Arizona Long-Term Care (ALTCS)

What is ALTCS?

Arizona Long-Term Care System, or ALTCS, is a branch of Arizona’s Medicaid program that covers long-term health care for qualifying individuals. Despite the similarity in titles, Medicaid is very different from Medicare, and the two should not be confused. Above all else, ALTCS differs from Medicare because it is needs based, meaning that only those who meet strict eligibility requirements qualify for the benefit.

The ALTCS benefit is unique to Arizona, and is based on a managed care concept that enables the state to pay for a variety of services. In addition to helping with skilled nursing and nursing home costs, ALTCS covers certain in-home services as well. These home and community services are expensive for the state to provide and are oftentimes preferable to individuals as well. As such, it is often in everyone’s best interest to give ALTCS members in-home care for as long as possible.

What does ALTCS cover?

Benefits which may be available through ALTCS include:

• • Full Coverage of Acute Care Services: This includes doctors, hospitalization, reduced prescription costs, lab work, x-rays, tests, and specialist treatments.
  • Alternative Facility Care: This includes care provided in a licensed nursing facility, residential care facility, rehabilitation care facility, assisted living center, or group home.
  • Home and Community Based Services: This includes home day care, personal and respite care, medical transportation, mental health services, homemaker services, attendant care, and home health aides.
  • Services for Developmentally Disabled Adults and children: This benefit includes specialized care for developmentally disabled adults and children.