For low-income Americans with limited assets, Medicaid is a national program designed to provide health care coverage. Arizona’s Medicaid program, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), is funded federally and through the state and covers a range of services including doctor’s visits, hospital care, prescriptions and immunizations.
Arizona Long-Term Care Services (ALTCS) is the division of Medicaid that administers aid to seniors and the disabled. Rather than using waivers subject to enrollment caps that result in waiting lists for new applicants, ALTCS provides benefits and services as entitlements.
To qualify, Arizona residents must be at least age 65, meet financial and resource guidelines and need a nursing home level of care, as determined by a social worker assessment.
Individuals must have a monthly income below $2,313 and assets valued below $2,000. Married couples are subject to the same individual limits. If just one spouse applies, up to $3,160.50 in monthly income can be transferred to the non-applicant, who is also allowed up to $126,420 in assets.
Although ALTCS does not pay for room and board in an assisted living facility, various supportive services may be covered, including:
- Care coordination and transition assistance
- Behavioral, personal/attendant and dental care
- Specialized furniture and durable medical equipment
- Medical transportation
To learn more or apply, visit your
local ALTCS office or call (855) 432-7587.