Has anybody actually had success in using ALTCS? I don't want to pay $2450 for their help and then get denied for Medicare. My mom will definitely qualify medically and financially. I just don't want to waste that much money if it isn't going to help.
You do not need a service, you can do it for free. Go to your state's Health and Human Services website and download (or look at) the Medicaid app. It asks for information that only you can provide. Since you'd have to be providing this to the service and they're just filling in the boxes and then charging you for it -- no, you don't need to pay anyone to do this for you.
You make benefit from consulting with a Medicaid Planner for your home state and get a better idea whether you will qualify or not. If not yet, there are strategies to make qualifying come about sooner.
1. Please be sure you're at the State's Medicaid website: www.azahcccs.gov
2. Click on "Apply for Medicaid or Kids' Care"
3. Go down to "Individuals Who Require Nursing Home or In-Home Care". That will take you to the ALTCS section which starts off by saying:
"ALTCS: Health Insurance for Individuals Who Require Nursing Home Level of Care
The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS, pronounced ALL-Tecs) is health insurance for individuals who have an age related and/or physical disability and who require nursing facility level of care. Services may be provided in an institution or in a home or community-based setting."
Or call 1-888-621-6880. They'll tell you what paperwork's needed to apply and how to apply. They will NOT tell you to bring a card, cash, or check to pay for enrolling.
I wish you and Mom well.
Edited to add: We finally got my mom qualified last November. It was a rough ride, but we eventually got there.
Second--Long-term care is not administered under AHCCCS, it comes under ALTCS (Arizona long-term care system). The process of applying and qualifying is their domain. I'm assuming the process would be the same as receiving similar services through Medicaid in other states.
My mom was in assisted living for five years and memory care the past two.
I recently moved her to be closer to my home and in doing so made sure that the facility would accept ALTCS should she run out of funds. Oddly, I could not find online a list of facilities in my area that accepted ALTCS for payment. When I recently consulted an Elder Law Atty for my own affairs, I got a list from him.
I chose a facility that accepted the program and verified that with them during the admission process. My mom is 91 and has enough money in the family trust for a good 3–4 years so I don't see her going through it. I just wanted to be absolutely sure because I don't want to move her again.
Can't be charged for filing for a State program