Arizona’s Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System. It’s run as a section 1115 demonstration waiver and provides health care insurance for seniors 65 and older who don’t need nursing facility care. It also coordinates with other programs to provide long-term care services in facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living centers.
To be eligible for AHCCCS, seniors must:
- Be an Arizona resident
- Have a social security number or have applied for one
- Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- Not exceed the income limit, which is $16,040 a year for an individual and $21,599 for a couple
There is a division of the AHCCCS called the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), which is designed to assist seniors in arranging and paying for long-term care services when needed. It’s an entitlement, so there are no enrollment caps, and everyone who qualifies receives service. The program provides long-term care in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day cares and senior’s homes.
To be eligible for the ALTCS program, participants must:
- Be at least 65 years old
- Have a qualifying disability or need daily assistance equivalent to nursing facility care
- Have no more than $3,000 in assets for couples and $2,000 for individuals (a personal vehicle and a primary home if it is valued under $572,000 are exempt from this requirement)
There are also monthly income caps, but they vary depending on the applicant’s marital status, whether they live independently or with caregivers, and if their spouse has applied for or is receiving Medicaid. Once accepted into the ALTCS, participants are assigned a caseworker to help them devise a care plan that is suitable for their unique situation.
Seniors can apply for ACCCHS online or call (866) 495-6738.