Q: Who is the Independent Choices program current Financial Management Services (FMS) vendor?

A: Public Partnerships (PPL) is the only vendor for self-direction in the State of Arkansas Independent Choices Program as of October 1, 2023. Remember, self-directing your services means that you are in complete control over who you hire, how you receive your services and when! Self-direction gives you budget and employer authority while being supported by a PPL Support Broker who is always there to assist.

Q: I am not currently an Independent Choices program participant, but I would like to enroll in self-direction. How can I enroll?

A: You can enroll through our FMS vendor, PPL. To begin the assessment and enrollment process, please reach out to PPL’s customer service toll-free number: +1(800) 256-2913 or email at [email protected].

Q: Where can I find out more about PPL?

You can learn more about PPL in AR on their Independent Choices web page.

Q: I am a current Independent Choices program participant and I have a question for PPL. How can I contact them? 

A: Reach out Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm at:

Customer Service / General Questions: 1-800-256-2913

Customer Service TTY: 1-800-360-5899

Customer Service Email:  [email protected]

Q: What do you need to hire providers in the Independent Choices program?

People providing services to a participant in the Independent Choices program need to complete paperwork with critical agreement, relationship and tax withholding information.

Your provider may also need to:

• Complete and pass a national criminal background check or maltreatment registry checks if they haven’t done so within the last 5 years.
• Complete and pass a drug screen if they haven’t done so within the last 5 years.

Q: How does a provider for an Independent Choices program participant enter time for their timesheet?

A: Your provider enters time using PPL’s Time4Care mobile app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Q: Is Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) required in Independent Choices?

A: Yes, EVV is required for providers in the Independent Choices program. Providers will use PPL’s Time4Care mobile app to clock their time entries in and out.

Q: When does a provider receive payment for their services?

A: Please check the current pay schedule on the PPL Independent Choices web page for specific dates.