Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) Application Help
How to Apply for ALTCS in Arizona
ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid program for long-term care. Applying means registering an application with AHCCCS. AHCCCS then reviews two things: your family member's finances and their care needs.
You can register online through Health-e-Arizona Plus, call ALTCS at 1-888-621-6880, or submit the required forms. Every step is explained below — in plain language, with the documents that help.
Quick Answer
Applying has four main stages: register the application, complete the financial review, complete the medical review (called the PAS), and respond to AHCCCS requests for information. Every stage is explained in this guide.
Can you apply for ALTCS online in Arizona?
Source: AHCCCS ALTCS application guidance. This page is for general education only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, medical, or Medicaid eligibility advice.
- ✓ No cost to families
- ✓ Local ALTCS-experienced advisors
- ✓ Free guidance — no obligation
Step 1
Choose How You Want to Start the ALTCS Application
Apply Online
Start through Health-e-Arizona Plus, Arizona's online portal for benefit applications.
Start onlineCall ALTCS
Call AHCCCS ALTCS toll-free to begin the registration process by phone.
Call 1-888-621-6880Submit the Form
Complete the AHCCCS Request for Application form (DE-101/DE-202) and return it using an official AHCCCS submission method.
Download DE-101/DE-202 formVisit an ALTCS Office
Families may visit an official AHCCCS ALTCS office. Confirm current office details directly through AHCCCS before visiting.
Find ALTCS office locationsSources: AHCCCS DE-101/DE-202 Request for Application and ALTCS office locations.
SeniorVue note: We do not file ALTCS applications — AHCCCS does. We help you plan the care side.
Step 2
Decide Who Will Complete or Help With the ALTCS Application
The applicant can complete the application — or someone can do it for them. Helpers include family members, legal guardians, conservators, and authorized representatives. If someone else applies, AHCCCS may ask for proof of that authority.
Who is helping?
Applicant completing it themselves
The applicant may complete the ALTCS application and participate in follow-up steps directly.
Family member helping
A spouse, adult child, sibling, or other family member may help gather information and support the process when properly authorized.
Guardian or conservator acting
A court-appointed guardian or conservator may act on the applicant's behalf when documentation is provided.
Authorized representative assisting
Another person or organization may be designated in writing to help using AHCCCS authorization documentation.
What documentation may be needed?
- Written permission or designation from the applicant
- AHCCCS Authorized Representative Form DE-112
- Guardianship or conservatorship documents, if applicable
- Any AHCCCS-requested proof of authority
- Follow-up documents requested during the application process
Important: If someone other than the applicant is completing or managing the application, incomplete authorization can delay the ALTCS application process.
Source: AHCCCS Authorized Representative Form DE-112.
SeniorVue note: We are not an authorized representative service. Questions about guardianship or authority to act? Ask AHCCCS or an elder law attorney.
Step 3
Gather Information and Documents Before Applying
Before starting the ALTCS application, it helps to organize documents that may be needed to verify financial eligibility, non-financial eligibility, and medical need. AHCCCS may request additional documentation during the review process, so this list should be treated as a preparation guide, not a final or exhaustive requirement list.
Helpful prep
Gather copies of these documents before the financial and medical review to reduce delays in your ALTCS application.
Identity & Basic Information
- Legal name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number or documentation showing one has been applied for
Residency & Status
- Proof of Arizona residency
- Citizenship or immigration status documentation
Medical Information
- Records from physicians, hospitals, or specialists
- Documentation describing medical conditions and functional needs
Income & Financial Records
- Bank account statements
- Social Security, pension, retirement, or other income documentation
- Life insurance policy information
- Real property records
- Vehicle information
Trusts or Legal Financial Documents
- Trust documents, if the applicant is a trustor, trustee, or beneficiary of a trust
Asset Transfer History
- Records showing whether assets were sold, traded, transferred, or given away within the last five years
This list is not exhaustive. AHCCCS may request additional documentation during the review process. Missing or incomplete information can delay processing.
Source: AHCCCS Filing an Application for ALTCS.
SeniorVue note: We do not collect or submit documents. Confirm requirements directly with AHCCCS.
Step 4
Understand the ALTCS Financial Eligibility Review
AHCCCS looks at two things here: income and assets. The 2026 limits are below. Rules shift based on marriage, trusts, and transfers — so treat these numbers as a starting point and confirm your situation with AHCCCS.
ALTCS Countable Resource Limit
$2,000
For a single applicant
2026 AHCCCS guidanceALTCS Monthly Gross Income Limit
$2,982
For an individual
Effective January 1, 2026These limits are based on 2026 AHCCCS guidance and may change.
What AHCCCS May Review
Income
Social Security, pension, retirement, wages, disability income, and other countable income sources.
Resources / Assets
Bank accounts, savings, credit union accounts, real property, vehicles, life insurance, and other countable resources.
Transfers
AHCCCS may review whether assets were sold, traded, transferred, or gifted during the prior five years.
Special Situations
Married applicants
Over-income applicants
Excluded resources
Financial eligibility rules are complex and subject to change. Families should confirm current limits and rules directly with AHCCCS or a qualified elder law professional.
