ALTCS: Can Arizona Medicaid Help Pay for Senior Care?
The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) — part of Arizona's Medicaid program AHCCCS — can cover assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and in-home services for qualifying seniors. This guide explains who qualifies, what it covers, and how to apply.
What Is ALTCS?
ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) is the long-term care component of AHCCCS — Arizona's Medicaid program. While standard AHCCCS covers everyday medical care like doctor visits and prescriptions, ALTCS specifically covers long-term residential and in-home care services for people who need ongoing support with daily living activities.
For Arizona seniors, ALTCS can be a critical resource — potentially covering the cost of assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing that would otherwise run $3,000–$7,000+ per month out of pocket.
There are two ALTCS programs. The one relevant to most seniors is EPD ALTCS (Elderly and Physically Disabled), which serves adults 65 and older, or those aged 21+ with a physical disability.
Important distinction
ALTCS is not the same as Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance and only covers short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation stays (typically up to 100 days). ALTCS covers long-term, ongoing care needs with no time limit, as long as eligibility is maintained.
EPD ALTCS
Elderly & Physically Disabled
For adults aged 65 and older, or adults 21+ with a physical disability. This is the program that applies to most families seeking senior care placement assistance.
- Age 65+ or physically disabled
- Needs nursing facility level of care
- Meets financial income/asset limits
- Arizona resident
DD ALTCS
Developmental Disabilities
For individuals with developmental disabilities. Administered through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and has a separate eligibility and application process. This guide focuses primarily on EPD ALTCS.
ALTCS Eligibility: Two Requirements
To qualify for ALTCS, your loved one must meet both a medical standard and a financial standard.
1. Medical Eligibility
Your loved one must require a nursing facility level of care — meaning they need significant help with daily activities (ADLs) or have a medical condition requiring ongoing supervision.
This is assessed through a Uniform Assessment Tool (UAT) interview conducted by an AHCCCS assessor. The interview covers:
- Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, eating, mobility)
- Cognitive and behavioral status
- Medical diagnoses and treatment needs
- Safety and supervision requirements
- Current living situation and support system
2. Financial Eligibility
ALTCS is a needs-based program. Both income and assets are evaluated. Key limits for a single individual in 2024:
For a single individual (2024). Excess income may be applied toward cost of care.
Countable resources for a single person. Primary home, one vehicle, and personal belongings are typically exempt.
Community spouse may retain a portion of assets and income under spousal impoverishment rules.
Unlike federal Medicaid, Arizona ALTCS does not have a 5-year look-back period for asset transfers.
* Financial limits are updated periodically. Consult an elder law attorney for complex asset situations.
Not Sure If Your Loved One Qualifies?
Eligibility can be complex, especially when there are assets or spousal situations involved. We help families get an informal sense of eligibility before going through the full application — saving time and reducing stress.
Talk to an Advisor — FreeWhat Services Does ALTCS Cover?
ALTCS covers a broad range of long-term care settings and services, depending on your loved one's medical needs and personal preference.
Assisted Living
Residential care homes and assisted living communities that are ALTCS-contracted.
Memory Care
Specialized dementia care settings for individuals who meet both medical and cognitive criteria.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Nursing home-level care for those with complex medical needs.
Adult Foster Care
Care provided in a family home setting for qualifying individuals.
In-Home Services
Personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, and respite care provided in the member's own home.
Adult Day Health
Structured daytime programs providing health monitoring, activities, and social engagement.
Not all communities accept ALTCS
To use ALTCS benefits in an assisted living or memory care setting, the community must be contracted with ALTCS. We maintain up-to-date knowledge of which communities in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, and surrounding areas accept ALTCS members — and can match your loved one accordingly.
How to Apply for ALTCS
The application process has several steps and typically takes 45–90 days. Here's what to expect.
Confirm Basic Eligibility
Review financial and medical criteria before applying. An ALTCS advisor or our team can help you assess this informally before you invest time in the formal process.
Submit an Application
Apply through AHCCCS online at healthearizonaplus.gov, by phone at 1-888-621-6880, or in person at a DES/AHCCCS office. Request an expedited review if there is urgent medical need.
Medical Assessment (UAT)
A state assessor will conduct a Uniform Assessment Tool (UAT) interview — usually by phone or in person — to determine if your loved one meets the nursing facility level of care standard.
