Most people do not enjoy thinking about the possibility of ending up in a long-term care facility one day. Ignoring the potential need for long-term care (LTC), however, can have serious financial and personal consequences. Without a solid plan in place, you may be putting your hard-earned savings at risk, and your personal preferences about your own care may be overlooked. To help you avoid making that mistake, the attorneys at Wilcox Attorneys, PA explain why long-term care planning is critical for Arkansas residents.
Will I Really Need Long-Term Care?
The odds are higher than many people realize. If you are 65 years old today, statistics suggest that there is nearly a 70 percent chance you will need some form of LTC at some point during the rest of your life. That care could be short-term assistance at home or full-time residence in a nursing facility. About 35 percent of seniors will eventually need nursing home care, while another 42 percent may require paid in-home support. Assisted living is also a common choice, accounting for 13 percent of senior care needs.
In Arkansas, the cost of LTC has continued to rise in line with national trends. A private room in a nursing facility can cost close to $100,000 per year in Arkansas while assisted living and home health aide services average over $50,000 annually. While you may be relying on Medicare to help cover health care as you age, it is important to know that Medicare does not pay for long-term care. Private insurance plans often exclude these costs as well, unless you have purchased a specific long-term care policy. That leaves many seniors turning to Medicaid as their primary source of assistance.
Planning Ahead for Medicaid Eligibility
Given the high price of long-term care and the limited coverage from other sources, Medicaid becomes an essential resource for many seniors. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health care to eligible low-income individuals, including coverage for nursing home care and other long-term services. Eligibility is based on both income and assets.
In Arkansas, Medicaid income limits vary depending on your specific circumstances. For individuals applying for nursing home benefits, monthly income must not exceed $2,901 (as of 2025). In terms of assets, you are generally limited to $2,000 in countable resources if you are applying as a single person. Married couples applying together may retain up to $3,000 in assets, and if only one spouse needs care, the other spouse (called the “community spouse”) may keep up to $157,920 in countable assets.
If your income or assets exceed these thresholds, your Medicaid application could be denied, leaving you responsible for the full cost of care. You may be forced into a “spend-down” strategy that puts your financial legacy at risk. Fortunately, there are legal planning tools available to help you protect assets while still meeting Medicaid eligibility rules. Working with an estate planning attorney to include Medicaid planning in your long-term strategy can make a significant difference.
The Importance of Long-Term Care Planning in Arkansas
Long-term care planning is not only about finances. It is also about maintaining as much control as possible over how and where you are cared for in later years. Many people worry about the possibility of mistreatment in a nursing facility, and that concern is not unfounded given that reports suggest that at least 10 percent of older adults experience some form of abuse or neglect.
To protect yourself and make informed decisions, it is wise to research care options in Arkansas long before the need arises. Not everyone requires full nursing home care. Depending on your medical needs, alternatives such as in-home caregivers, assisted living communities, or adult day care programs might be suitable. These options often allow for greater independence and comfort while still providing necessary support.
If nursing home care does become necessary, identifying preferred facilities in advance can ensure your wishes are honored. The Arkansas Department of Human Services maintains a list of licensed long-term care facilities, which can be a helpful starting point when comparing your options.
Take Steps Now to Protect Your Future
While long-term care may not be something you want to think about, delaying the conversation could place your finances and your personal dignity at risk. By addressing these issues now, you gain peace of mind knowing that your wishes will be respected and that your estate will not be consumed by long-term care expenses. Consulting with an Arkansas estate planning attorney can help you create a comprehensive plan that incorporates Medicaid eligibility strategies, outlines your care preferences, and protects the assets you have worked hard to build.
Can We Help You with Long-Term Care Planning in Arkansas?
For additional information, please sign up for one of our FREE estate planning seminars. If you would like assistance planning for long-term care planning in Arkansas, contact the experienced Washington County, Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and Northwest Arkansas estate planning attorneys at Wilcox Attorneys, PA by calling 479-443-0062 to schedule your appointment today.
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