Source: AHCCCS Filing an Application for ALTCS.
SeniorVue note: We do not provide financial or Medicaid planning advice. Verify your numbers with AHCCCS or an elder law attorney.
Step 5
Complete the ALTCS Medical and Functional Assessment (PAS)
Next, AHCCCS checks whether the applicant needs this level of care. This check is the Pre-Admission Screening, or PAS. A nurse or social worker reviews medical records and talks with the applicant, family, or caregivers.
Good to know: ALTCS applicants do not have to live in a nursing home to qualify. Some ALTCS members receive services at home, in assisted living, or in other approved long-term care settings.
What Happens During the ALTCS PAS Assessment
PAS stage 1
AHCCCS arranges or completes the PAS assessment
A PAS assessor reviews whether the applicant may need a nursing-facility level of care or comparable long-term support.
PAS stage 2
Medical and functional needs are reviewed
The assessment may consider diagnoses, mobility, memory and cognition, activities of daily living, safety concerns, caregiver support, and overall care needs.
PAS stage 3
Records and interviews may be used
The assessor may review available medical records and speak with the applicant, guardian, caregiver, or others familiar with the applicant's condition.
How Families Can Prepare
- Recent physician, hospital, specialist, or therapy records
- Medication list and major diagnoses
- Notes about mobility, transfers, bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and supervision needs
- Caregiver observations about safety, wandering, falls, confusion, or hands-on care needs
Gaps in medical documentation may lead to follow-up requests or processing delays.
Sources: AHCCCS Pre-Admission Screening policy and AHCCCS ALTCS coverage information.
SeniorVue note: We do not conduct or predict PAS outcomes. Answer AHCCCS questions honestly and fully.
Step 6
Complete the ALTCS Financial Interview
After registration, AHCCCS sets up a financial interview. This is a conversation about the applicant's income, bank accounts, property, and other finances.
The applicant can take the interview — or a guardian or authorized representative can. AHCCCS offers interpreter services, and you can request preferred days and times. Missing the interview or skipping requested documents can delay the application.
What to have nearby for the interview
- Recent bank statements and income information
- Property, vehicle, life insurance, trust, or transfer records, if applicable
- Notes about who is authorized to speak with AHCCCS
- Copies of documents already submitted
- A place to write down follow-up requests or deadlines
Source: AHCCCS Request for Application DE-101/DE-202.
SeniorVue note: SeniorVue does not complete ALTCS interviews, act as an authorized representative, or provide Medicaid eligibility advice. Families should communicate directly with AHCCCS about interview scheduling, required information, and language assistance.
After the Review
What Happens After the ALTCS Application Is Reviewed
When the reviews are done, AHCCCS mails a written decision. There are three possible outcomes — and each has clear next steps.
If the applicant is approved
The applicant may be enrolled with a Long-Term Care health plan and assigned a case manager. The case manager works with the applicant and family to help develop an individualized service plan.
- Long-Term Care health plan enrollment
- Case manager assignment
- Individualized service planning
- Care setting and service coordination
If AHCCCS requests more information
AHCCCS may ask for additional documents, clarification, or follow-up information before making a final decision.
- Respond as soon as possible
- Keep copies of anything submitted
- Watch for letters, calls, or portal updates
- Confirm deadlines directly with AHCCCS
If the application is not approved
AHCCCS generally provides written notice explaining the reason for denial. Applicants may have the right to appeal or request reconsideration depending on the decision and applicable rules.
- Review the written denial notice carefully
- Note any appeal deadline
- Contact AHCCCS for official instructions
- Consider qualified legal guidance if needed
Covered Services May Include
Depending on eligibility, care needs, and service planning, covered ALTCS services may include nursing facility care, home and community-based services, medical services, behavioral health services, hospice services, or other approved long-term care supports.
Important: Approval does not automatically mean every service or care setting is covered. Services are generally based on eligibility, assessed needs, health plan rules, provider availability, and the individualized service plan.
Sources: AHCCCS ALTCS coverage information and AHCCCS grievance and appeals information.
SeniorVue note: We cannot influence AHCCCS decisions. Ask AHCCCS or your health plan about status and appeals.
Avoid Common Delays
Common ALTCS Application Delays to Avoid
Most ALTCS delays come from missing paperwork and slow responses. The three cards below show where applications commonly stall — and how to keep yours moving.
Financial gaps
- Missing bank statements or asset records
- Incomplete income information
- Unclear trust, transfer, or property details
Medical documentation gaps
- Outdated medical records
- Missing documentation of current functional needs
- Limited notes about supervision, mobility, memory, or hands-on care needs
Authorization or form issues
- Incomplete authorized representative documentation
- Missing signatures
- Incomplete required application fields
Helpful reminder: If AHCCCS requests more information, respond as soon as possible and keep copies of anything submitted.
Complex Situations
When ALTCS Applications Become More Complex
Some applications need extra review. Over-income applicants, trusts, asset transfers, and married couples all follow special rules. AHCCCS handles these situations — and an elder law attorney can help with the legal side.
Income over the ALTCS limit
A Special Treatment Trust, sometimes called a Miller Trust, may be an option in certain over-income situations.
