ALTCS: Arizona's Medicaid Program for Long-Term Care
Last reviewed April 2026 · ALHHub Research Team
Most families dealing with a loved one's care needs don't realize that Medicaid can cover assisted living — not just nursing homes. In Arizona, that program is called ALTCS. If your loved one has limited income and assets, ALTCS might cover a significant portion of their care costs. Here's what you need to know.
What is ALTCS?
ALTCS stands for Arizona Long Term Care System. It's Arizona's Medicaid program for people who need long-term care services — whether at home, in an assisted living home, a memory care facility, or a nursing home. ALTCS is administered by AHCCCS (pronounced "access"), Arizona's Medicaid agency.
ALTCS covers a wide range of services: personal care assistance, medical monitoring, medication management, meals, activities, and more. Most importantly, it can cover the care costs of assisted living — not just institutional nursing home care.
Who qualifies for ALTCS?
To qualify, a person must meet both financial and medical criteria.
Financial criteria
- •Income: Monthly income must fall below the income standard. For 2024, this is typically around $2,829/month for an individual.
- •Assets: Countable assets generally must be under $2,000 for an individual ($3,000 for a couple).
- •Exempt assets: Your primary home (up to $713,000 in equity), one vehicle, household goods, and burial funds are typically not counted.
Medical criteria
- •Must require a nursing facility level of care — meaning significant help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility.
- •A Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) is required. An AHCCCS nurse assesses the applicant in person.
- •Dementia, serious medical conditions, or significant physical limitations generally qualify.
How to apply for ALTCS
- 1Request a Pre-Admission Screening
Call AHCCCS at (602) 417-4000 or contact your regional ALTCS office to request a PAS assessment. This nurse visit evaluates medical need and is required before the financial application.
- 2Gather financial documentation
You'll need bank statements (36 months), asset records, income verification (Social Security award letters, pension statements), and proof of any insurance policies.
- 3Submit the application
Applications can be submitted online at healthearizonaplus.gov, by mail, or in person at a DES/AHCCCS office. The application date matters — ALTCS won't cover costs before you apply.
- 4Wait for determination
AHCCCS has up to 90 days to make a determination. They may request additional documents during this period. Respond promptly to avoid delays.
- 5Choose an ALTCS managed care plan
Once approved, you'll choose a managed care organization (MCO) — such as UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona or Care1st — that coordinates your benefits.
- 6Select an ALTCS-contracted facility
Not all assisted living homes accept ALTCS. Your MCO has a list of contracted providers. This is where ALHHub can help — we know which homes in our network accept ALTCS and have openings.
What ALTCS covers in assisted living
When an ALTCS member lives in a contracted assisted living home, ALTCS pays the facility for care services. The resident is still responsible for a "room and board" share — typically most of their monthly income, minus a personal needs allowance — which goes directly to the facility. ALTCS pays the remaining care costs.
How ALHHub helps ALTCS families
Finding an ALTCS-contracted home with an available bed takes time and local knowledge. We know which facilities in our network accept ALTCS, what their current openings look like, and which homes specialize in the specific care needs your family member has. We'll help you navigate the process — and our service is always free for families.
Talk to a specialist — it's freeOfficial resources
- AHCCCS ALTCS Program Overview ↗ — official program information from Arizona's Medicaid agency
- healthearizonaplus.gov ↗ — online ALTCS application portal
- DES ALTCS information ↗ — Arizona Department of Economic Security ALTCS page
Frequently asked questions
Is ALTCS the same as Medicaid?
Yes. ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid program specifically for long-term care services. It's administered by AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System), which is Arizona's overall Medicaid agency.
How long does it take to get approved?
The standard processing time is up to 90 days from the date of application. Some cases are resolved faster; others take longer if documentation is incomplete or if a fair hearing is requested after an initial denial.
Can I apply for ALTCS while already in a facility?
Yes. You can apply from home, from a hospital, or after already moving into a care facility. However, ALTCS will not cover costs for periods before your application date, so apply as early as possible.
What if I have too many assets to qualify?
There are legal strategies — called "spend-down" planning — that involve spending assets on legitimate care-related expenses before applying. A Medicaid planning attorney can help. Some asset types are exempt from the count, including your primary residence (up to certain equity limits) and one vehicle.
Does ALTCS pay the full cost of assisted living?
ALTCS covers the care portion of assisted living costs. Residents are still responsible for a "room and board" share — typically a portion of their monthly income — which goes directly to the facility. ALTCS pays the balance to cover care services.
Can ALHHub help ALTCS-eligible families find a home?
Yes. We know which facilities in our network accept ALTCS residents and have current openings. We'll help you navigate the process — placement help is always free for families.