Funding and coverage
First Connections (Early Intervention for ages 0–3)
What it is:
Arkansas’s early intervention program that provides free evaluations and services for infants and toddlers.
Covers:
- In-home or daycare-based therapy services
- Service coordination and support for families
Who qualifies:
- Children under age 3 with developmental delays or medical conditions that may lead to delays
What to know:
- Services are free
- Referrals can be made by parents, pediatricians, providers, or caregivers
ARKids A & B / Traditional Medicaid
What it is:
State-run health coverage for families, children, and adults who meet income or disability criteria.
Covers:
- Doctor visits
- Therapy (OT, PT, ST, ABA, Behavioral Health)
- Dental & vision
- Prescriptions
- Hospital care
Who qualifies:
- Children under 19 (via ARKids A or B)
- Adults with low income, disabilities, or pregnancy
- Must meet income limits and other eligibility rules
Pro tip:
ARKids A is free with no co-pays.
ARKids B has low co-pays and a cap on yearly costs.
Both cover therapy with a referral.
Private Insurance
What it is:
Health insurance paid for by you, your employer, or a family member—usually through work or the Healthcare Marketplace.
Covers:
- Doctor visits, therapy, hospital stays
- May include dental, vision, and prescriptions
- Coverage and costs vary by plan
Who qualifies:
- Anyone can apply or enroll during open enrollment
- May receive it through a job, spouse, parent, or as a self-pay plan
What to know:
- Many private plans require prior authorization for therapy services.
Call your insurance company and ask:
“What’s covered for occupational, physical, or speech therapy—and do I need a referral?”
TEFRA Medicaid
TEFRA is a special type of Medicaid for children with disabilities. It’s based on the child’s needs, not the family’s income.
Covers:
- Therapy services (ST, OT, PT, ABA)
- Medical appointments
- Equipment and supplies (including incontinence products)
Who qualifies:
- Child must have a disability or developmental delay
What to know:
- There’s an annual premium based on parent income
- You’ll need documentation like evaluations and a physician-signed 642 form
Coming soon: TEFRA checklist + application guide download
PASSEs (Provider-Led Arkansas Shared Savings Entities)
What it is:
Arkansas’s Medicaid managed care system for individuals with significant behavioral health needs or developmental disabilities.
What PASSEs do:
- Coordinate services
- Approve therapy hours
- Provide case management
Who qualifies:
- Children or adults with a qualifying diagnosis and high level of need
- Enrollment is determined by an independent assessment
What to know:
- There are multiple PASSEs to choose from (you’ll get a letter when it’s time to enroll)
- Your PASSE helps manage services like ABA, therapy, and supports
PASSE enrollment and plan information are managed by the state and may change over time.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
What it is:
A monthly payment from Social Security for children (or adults) with disabilities and limited financial resources.
Covers:
- Can be used for basic living expenses, medical needs, transportation, etc.
Who qualifies:
- Must meet income and asset limits (including parent income if child is under 18)
- Must have a qualifying disability
Pro tip:
Receiving SSI often makes a child automatically eligible for Medicaid.