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.
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.


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

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.
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.
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.
The kinds of support we provide
From daily routines to specialized needs, care is shaped around what’s required at home.