Paying for Care
ALTCS: Arizona Medicaid for Assisted Living
ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) is Arizona's Medicaid program that covers assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care for qualifying residents. If your loved one has limited income and assets, ALTCS could cover most or all of their care costs.
What Is ALTCS?
ALTCS stands for Arizona Long Term Care System. It's Arizona's version of Medicaid long-term care, administered by AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System). Unlike regular Medicaid, ALTCS specifically covers long-term care services including:
- Assisted living facilities
- Memory care communities
- Nursing homes (skilled nursing)
- In-home care (HCBS waiver)
- Adult day care programs
- Respite care (up to 30 days/year)
ALTCS Eligibility Requirements (2026)
1. Financial Eligibility
| Individual monthly income limit | ~$2,829/month |
| Individual asset limit | $2,000 |
| Married couple asset limit (community spouse) | ~$154,140 |
| Home (primary residence) | Exempt (up to ~$713,000 equity) |
| One vehicle | Exempt |
| Burial fund | Exempt (up to $1,500) |
Income limits are adjusted annually. If income exceeds the limit, an income trust (Miller Trust) may be used to qualify.
2. Medical Eligibility
You must need a "nursing facility level of care" — meaning you need help with daily activities that a nursing home would provide. This doesn't mean you have to go to a nursing home; it means your care needs are significant enough to qualify. Most people with:
- •Difficulty bathing, dressing, or eating independently
- •Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis
- •Mobility limitations requiring daily assistance
- •Complex medication management needs
...typically meet the medical criteria.
3. Other Requirements
- •Arizona resident
- •U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
- •Age 65+ (or blind/disabled at any age)
- •Not currently in a hospital or institution (can apply from hospital)
How to Apply for ALTCS
Gather documents
You'll need: proof of income (Social Security statements, pension), bank statements (3 months), property deeds, insurance policies, and medical records showing care needs.
Submit application
Apply online at healthearizonaplus.gov, in person at a DES office, or by mail. You can also call AHCCCS at 1-888-621-6880 for help.
Financial review
AHCCCS reviews your income and assets. If you're over the income limit, they'll help you set up an income trust (Miller Trust).
Medical assessment
A nurse or social worker evaluates your loved one's care needs to determine if they meet the 'nursing facility level of care' standard.
Approval and placement
Once approved, you choose a facility from those accepting ALTCS. Processing takes 45-90 days — start early.
Important: Apply BEFORE You Need Care
ALTCS applications take 45-90 days to process. If your loved one may need assisted living in the next few months, start the application now. You can apply before choosing a facility.
FAQ
Does ALTCS cover assisted living?
Yes. ALTCS covers assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, in-home care (HCBS waiver), adult day care, and respite care. The type of care is determined by your loved one's needs assessment.
What if my parent's income is too high for ALTCS?
If income exceeds the limit (~$2,829/month), you can set up a Qualified Income Trust (QIT), also called a Miller Trust. This is a simple legal tool that redirects excess income into a trust, making your parent eligible. An elder law attorney can set this up for $500-$1,500.
Will ALTCS take my parent's house?
Your parent's primary home is exempt while they're alive (up to ~$713,000 in equity). However, Arizona may seek estate recovery after death — meaning they could place a lien on the home. Consult an elder law attorney for asset protection strategies.
Which Phoenix facilities accept ALTCS?
Many assisted living communities and most group homes in the Phoenix metro accept ALTCS, especially in Mesa, Glendale, and Phoenix. Acceptance is more limited at luxury communities in Scottsdale and Gilbert. Our advisors know exactly which facilities accept ALTCS — contact us for a personalized list.
Need Help Finding ALTCS-Accepting Facilities?
Our advisor knows which Phoenix-area facilities accept ALTCS and have current availability. This service is completely free.