ALTCS Resource Center
Arizona's Long Term Care System — translated into plain English.
ALTCS can cover assisted living, memory care, group homes, skilled nursing, and in some cases in-home care — for Arizonans who qualify medically and financially. We help families understand it, apply for it, and use it well.
Not sure if your family qualifies?
A 20-minute consultation is the fastest way to find out. We'll ask a few clarifying questions and give you an honest answer — even if the answer is "not yet, and here's what to do next."
Talk with an advocateThe ALTCS journey, step by step
- 01
Understand eligibility
Medical and financial criteria overview — what actually qualifies, what doesn't, and what's negotiable.
- 02
Prepare documentation
Bank statements, deeds, insurance, and medical records — organized the way ALTCS expects.
- 03
Submit the application
We coordinate submission, follow up on status, and help resolve requests for more information.
- 04
Pre-Admission Screening (PAS)
A medical evaluation to determine care level. We prepare families so nothing is a surprise.
- 05
Approval & enrollment
Once approved, we help select the right ALTCS-contracted community or in-home program for your loved one.
- 06
Ongoing support
Re-determinations, appeals, and plan changes — we stay involved as long as you need us.
What ALTCS can cover
Coverage varies by care setting, contract status, and individual plan. Common covered supports include:
- Care in ALTCS-contracted assisted living and memory care
- Residential group homes
- Skilled nursing facility care
- In-home caregiving hours (in some cases)
- Case management and care coordination
- Medical transportation for covered services
Documents to gather
Have these handy before your consultation — we'll walk through what's actually required:
- Photo ID and Social Security card
- Proof of Arizona residency
- Bank statements (all accounts, 60+ months)
- Deeds & vehicle titles
- Life insurance & annuity policies
- Income sources (Social Security, pension)
- Recent medical records / diagnoses
- Power of attorney documents (if applicable)
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for ALTCS in Arizona?
ALTCS covers Arizona residents who meet both medical and financial criteria. Medically, applicants must need a nursing-facility level of care. Financially, income and assets must fall under specific thresholds (adjusted annually). Certain assets and spousal protections may not count — which is why guidance matters.
Does ALTCS pay for assisted living or only nursing homes?
ALTCS can pay for care in ALTCS-contracted assisted living communities, residential group homes, skilled nursing facilities, and in some cases in-home care — not only nursing homes. The right setting depends on the person's care needs and the community's ALTCS contract status.
How long does the application take?
The process typically takes 45–90 days from application to approval, though it can be faster with hospital or expedited applications and slower if documentation is incomplete. AdvaCare helps prevent the most common delays.
What if we're over the asset or income limit?
There are legitimate, legal strategies — spend-downs, Miller Trusts, and spousal protections — that many families qualify for. We coordinate with trusted Arizona elder law attorneys when the situation calls for it.
Does AdvaCare charge for ALTCS help?
No. Our navigation is free to families. If you need elder law counsel, we refer to trusted attorneys — those are separate services with their own fees.
General information only — not legal, financial, or medical advice. For specific guidance, we're happy to refer you to Arizona elder law attorneys we trust.
Walk through ALTCS with someone who knows it cold.
We help families every week apply for, get approved by, and use ALTCS well. Book a free 20-minute consultation.