Medicaid is co-administered by the federal government and each state. This government-sponsored health care program provides low-cost or free medical assistance to qualified people in Mesa and the rest of Arizona. The program pays for health services for seniors, such as home health, personal care and services provided in a nursing home.
Seniors on supplemental security income, also known as SSI, are also eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid services are accessible to seniors in Mesa with incomes under $12,492 a year. This is lower than the Medicaid maximum income in many states due to Arizona’s unique long-term care strategy, which encourages seniors to age in place at home.
Based on a combination of income and total assets, some seniors may have to pay into the Medicaid program. For assistance with enrollment or other Medicaid questions, contact the Arizona Medicaid office at (800) 523-0231 or (602) 417-4000.
Arizona 1115 Demonstration Project Waiver
There are 11 states that use a 1115 Demonstration Project Waiver to distribute and administer Medicaid programs. Arizona’s Medicaid model (AHCCCS or ACCESS) uses home- and community-based services to assist seniors who need help but wish to remain at home. The program also supports assisted living services for eligible participants. Mesa has no PACE program. Instead, the state offers similar programs as part of its robust AHCCCS benefits.
Arizona Long-Term Care Services
Arizona Long-Term Care Services provides financial assistance to Mesa seniors who opt for long-term care at home or in adult foster care, assisted living or a nursing home. This program also helps pay for assisted living. Services include home nursing, meal delivery and some medical equipment, and there are no enrollment caps. Applicants who meet disability benefit requirements are also eligible for these services. For more information on ALTCS, call (877) 236-4752.