Resources above the limit
Applicants with resources above the ALTCS limit may need guidance on what is countable, excluded, or subject to special rules.
Trusts
Existing trusts may need additional review because AHCCCS may consider trust terms during financial eligibility.
Asset transfers
Transfers, gifts, or sales of assets during the lookback period may affect eligibility depending on the circumstances.
Married applicants
Community Spouse rules may apply when the applicant has a spouse living outside a medical facility.
Complex medical needs
Multiple diagnoses, changing health status, or limited medical records may make the medical review more involved.
Who to Contact
- AHCCCS for official ALTCS application and eligibility questions
- A qualified elder law attorney for legal, trust, transfer, guardianship, or Medicaid planning questions
- Medical providers for updated records and documentation of current care needs
Sources: AHCCCS Filing an Application for ALTCS and AHCCCS ALTCS publications.
SeniorVue note: We do not provide legal or financial advice. Complex situations belong with AHCCCS and an elder law attorney.
Timeline Expectations
How Long the ALTCS Application Process May Take
AHCCCS does not publish one fixed timeline. Simple applications with complete documents move faster. Complex finances, outdated medical records, and missed calls slow things down.
The sequence is the same either way: registration, financial interview, PAS assessment, document review, and a written decision. Watch for AHCCCS letters and portal updates throughout.
What can affect the timeline?
- Missing or incomplete documents
- Delayed financial interview
- Delayed PAS assessment
- Outdated medical records
- Complex income, trust, transfer, or spouse situations
- Missed AHCCCS calls, letters, or follow-up requests
Families should watch for AHCCCS letters, calls, portal updates, and documentation requests throughout the process.
Sources: AHCCCS ALTCS application process policy and AHCCCS application processing information.
SeniorVue note: We cannot estimate or speed up timelines. AHCCCS answers status questions.
Contact & Resources
When to Contact AHCCCS Directly
AHCCCS is the official source for applications, status, eligibility, and appeals. SeniorVue helps with a different part of the journey — understanding care options and finding the right setting.
Contact AHCCCS directly for
- Starting an ALTCS application
- Checking application status
- Financial eligibility, income, or asset questions
- Community Spouse, Special Treatment Trust, trust, or transfer questions
- Scheduling or rescheduling a financial interview or PAS assessment
- Appeal rights after a denial
- Interpreter services
- Official forms, submission methods, or documentation requests
SeniorVue can help families with
- Understanding general care options
- Exploring assisted living, memory care, care homes, and in-home support
- Identifying communities that may work with ALTCS
- Comparing care settings based on needs, location, and budget
- Connecting with local senior care guidance at no cost to families
SeniorVue is not AHCCCS, a Medicaid advisor, legal advisor, financial advisor, or approval service. Contact AHCCCS directly for official application, eligibility, status, and appeal questions.
Sources: AHCCCS ALTCS application guidance · ALTCS office locations
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I start an ALTCS application in Arizona?
Can a family member apply for ALTCS on behalf of a loved one?
What documents are typically needed for an ALTCS application?
What happens if income or assets are over the ALTCS limits?
Does ALTCS review asset transfers made before applying?
What is the medical assessment in the ALTCS application process?
How long does the ALTCS application process take?
What happens if an ALTCS application is denied?
Does SeniorVue help with the ALTCS application?
When should I consult an elder law attorney during the ALTCS process?
About this guide
SeniorVue provides free senior care guidance across Arizona. This page is general education — not legal, financial, medical, or Medicaid eligibility advice. AHCCCS alone runs ALTCS and decides eligibility, services, and application outcomes.
Rules and dollar limits change. Verify current details at azahcccs.gov or 1-888-621-6880. For trusts, transfers, or guardianship questions, talk with a qualified elder law attorney.
Explore care by city
Browse senior living communities and care options across Arizona.
Paying for care
Keep building your Arizona long-term care plan
Move between ALTCS eligibility, application, financial-limit and covered-service guides without losing the larger payment picture.
Paying for Senior Care
Compare private pay, ALTCS, Medicare, veterans benefits and long-term care insurance.
ALTCS Overview
Understand Arizona Medicaid long-term care and where to verify current rules.
Eligibility
See how financial and medical eligibility work together.
How to Apply
Follow the application steps and gather the documents AHCCCS may request.
Income Limits
Review current income rules and why individual circumstances matter.
Asset Limits
Learn which resources may be counted or excluded.
Medical Eligibility
Understand the PAS assessment and level-of-care review.
Covered Services
Explore services ALTCS may authorize in approved settings.
Office Locations
Find AHCCCS ALTCS offices serving regions across Arizona.
Trusts & ALTCS
See how AHCCCS Special Treatment Trusts may relate to eligibility.
Editorial information and sources
Reviewed October 1, 2026.
AHCCCS alone determines ALTCS eligibility, services and application outcomes. Rules, dollar limits, health-plan participation and office information can change.
Have questions about ALTCS eligibility?
A local SeniorVue advisor can help your family compare care settings and find official ALTCS resources — at no cost. AHCCCS determines eligibility and application outcomes.