Arizona and ALTCS: What is it and How Does it Help?

A quick, but very good video (and infographic) explaining what ALTCS is

How Do I Apply?

It will be necessary to provide documents supporting financial and non-financial eligibility so be prepared to gather tax ALTCS program information for Arizona seniorsdocuments as well as your social security card and birth certificate. It may also be helpful to have a loved one or other representative work on your behalf to become eligible for ALTCS. Applications must be completed in person through a local ALTCS office and a list of ALTCS offices can be accessed at http://www.azahcccs.gov/applicants/application/ALTCSoffices.aspx?ID=ALTCS

Extra Tip: If assistance is needed with financial matters, its possible to also appoint a Representative Payee through Social Security. This can be useful when navigating the various programs available through Social Security (or just to change an address) and can be useful when navigating the Medicaid system although the Medicaid system will have their own additional forms to complete in order to appoint a representative.

What Happens if I am Denied?

Please keep in mind that more people are denied ALTCS benefits than are approved but do not let this be discouraging news. Mistakes are made and reversals happen frequently. Appealing a denial is strongly encouraged.

There is a specific set of rules for the appeals process which can bring a reversal of the denial. It is important to know the appeal process and to follow the instructions and timeline carefully. The ALTCS Member pamphlet, published through the Arizona Department of Economic Security, explains the appeal process and includes a variety of information about the ALTCS program.https://www.azdes.gov/InternetFiles/Pamphlets/pdf/PAD-465english.pdfs

Which Facilities Accept ALTCS?

Through an informal survey of several assisted living facilities throughout Arizona and listed at Assisted Living Directory, approximately seventy percent of the facilities that we asked/surveyed accept ALTCS (we were not able to find an ‘official’ exact percentage on any of the Arizona ALTCS information or government sites). In addition, Bridgeway Health Solutions, an HMO which provides services to those enrolled in ALTCS, lists over 400 assisted living facilities throughout Arizona accepting ALTCS.

John Hurbon, who with his wife runs the Arizona Skyline Assisted Living Home, LLC, accepts ALTCS at both of their 20-bed facilities in Benson, Arizona. John says that with both private pay and ALTCS funding, Quality care has to stay at a high level. John clearly cares for his residents and goes on to say, We have big hearts and we are blessed with a great staff. John and his wife are the kind of people you can feel comfortable caring for your loved one. Please visit their website through the Assisted Living Directory or at http://azskylinealh.com

Once approved for the ALTCS program, many care facilities are available throughout Arizona to care for you or a loved one.

A physical ALTCS location in Arizona (Photo by David):

Additional Sources:

NextSteps Senior Solutions

– Article by Trish Hughes Kreis exclusively for Assisted Living Directory

Copyright © by Harriet Hodgson

– Article by Harriet Hodgson exclusively for Assisted Living Directory