What Is ALTCS?
Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is a state administered insurance program that provides long term care for Arizona residents. The state and county contribute to Federal Medicaid money, which forms a hybrid program that pools insurance money for those that qualify for long term care. Medicaid is a “needs-based” program, and Medicare is not part of the ALTCS program. The ALTCS is just one program under the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
In This Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS) Article:
How To Qualify For ALTCS
What Services Are Covered Under ALTCS
How To Qualify For ALTCS
Applicants for the Arizona Long Term Care System (LTCS) program must fit particular criteria to qualify for admittance into this program. They must be:
- 65 year of age or older
- Blind or disabled
- Meet the financial criteria
Providing a detailed financial statement listing all contributions to the applicant’s income, and a written application is necessary. It is suggested that a potential applicant file the paperwork well in advance of their anticipated need as the processing procedure takes time.
Program participants of the Arizona Long Term Care System do not live in nursing homes, but they may live in their own homes or assisted living facilities. They will receive any home care they require. The ALTCS in the state of Arizona provides long term care at little to no cost to participants who are financially or medically eligible; however, every approved individual is required to contribute a part of the cost of their care if possible. There are several items taken into account to determine if the applicant must pay for some of the cost. These items include a personal allowance, health insurance cost, a family allowance if you have dependents, a community allowance for a spouse and other medical expenses, such as hearing aids, glasses or dental care.
Furthermore, applicants must be a citizen or qualified immigrant. They must have a social security number or have applied for one, and they must to a resident of Arizona. Any pensions or VA benefits must be applied for prior to acceptance to the program. The program requires that the applicant has three choices of places to live. They may stay in their home, live in an assisted living facility or a certified nursing facility.
A single applicant cannot have more than $2,000 in resources, but if the applicant is married it is possible to set aside some resources for the needs of the spouse, unless the spouse lives in a medical facility. As of January 1, 2013, the gross allowable monthly income limit is $2,130. It is also possible to set up a special trust for a spouse.
The countable resources include checking and savings accounts, real estate, the cash value of some life insurance policies, any cash, stocks, bonds or certificates of deposits, plus non-exempt vehicles. There are some resources that do not count, such as the home where you live, one vehicle, burial plots or burial plan and $1500 for burial.
What Services Are Covered Under ALTCS
Each county in Arizona has a program contractor and Mariposa has four. They each provide quality services which, includes different nursing homes, assisted living facilities, doctors, dentists, specialists and hospitals. American Indians who live on a reservation have the advantage of an ALTCS Tribal Contractor for the reservation, so each Indian is enrolled.
After you are deemed eligible for ALTCS services, A Program Contractor will be assigned as a case manager. They will meet with you and your family to develop an appropriate plan.
These services may be covered under the Arizona Long Term Care System Benefits:
- Institutional care in a nursing facility
- Home and community based services, which will combine in-home and out-patient care
- Medical services include doctor visits and prescriptions
- Behavioral health services
- Preventive and well-care for children
- Hospice services.
The ALTCS program is the answer for so many people from Arizona who do not have the resources to provide for their elderly years when health may become a major problem.
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About the Author: Catharine D. Allado is a Senior Care Expert and the COO of SeniorCareHomes.com – A trusted and comprehensive online directory of Senior Care Homes such as Assisted Living, Nursing Homes and other types of Senior Housing in California, Florida, New York, Arizona and the rest of the United States. SeniorCareHomes.com also provides FREE Assisted Living options to help seniors and families find the best Senior Housing on the planet!
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- Major Factors That Influence the Fees For Long Term Care Facilities
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Other SeniorCareHomes.com Helpful Links:
- Seniors Online Community & Long Term Care Discussion Forum
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- Long Term Care Facility Registration
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
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