Understanding ALTCS

Making family-provided care more sustainable.

ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid program for long-term care. If you or a family member needs ongoing help at home, it may cover the cost of in-home care services. Here's how it works and how we can help.

What ALTCS Is

ALTCS stands for Arizona Long Term Care System. It's a Medicaid program run by AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System) that provides long-term care services to Arizona residents who are elderly, blind, or have a physical or developmental disability and need ongoing support.

Many people assume ALTCS only applies to nursing home care, but that's not the case. A large number of ALTCS members receive services at home or in community-based settings. The program can fund in-home personal care, skilled nursing, respite care for family caregivers, and other support services that help people stay in their own homes.

If approved, you're assigned to a program contractor — an insurance plan that coordinates your care. In Arizona, the current contractors are Banner University Family Care, Mercy Care Plan, and United Healthcare Community Plan.

Who May Qualify

Who May Qualify

ALTCS eligibility is based on three things: where you live, your finances, and your medical needs. All three have to be met.

Residency You must be an Arizona resident.

Financial Eligibility There are limits on both monthly income and assets. For 2026, the individual monthly income limit is $2,982. The asset limit is $2,000 for a single applicant, though certain assets like a primary home, personal belongings, and one vehicle are typically exempt. If your income is slightly over the limit, there are legal options like a Miller Trust that may help. Financial eligibility can be complicated, especially for married couples, and it's one of the most common reasons applications are denied.

Medical Eligibility You must require what's called a "nursing facility level of care." This doesn't mean you need to live in a nursing home. It means you need regular, hands-on help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, eating, or moving around. Cognitive conditions like Alzheimer's or dementia are also considered. A state assessor will conduct an in-person screening called a Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) to determine medical eligibility.

woman in pink and white floral button up shirt holding brown wooden tray
An older man sits on the edge of a bed, holding onto a walker, while a younger woman in blue scrubs stands beside him, supporting him.

What ALTCS Covers at Home

What ALTCS Covers at Home

When ALTCS approves in-home care, the specific services depend on your individual care plan, which is developed with a case manager. In general, home and community-based services through ALTCS can include:

  • Personal care and attendant care (help with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and mobility)

  • Home health services, including skilled nursing

  • Respite care for family caregivers (up to 600 hours per year)

  • Adult day care or day health programs

  • Home-delivered meals

  • Personal emergency response systems

  • Medical supplies and durable medical equipment

  • Case management to coordinate services and adjust care plans over time

ALTCS can also fund family members as paid caregivers for up to 40 hours per week, depending on the member's care needs and the care setting.

How to Apply

1

Start the application

You can apply through the Health-e-Arizona Plus online portal, call ALTCS directly at 1-888-621-6880, or contact our team and we'll help you get started. Applications can be initiated by the individual, a family member, or a caregiver.

1

Start the application

You can apply through the Health-e-Arizona Plus online portal, call ALTCS directly at 1-888-621-6880, or contact our team and we'll help you get started. Applications can be initiated by the individual, a family member, or a caregiver.

2

Complete the eligibility review

Once submitted, a financial caseworker and a medical assessor will each review the application separately. The financial review looks at income and assets. The medical review involves an in-person Pre-Admission Screening. The full process typically takes 45 to 90 days.

2

Complete the eligibility review

Once submitted, a financial caseworker and a medical assessor will each review the application separately. The financial review looks at income and assets. The medical review involves an in-person Pre-Admission Screening. The full process typically takes 45 to 90 days.

3

Choose a program contractor and start services

If approved, you'll select a program contractor (Banner University Family Care, Mercy Care Plan, or United Healthcare Community Plan) and be assigned a case manager. Your case manager will work with you and your family to build a care plan and connect you with providers.

3

Choose a program contractor and start services

If approved, you'll select a program contractor (Banner University Family Care, Mercy Care Plan, or United Healthcare Community Plan) and be assigned a case manager. Your case manager will work with you and your family to build a care plan and connect you with providers.

How Total Care Connections Helps

How Total Care Connections Helps

The ALTCS application process is detailed, and mistakes or missing documentation are the most common reasons for denial. Our team helps families navigate each step so the process stays on track.

The ALTCS application process is detailed, and mistakes or missing documentation are the most common reasons for denial. Our team helps families navigate each step so the process stays on track.

Eligibility guidance

Eligibility guidance

We help you understand whether ALTCS may be an option based on your family's situation, and walk through what the financial and medical requirements look like in practice.

Application support

Application support

We assist with the paperwork, documentation, and coordination needed to move through the review process. We know what assessors are looking for and can help you prepare.

Care setup after approval

Care setup after approval

Once approved, we work with your program contractor and case manager to begin in-home care services. Whether that means personal care, skilled nursing, or setting up a family member as a paid caregiver, we handle the transition.

Once approved, we work with your program contractor and case manager to begin in-home care services. Whether that means personal care, skilled nursing, or setting up a family member as a paid caregiver, we handle the transition.

Once approved, we work with your program contractor and case manager to begin in-home care services. Whether that means personal care, skilled nursing, or setting up a family member as a paid caregiver, we handle the transition.

Not sure if ALTCS applies to your family?

The eligibility requirements can be confusing, and every family's finances and care needs are different. We're happy to talk through your situation and help you figure out whether it makes sense to apply.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Not sure if ALTCS applies to your family?

The eligibility requirements can be confusing, and every family's finances and care needs are different. We're happy to talk through your situation and help you figure out whether it makes sense to apply.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Not sure if ALTCS applies to your family?

The eligibility requirements can be confusing, and every family's finances and care needs are different. We're happy to talk through your situation and help you figure out whether it makes sense to apply.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Not sure if ALTCS applies to your family?

The eligibility requirements can be confusing, and every family's finances and care needs are different. We're happy to talk through your situation and help you figure out whether it makes sense to apply.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Not sure if ALTCS applies to your family?

The eligibility requirements can be confusing, and every family's finances and care needs are different. We're happy to talk through your situation and help you figure out whether it makes sense to apply.

Schedule a Free Assessment

Trusted by Families, Every Day

Care that puts
people first

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

"We could not carry out our family’s daily life without the support and confidence we have in the care our son receives."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Tania Y., Mother of a Veteran |

Google

"After trying three other agencies with numerous problems, Total Care was the best decision we made"

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Leslie W., Family Member |

Google

"Her confidence in caregiving takes away my fears. Just her presence gives me strength."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Donna L., Client |

Google

"The office staff is phenomenal, always flexible, and on top of my sister’s care."

ALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care ConnectionsALTCS Program Explained | Arizona Long Term Care System | Total Care Connections

Laura G., Sister of Client |

Google

The kinds of support we provide

From daily routines to specialized needs, care is shaped around what’s required at home.

Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Bathing
Toileting
Mobility
Nutrition
Exercise
Sundowning
Laundry
Meal Prep
Errands
Organizing
24-Hour Care
Evening Routine
Mail Help
G-Tube Care
Wound Care
Insulin
Adult Nursing
Training Provided
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Dressing
Incontinence
Transfers
Hydration
Fall Safety
UTI Prevention
Housekeeping
Grocery Runs
Companionship
Respite Care
Bedside Care
Calendar Help
Bill Reminders
Tracheostomy
Ostomy Care
Skilled Nursing
Care Planning
Case Manager Support
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight
Grooming
Hygiene
Feeding
Medication
Dementia
Independence
Cooking
Transportation
Hobbies
Live-In Care
Morning Routine
Therapy Reminders
Vital Signs
Ventilator
Catheter Care
Pediatric Care
RN Oversight