ALTCS Process and FAQs - Arizona’s Medicaid Program for Long Term Care
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you or a loved one needs help paying for medical care and lives in Arizona, the Medicaid program called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) offers free or low-cost health coverage for eligible people and families.
Once you are enrolled in AHCCCS and need long-term care but want to avoid going to a nursing home, you can apply for ALTCS. ALTCS allows you to pay a loved one to be your caregiver through Medicaid. The application process and eligibility for ALTCS may be different from AHCCCS. In this article, you can learn about the steps and benefits of applying for ALTCS.
Should I Apply for AHCCCS or ALTCS?
If you are looking for long term care from a family member and pay them, the simple answer is you need to apply for both.
AHCCCS or Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System is Arizona's Medicaid program that covers medical and wellness expenses like doctor visits, medications, and healthcare services. You could be eligible if you are elderly, low-income, or disabled. Learn three ways to apply and enroll in ACHHS
If you are eligible for AHCCCS does not automatically enroll you in ALTCS. Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is a division of AHCCCS that covers acute or long-term care for eligible individuals. You must apply for ALTCS separately.
Arizona Long Term Care System Application and Eligibility
The program allows financially and medically eligible Arizona residents who are aged, blind, disabled, or have a developmental disability to hire their own caregivers at little or no cost.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for ALTCS, you must:
Be determined in need of a nursing home level of care as determined by AHCCCS
Be a citizen or qualified immigrant
Have a Social Security Number (SSN) or apply for one
Be an Arizona resident
Live in an approved living arrangement, such as your own home, or an AHCCCS certified nursing facility or assisted living facility.
Not have countable resources more than $2000 for single applicants
If you are legally married, you may be able to set aside some of your resources for the needs of your spouse, so long as your spouse is not living in a medical facility.
Application Process for ALTCS
Start an application online or through phone:
Use the ALTCS online portal in Health-e-Arizona Plus
Call ALTCS toll-free at (888) 621-6880
You will need to provide documents to show that you meet financial and non-financial eligibility requirements.
You must be determined as needing a nursing home level of care
Note: Another person can act on your behalf during the application process.
Frequently Asked Questions about ALTCS
There is often confusion about the home health care program in Arizona, so we are answering some common questions that people have when they are just starting out.
What are Countable Resources Under ALTCS Application?
These include checking, savings, credit union accounts, real property that you do not live in, cash value of some life insurance policies, cash, stocks, bonds, certificates of deposits, and non-exempt vehicles.
What is ALTCS Gross Monthly Income Limit?
The state counts income that includes wages, social security, supplemental security income
and disability or retirement pensions. The ALTCS gross monthly income limit is $2,982 (as of January 1, 2026) for an individual. If you are married, the limits and eligibility would be different.
How Does ALTCS Determine if I am Medically Eligible?
After you are found financially eligible, a medical assessor will interview you and any caregivers you may have. They will also review your medical records to decide if you meet the medical requirements to receive care.
Will ALTCS Decide Where I Will Live?
No, ALTCS does not decide where you will live. The individual enrolled in the program or the authorized representative has the authority to choose the living arrangement that best suits their needs.
What Services are Covered Under ALTCS?
Once you are approved for ALTCS services, you will be enrolled in a Long-Term Care health plan and assigned a case manager. The case manager will meet with you and your family to create a care plan that fits your needs.
In addition to regular Medicaid benefits such as medical care, behavioral health services, preventive care, and hospice, ALTCS may also cover care in a facility or home and community-based services, like in-home care.
Need Help Applying?
If you have questions, you can also contact us and our team on 833-447-3326 and a Relationship Manager will be happy to guide you through the process. You can find more information on the program and process online as well.
