What Is ALTCS in Arizona — And How Can It Help Your Loved One in Hospice?
When a loved one is facing a serious illness, the emotional weight can be overwhelming — and so can the cost of care. Many families searching for hospice care in Arizona or financial help for long-term care don’t realize there is a state program designed to support both.
That program is ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System).
At Nueva Hospice, we help families across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and surrounding Arizona communities understand and apply for ALTCS every day — so their loved ones can receive the care they deserve without unnecessary financial stress.
What Is ALTCS?
ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) is Arizona’s Medicaid program for long-term care, administered through AHCCCS (Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System).
Unlike traditional Medicaid, ALTCS is specifically designed for individuals who need a nursing-home level of care, whether they live at home, in assisted living, or in a skilled nursing facility.
ALTCS can cover:
Assisted living and memory care communities
Skilled nursing facility care
In-home caregiving and personal care services
Adult day health programs
Home and community-based services
For families searching terms like “how to pay for hospice care in Arizona” or “assisted living financial help AZ,” ALTCS is often the key solution.
For hospice patients, ALTCS works alongside Medicare or Medicaid hospice benefits to ensure both medical care and daily living support are fully covered.
How ALTCS Helps Hospice Patients in Arizona
If your loved one is receiving hospice care in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or anywhere in Arizona, ALTCS can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs.
While hospice covers:
Nursing care
Medications related to the diagnosis
Medical equipment
Emotional and spiritual support
ALTCS helps cover the cost of where your loved one lives and receives care.
This includes:
Assisted living or memory care for patients who cannot safely remain at home
Skilled nursing facilities for higher medical needs
In-home caregiving (bathing, dressing, meal prep)
Day programs for supervision and support
For many families, ALTCS is the difference between struggling to afford care and being able to provide a safe, comfortable, and dignified environment during end-of-life care.
Who Qualifies for ALTCS in Arizona?
ALTCS eligibility is based on three main factors:
1. Medical Eligibility (Level of Care)
Your loved one must require a nursing facility level of care, meaning they need help with daily activities such as:
bathing
dressing
eating
mobility and transfers
Most hospice patients already meet this requirement.
Eligibility is determined through a Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) conducted by ALTCS.
2. Financial Eligibility
ALTCS has income and asset limits, but many families are surprised to learn:
A primary home is often exempt
One vehicle is typically excluded
Personal belongings do not count toward limits
Even if income exceeds limits, individuals may still qualify through:
spend-down strategies
income-only trusts (Miller Trusts)
This is where guidance is critical — and where Nueva Hospice supports families directly.
3. Arizona Residency
Applicants must:
Live in Arizona
Be a U.S. citizen or qualified immigrant
How to Apply for ALTCS (Step-by-Step)
If you’re searching “how to apply for ALTCS in Arizona,” here’s a clear breakdown:
Step 1: Start the Application
Call AHCCCS at 1-888-621-6880 or apply online.
Step 2: Complete the PAS Assessment
An evaluator will assess your loved one’s medical and functional needs.
Step 3: Submit Financial Documents
This may include:
Bank statements
Retirement accounts
Insurance policies
Proof of income
Step 4: Work With Your ALTCS Caseworker
They will review eligibility and create a care plan.
Step 5: Receive Approval or Appeal
The process typically takes 45–90 days, though urgent hospice cases may move faster. Hospice Care Is Support for the Whole Family.
ALTCS + Hospice: Why This Combination Matters
Families often search:
“Does ALTCS cover hospice?”
“Can you have hospice and ALTCS at the same time?”
The answer is yes — and they work together.
Hospice = medical + comfort care
ALTCS = living + caregiving support
Together, they create a complete care system that supports both the patient and their family.
You Don’t Have to Navigate ALTCS Alone
Applying for ALTCS can feel overwhelming — especially during an already emotional time.
At Nueva Hospice, our social workers:
Help determine if your loved one qualifies
Guide you through the ALTCS application process
Assist with gathering financial documentation
Coordinate directly with AHCCCS and ALTCS case managers
Ensure a smooth transition into hospice care
We work with families across Scottsdale, Phoenix, and Arizona to remove barriers and make care accessible.
Speak With a Nueva Hospice Social Worker Today
Financial stress should never prevent your loved one from receiving compassionate, high-quality hospice care.
If you’re exploring:
ALTCS eligibility
Hospice care options in Arizona
Assisted living or in-home care support
We’re here to help.
Contact Nueva Hospice today to speak with a social worker and get guidance tailored to your family’s situation.