The Medicaid program in Arizona is called AHCCCS (the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System). AHCCCS is jointly federal and state funded and helps to support low-income individuals who are younger than 65 (though some who are older might be eligible). You might qualify for benefits through this program if you earn 133 percent of the FPL (Federal Poverty Level) or less. As of 2024, this is $41,496 for a household with four family members and $20,040 for an individual.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re over 65, you\u2019ll need to apply for Medicaid benefits through the ALTCS<\/a> (Arizona Long Term Care System). Unlike other Medicaid services, which place a limit on how many participants can enroll, ALTCS offers benefits as an entitlement. In other words, if you meet the requirements for eligibility, you can access services.<\/p>\n The income and asset limits for ALTCS is can be tricky to navigate. We\u2019ll go into detail on that soon, in addition to ways you can qualify even if you don\u2019t meet the requirements.<\/p>\n When you apply to receive AHCCCS benefits, an associate will review your application and help you figure out which Medicaid coverage is best for your situation. To qualify for AHCCCS, you usually must be younger than 65 (though you can be 65 or older if you\u2019re the caretaker or parent of a child). You must be either on Medicare as a pregnant woman or caretaker\/parent of a child or be ineligible for Medicare services. You also need to earn below a certain limit and be a citizen of the U.S. or a qualified noncitizen<\/a>.<\/p>\n Income-based AHCCCS will count most of the unearned and earned income you have. Some income doesn\u2019t count, though, such as Supplemental Security Income<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ALTCS is a state Medicaid program that can help certain individuals afford their medical care. This system provides specifically for the long-term medical needs of qualifying disabled<\/a>, blind, or aged residents in the state. This program pays for the services you require once you\u2019ve already exhausted your savings. To qualify, you must undergo a financial assessment to determine whether you are able to cover the costs yourself. The next component is a functional assessment to determine your current medical state and care needs.<\/p>\n The financial eligibility requirements to receive ALTCS benefits can be complicated and will be affected by whether or not you\u2019re married. As a single applicant, you can earn *$2,829 or less in monthly income to qualify. If you\u2019re married and applying for benefits on your own, your income is limited to the same amount and your spouse\u2019s income doesn\u2019t count. If you and your spouse are applying for ALTCS together, you may not earn more than *$5,658 monthly.<\/p>\n If your income is higher than these numbers, don\u2019t let that deter you from pursuing ALTCS services. You might still be able to qualify for benefits by using a Miller Trust<\/a>. Like other trusts, this type of trust must be legally sound in order to be considered valid.<\/p>\n *Based on 2024 ALTCS rates<\/p>\n Getting approved for AHCCCS benefits can prove tricky for some people. Many residents are denied ALTCS benefits because they have too many resources to meet the eligibility requirements. Fortunately, this doesn\u2019t mean that you can\u2019t qualify later once you do. You may be able to get around being over the resource limit by \u201cspending down<\/a>\u201d on your assets in order to meet the financial requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n However, the way you go about this is extremely important. Working with a lawyer can ensure that you spend down in the way that will increase your odds of approval.<\/p>\n Here are some common queries that applicants may have about Medicaid services in the state:<\/p>\n For most of your needed medical services, you\u2019ll either cover a small copayment when you visit a medical professional or pay nothing. In most cases, you\u2019ll just have to show your coverage card to prove you have Medicaid and the state will pay your doctor for the costs.<\/p>\n Medicaid and a program called CHIP (the Children\u2019s Health Insurance Program<\/a>) work together to offer low-cost coverage to Arizona residents with children. If your income meets the eligibility requirements, your children can access these services. If you give birth while you\u2019re covered by Medicaid, your child will also automatically be enrolled for the first year of their life.<\/p>\n To qualify for the program, you must submit your application, which can take up to 90 days to get approved. Your application processing period might take longer than average if your income is too high for eligibility in the month you apply and the month after but might be low enough during the third month. If more proof is needed to determine your eligibility, or you request extra time to gather the necessary documents, your processing period might also be longer than 90 days.<\/p>\n The Medicaid application process can be complex, and many applicants are denied coverage each year. Thankfully, even if you\u2019ve been denied before, all hope is not lost. Give us a call so we can work with you to apply and give you a better shot at approval for AHCCCS benefits. We also might be able to help you appeal the decision if your application for help with medical coverage was previously denied. Speak with one of our Elder Law attorneys<\/a> today.<\/p>\n If you need help setting up Medicaid, speaking with a lawyer<\/a> is a good place to start. The application process itself can be complex and confusing, and making mistakes can set you back in attaining benefits and services. If your situation is complicated or you need help meeting the eligibility requirements, one of our attorneys can answer your questions.<\/p>\nPoints to Keep in Mind on Medicaid Eligibility<\/h2>\n
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AHCCCS for Arizona Residents<\/h3>\n
Medicaid for Disabled and Elderly Residents<\/h3>\n
How Working With an Attorney Can Help<\/h2>\n
FAQs on Medicaid in Arizona<\/h2>\n
Q: Will I owe any costs if I get Medicaid services?<\/h3>\n
Q: Can I get coverage for my children\u2019s medical needs?<\/h3>\n
Q: What factors can slow down the processing period for my application?<\/h3>\n
What to Do if You Need Help<\/h2>\n
Need Help Applying for ALTCS in Arizona?<\/h2>\n