Financial Verification
Submit documentation of income, assets, and expenses. This includes bank statements, Social Security award letters, property records, and any insurance policies.
Plan Assignment
If approved, your loved one will be assigned to an ALTCS managed care plan (such as UnitedHealthcare, Mercy Care, or Banner University Family Care) that coordinates their services.
Choose Your Setting
Work with your ALTCS case manager to select an approved care setting — assisted living, in-home services, adult foster care, or a nursing facility. We can help identify ALTCS-contracted communities.
Documents You'll Need for Your ALTCS Application
ALTCS Managed Care Plans in Arizona
Once approved, ALTCS benefits are administered through one of four managed care organizations. Your assigned plan depends on your county of residence.
Plan availability varies by county. Your ALTCS case manager will guide you through plan selection during the enrollment process.
How Guiding Hands Helps With ALTCS
Navigating ALTCS while also trying to find the right care setting for a loved one is a lot to manage. Our placement service bridges both sides of that process.
Assess potential eligibility
Before you go through the full application, we help you understand whether ALTCS is realistically an option based on medical and financial circumstances.
Identify ALTCS-contracted communities
Not all assisted living or memory care communities accept ALTCS. We know which ones do across Scottsdale, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler, and the surrounding Valley.
Coordinate with ALTCS case managers
Once a member is approved, we work alongside their ALTCS case manager to ensure a smooth transition into the right care setting.
Connect you with elder law resources
For complex financial situations — trusts, spousal situations, asset planning — we can refer you to experienced elder law attorneys in Arizona.
Other Financial Resources to Know
Veterans' Aid & Attendance
Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance pension benefit, which can provide $800–$2,400+/month toward the cost of assisted living or memory care.
Long-Term Care Insurance
If your loved one has an existing LTC insurance policy, benefits may be available. Policies vary widely — we can help you understand what your policy covers in Arizona communities.
Private Pay & Bridge Financing
For families waiting on ALTCS approval or not yet qualifying, some families use home equity, retirement savings, or short-term bridge loans to fund initial care costs.
ALTCS Frequently Asked Questions
Does ALTCS pay for assisted living?+
Yes — ALTCS can cover assisted living in a residential care home or an assisted living community, provided the facility is contracted with ALTCS and the member meets both medical and financial eligibility criteria. Not all assisted living communities accept ALTCS, so working with a local placement advisor who knows which communities do is very helpful.
How long does ALTCS approval take?+
Standard ALTCS applications typically take 45–90 days to process. If there is an urgent medical need (such as a hospital discharge), you can request an expedited review, which may reduce the timeline significantly. Our team can help you understand what documentation speeds up the process.
Can someone already in assisted living apply for ALTCS?+
Yes. If your loved one is already in an assisted living community and you are concerned about the long-term cost, you can still apply for ALTCS. If approved and the community is ALTCS-contracted, benefits may help cover ongoing costs.
What is the difference between ALTCS and regular AHCCCS?+
AHCCCS is Arizona's general Medicaid program covering medical services like doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. ALTCS is a specialized component of AHCCCS specifically for long-term care — it covers residential care settings, in-home support services, and other supports for people who need a nursing facility level of care.
Does ALTCS have a look-back period like federal Medicaid?+
No. Arizona's ALTCS program does not have the 5-year asset transfer look-back period that many other states' Medicaid programs use. However, asset planning rules still apply, and it is advisable to consult an elder law attorney for complex financial situations.
Which ALTCS managed care plans operate in Arizona?+
ALTCS operates through managed care plans including UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona, Mercy Care, Banner University Family Care, and Care1st Health Plan Arizona. The plan assigned depends on the county where your loved one resides.
Can I choose my loved one's ALTCS managed care plan?+
In most cases, you can request a specific plan during enrollment, though assignment is subject to availability in your county. Once enrolled, you can request a plan change during open enrollment periods.
What if my loved one doesn't qualify for ALTCS?+
If ALTCS is not an option, there are other financial resources to explore — including Veterans' benefits (Aid & Attendance), long-term care insurance, and private-pay communities at various price points. Our placement service helps families find the right fit regardless of how care is funded.
Questions About ALTCS or Paying for Senior Care?
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