Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) Waiver: An Arizona Medicaid Resource for Senior Support and Services
ALTCS Benefits Waiver: Long-Term Medicaid Services in Arizona Overview
- 1915(c) HCBS Medicaid Waiver
- Statewide Medicaid program for Arizona seniors requiring long-term care.
- Provides access to long-term services and supports to help Arizona seniors maintain their way of life and receive the support and care they need.
- Seniors can live in their home, a loved one’s home, or a residential facility such as assisted living or memory care.
Benefits of Arizona’s Long-Term Care System Waiver
Benefits waiver participants may receive some of the following services:
- Behavioral health care
- Adult daycare or respite care
- Home meal delivery services
- Home healthcare services
- Doctor’s appointments
- Medical supplies and equipment
- Residential facility care
*Not a complete list
Arizona’s Long-Term Care System Waiver Eligibility Requirements
The ALTCS Benefits waiver requires participants to meet certain financial requirements.
If your income or financial holdings exceed the limits outlined by Medicaid but you can’t afford the cost of care for yourself or a loved one, we can share some Medicaid planning strategies that may help.
2026 Income Limits
- Single applicant: $2,982/mo
- Married (both applying): $5,964/mo
- Married (one spouse applying): $2,982/mo
- A married applicant may be eligible to allocate a portion of their income to their non-applicant spouse as a Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance.
2026 Asset Limits
- Individual applicant: $2,000
- Married spouses (both applying): $4,000
- If only one spouse is applying, the assets of both spouses are limited because Medicaid considers assets to be jointly owned*
Functional Need Requirement
- To qualify for an ALTCS waiver in Arizona, seniors must require a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC).
- An in-person or over-the-phone interview is required to establish functional need.
- As a Clinical Care Team, Legacy Navigation can prepare you for what this assessment will look like and help you understand the types of questions you will be asked.
Additional Information About Arizona Medicaid Income Eligibility Guidelines
Countable Income
- Employment wages
- Alimony payments
- Pension payments
- Social Security Disability Income
- Social Security Income
- IRA withdrawals
- Stock dividends
Non-Countable Income
- VA Aid & Attendance and Housebound Pensions
- Holocaust restitution payments
Additional Information About Idaho Medicaid Income Eligibility Guidelines
Countable Assets
- Employment wages
- Alimony payments
- Pension payments
- Social Security Disability Income
- Social Security Income
- IRA withdrawals
- Stock dividends
Non-Countable Assets
- Primary home (with exceptions)
- Personal belongings)
- One automobile
- Household furnishings
- Irrevocable burial trust up to $9,000
When You’re Over the Limits for the ALTCS Waiver: Arizona Eligibility Options
Qualified Income Trusts
Called Income-Only Trusts in Arizona.
- Excess income is directly deposited into a trust
- These funds can only be used for specific purposes (like medical expenses or long-term care services)
- Miller Trusts are irreversible, and the state of Arizona is the remainder beneficiary
Asset Spend Down
Spending down countable assets on non-countable assets:
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Certified Medicaid Planning™ Services
Medicaid planning professionals can help you organize your finances and identify strategies to help you become Medicaid-eligible.
At Legacy Navigation, we take a holistic approach to Medicaid planning and develop a customized plan that fits your unique situation.
How Seniors Can Apply for the ALTCS Waiver in Arizona
Determine Eligibility
Seniors looking for Medicaid services to supplement the cost of their long-term care needs must meet specific Arizona Medicaid eligibility requirements, including:
- Income limits
- Asset limits
- Functional need requirements
Gather All Supporting Documents
You will be asked to verify information about your household, including your income and assets. It’s important to have all of this documentation prepared before you apply to avoid any delays. It’s also important that all of your information and documentation is correct so your application won’t be denied based on a procedural error.
Apply
There are various ways seniors can complete the Medicaid application:
- Online
- Over the phone
- In-person
Applying without Assistance
- Determine if you qualify for Medicaid’s eligibility requirements.
- Devote significant time to going over extensive supporting documentation and application by yourself.
- The process for review can take up to three months or longer.
- Navigate multiple networks of care and service providers independently to figure out long-term care solutions covered by the ALTCS Benefits Waiver program.
Letting Legacy Navigation Assist You With Applying
- We will help you qualify for the ALTCS Benefits waiver in Arizona by going over your financial situation and creating a plan unique to you.
- Our team makes sure that all necessary supporting documentation is compiled and as your Authorized Representative, we will complete your application for you.
- If needed, in most cases we can expedite the application process on your behalf.
- Our network of care partners in the senior care community works with us to help process your referrals so you can receive all of the benefits you qualify for with the ALTCS Benefits waiver.
Arizona Long-Term Care System Benefits Waiver: Client and Community Partner Testimonials
FAQs About Arizona’s ALTCS Benefits Waiver
When should someone start getting ready for ALTCS eligibility?
Planning is key in making sure you or your loved one receive services in a timely manner. Our recommendation is to start the process before the applicant is in a care crisis to ensure enough time to find the correct strategy that works for your case. If you anticipate the possibility of needing care, it is good to meet with a Certified Medicaid Planner™ as soon as possible, even if you don’t need care immediately.
What if I previously applied but was denied?
There are many components to the ALTCS Benefits waiver that are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. If you were denied once, that doesn’t necessarily mean you do not qualify for services. Our Certified Medicaid Planners™ can help review your case and see if we can help you get the services you or your loved one require.
What determines if I am medically eligible for services?
Financial stipulations are not the only factor in determining eligibility. In order to qualify for services, the applicant must require a “nursing home level of care.” So, the applicant must need a high level of help with daily tasks like bathing, eating, dressing, and taking medications. As part of the application process, an assessor will come out and evaluate the level of care the applicant requires based on observation, questioning, and medical records.
If I need assistance in Arizona who can I contact to get support in filling out my ALTCS Benefits Waiver application?
Medicaid rules and regulations have many moving parts and can be tricky to navigate. Many applications are returned as denied on their first look. A Certified Medicaid Planning™ team like Legacy Navigation is here to review your case and can complete your ALTCS Benefits Waiver application on your behalf.