-09

In Arkansas, Transitional Assistance Services are funded through the Community and Employment Support (CES) 1915(c) Waiver and managed under the Provider-Led Arkansas Shared Savings Entity (PASSE) system. The service provides one-time financial assistance to cover setup costs for individuals moving from an institution to a community-based home.

To become an approved provider, an agency must first enroll as an Arkansas Medicaid provider through the MMIS portal and then contract and credential with one or more of the state's PASSE organizations. The most significant structural requirement is that providers must be certified by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) as a CES Waiver provider and subsequently secure network contracts with the managed care PASSEs.

1. Service Definition and Scope

Transitional Assistance Services in Arkansas provide financial assistance to cover the one-time setup costs of moving an eligible individual from an institutional setting, such as a nursing facility or ICF/IID, to a community-based home.

The service is designed to facilitate safe and successful transitions by funding essential household items, utility deposits, and moving expenses that the individual could not otherwise afford.

2. Regulatory and Oversight Agencies

The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) oversees the Medicaid program and the CES Waiver. Within DHS, the Division of Medical Services (DMS) manages Medicaid enrollment, while the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS) handles waiver certification.

Additionally, the PASSE organizations act as managed care entities that contract with providers, authorize services, and process claims for enrolled members.

3. Gatekeeping Prerequisites: Who Can Even Apply

Before applying to provide Transitional Assistance Services, an entity must meet specific structural prerequisites in Arkansas. The state requires providers to be certified under the CES Waiver and to operate within the PASSE managed care framework.

Providers cannot simply enroll and bill fee-for-service Medicaid; they must successfully credential and contract with the PASSE organizations that manage the care for CES Waiver participants.

4. Licensure and Certification Requirements

Arkansas does not issue a distinct "Transitional Assistance Services" license. Instead, providers must be certified as a Community and Employment Support (CES) Waiver provider by the Division of Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS).

The certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their capacity and expertise to provide waiver services in accordance with DDS Certification Standards and the Arkansas Waiver document.

5. Medicaid Provider Enrollment

All PASSE providers must first enroll as an Arkansas Medicaid provider. The state strongly prefers online submission through the Arkansas Medicaid Provider Portal, which reduces enrollment time from weeks to days.

Providers must complete the enrollment application, submit required documentation, and sign an Arkansas Medicaid Provider Contract. Paper applications are only accepted if the provider has exhausted all options to enroll using the portal and receives state approval.

6. Staffing, Training and Background Checks

Staff providing Transitional Assistance Services must meet the qualifications outlined in the DDS Certification Standards for CES Waiver providers.

While specific staffing requirements for this one-time service are less intensive than for direct care, agencies must ensure that personnel coordinating the transition are properly trained and vetted according to state and PASSE requirements.

7. Documentation, Policies and Records

Providers must maintain comprehensive records to support the delivery and billing of Transitional Assistance Services. This includes documentation of the actual expenses incurred during the transition.

Agencies must also maintain policy statements that reflect a clear knowledge of how they will operate in accordance with DDS Certification Standards and PASSE requirements.

8. Billing, Rates and Claims

Because Transitional Assistance Services are managed under the PASSE system, providers do not bill fee-for-service Medicaid directly. Instead, they submit claims to the specific PASSE organization with which the member is enrolled.

Providers must use the correct billing codes and follow the specific claims submission guidelines established by each PASSE.

9. Approval Sequence and Timeline

The approval process involves multiple sequential steps, starting with Medicaid enrollment and DDS certification, followed by PASSE credentialing.

Using the online provider portal for Medicaid enrollment can reduce that specific step from weeks to days, but the overall process including DDS review and PASSE contracting will take longer.

10. Common Denials and Survey Findings

Applications for Medicaid enrollment or waiver certification can be delayed or denied if the provider fails to submit complete information or demonstrate an understanding of the requirements.

For Transitional Assistance Services specifically, issues often arise if the provider does not clearly describe how they will meet the DDS Certification Standards or if they fail to secure PASSE contracts.

11. Key Contacts and Resources

Providers should utilize the official Arkansas DHS websites and the Medicaid Provider Portal for the most current information and application materials.

For questions regarding Medicaid enrollment, providers can contact the Provider Enrollment Unit directly.

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