Arizona resources
Understanding ALTCS in Arizona
What ALTCS is designed to do
ALTCS is intended for people who need an ongoing level of care similar to what is provided in a nursing facility. Depending on the situation, that care may be delivered in a licensed assisted living setting, a residential care home, a skilled nursing facility, or at home.
ALTCS is separate from Medicare. Medicare may cover short rehabilitation stays after a hospitalization; it does not pay for ongoing custodial long-term care.
The two sides of the review
- Medical: a functional and cognitive assessment used to determine whether the level of care needed meets the program's threshold.
- Financial: a review of income and countable resources, including how assets have been handled in prior years.
What families commonly get wrong
- Assuming a diagnosis alone qualifies someone. The assessment looks at function and care needs, not the diagnosis by itself.
- Waiting until the money is gone to start learning about the program. The review takes time, and documentation matters.
- Assuming any community will accept an ALTCS contract. Not every community participates, and participating communities may have limited availability.
How CareWise helps
We help families understand where ALTCS fits in the overall picture, identify which communities in the search area actually work with ALTCS contracts, and plan for the gap between the application and an approval decision. When the situation calls for legal or benefits expertise, we will tell you plainly and help you find it.
CareWise provides information and guidance about these programs. We do not determine eligibility, and program rules, limits, and availability change. Confirm current requirements with the administering agency or a qualified professional.
Talk through your situation with an advisor.
No cost to your family. We'll help you understand the options before you tour.