PASSE

What it is:

PASSE is a Medicaid-managed care program in Arkansas for individuals who have complex behavioral health conditions or intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Its goal is to coordinate physical, behavioral, and long-term care services under one umbrella.

Every eligible individual is assigned to a PASSE organization, which manages their services, authorizations, and case coordination.

Who Qualifies:

You may be assigned to a PASSE if you:

Have Medicaid
Have a qualifying developmental disability or behavioral health diagnosis
Are determined to need a high level of care based on an assessment (sometimes referred to as a "Tier 2 or Tier 3" level of need)

Common qualifying diagnoses include:

Autism Spectrum Disorder
Intellectual disability
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Severe emotional disturbance
Other chronic or complex behavioral health needs

Eligibility is determined by an Independent Assessment, typically conducted by a third-party vendor contracted by the state.

What It Covers:

PASSE covers services such as:

Developmental therapies (OT, PT, ST)
Behavioral Health
ABA therapy (for autism)
Personal care
Case management
Primary care and physical health services
Long-term services and supports (such as supportive living or waiver programs)

The PASSE organization helps coordinate care across providers, making it easier for families to navigate Medicaid.

Current PASSE Organizations in Arkansas:

1. Empower Healthcare Solutions

Website: empowerhcs.com
Focuses on care coordination and individualized support
Has partnerships with multiple therapy and behavioral providers across the state

2. Summit Community Care

Website: summitcommunitycare.com
A collaboration between local providers and national insurer Centene
Offers extensive case management and supports

3. Arkansas Total Care

Website: arkansastotalcare.com
Focused on holistic, person-centered care
Offers 24/7 nurse hotline and mobile app for care tracking

4. CareSource PASSE

Website: caresource.com
Expanding quickly in Arkansas
Emphasizes preventive care and long-term supports

Note: Families are typically assigned a PASSE by DHS, but they can request to switch annually or for good cause.

How to Get Started:

If your child has a qualifying diagnosis, their Primary Care Provider or therapist can refer them for an Independent Assessment.
This determines eligibility for PASSE-level care.

To check your current PASSE or request a change, contact:

PASSE Beneficiary Support Line: 1-833-402-0672
Or visit: https://humanservices.arkansas.gov

Pro Tip:

If your child is receiving services like ABA, personal care, or waiver programs, their PASSE is the organization responsible for approving authorizations and coordinating care.
It’s important to know which PASSE you're assigned to and how to reach them.