State programs
Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)
The Arizona Long Term Care System, or ALTCS, is Arizona's Medicaid program for people who need a nursing facility level of care. It covers older adults and people with physical or developmental disabilities. The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS, runs it. Members may live at home, in assisted living, or in a facility.
Why it matters for your family
A person must meet medical and financial rules. A preadmission screening checks whether the person is at risk of institutional placement. Home and community-based services include attendant care, personal care, homemaker services, adult day health, respite, and home-delivered meals. Members are enrolled in a plan and assigned a case manager. A common mistake is to think ALTCS requires living in a nursing home. It does not. Apply through Health-e-Arizona Plus or call AHCCCS. Financial rules are detailed, so ask an elder law attorney. Members who live on a reservation may be served through a tribal ALTCS program instead.
Source: azahcccs.gov
Read more: Home care in Arizona
Related terms
- Level of care assessmentA level of care assessment is an evaluation that decides whether a person needs the level of care that a nursing facility provides.
- Medicaid eligibilityMedicaid eligibility for long-term care depends on need, income, and assets.
- Home and community-based services (HCBS) waiverA home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver is a Medicaid program that pays for care at home or in the community instead of in a nursing home.
- Medicaid asset limitThe Medicaid asset limit is the cap on countable assets a person may own and still qualify for Medicaid long-term care.
- Care coordinatorA care coordinator is a person who organizes a person's care among doctors, agencies, and family.
- Assisted livingAssisted living is a residential setting for people who need help with daily tasks but not the full medical care of a nursing home.
