Follow
Share

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.

Okay, hold up. You don't pay for ALTCS, you apply for it. Idk if having someone else apply for you is helpful or not, but we didn't have the money for it. I suggest you fill out the paperwork yourself. The paperwork is the easy bit. If your LO doesn't require nursing home level of care, then they won't qualify. If your LO doesn't meet the financial requirements, they won't qualify. The evaluators at ALCTS will 100% sound like there is no way on God's little green earth that your LO will qualify. That threw me for a loop every time, lol. The best resource I found was https://www.ask4bete.com/ They can answer your questions. You have to have all of your ducks in a row before you apply. Good luck. (I was going to add "And may God have mercy on your soul," but it sounded a bit dramatic. Maybe it's not though, lol.)

Edited to add: We finally got my mom qualified last November. It was a rough ride, but we eventually got there.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Stardust
Report
Tifff2001 Feb 8, 2026
Thank you!
(0)
Report
Tiff2001, I'm sorry but someone's having you on. The sentence in quotes comes directly from the website. The top of that web page defines ALTCS *as* the program. Arizona has different Medicaid programs; the ALTCS is just one.

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.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to ravensdottir
Report
Tifff2001 Feb 8, 2026
Thank you!
(0)
Report
"The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is the State of Arizona’s Medicaid program"
Can't be charged for filing for a State program
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to ravensdottir
Report
Tifff2001 Jan 30, 2026
This is a program that helps you successfully apply for Medicaid. They say you only have about 30% success rate on your own.
(0)
Report
If you are talking about Medicaid, call your Social Services and ask if you can have an appt to talk to a caseworker.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report
Tifff2001 Jan 30, 2026
Thank you!
(0)
Report
Please don’t pay a ridiculous fee for help with a Medicaid application. You can do it on your own or be walked through it by a Medicaid planner
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to Daughterof1930
Report

So it seems like ALTCS is some sort of service to help apply for Medicaid...?

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.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Geaton777
Report

Are you talking about Arizona Long Term Care System? That ALTCS?
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Stardust
Report
azsundog Jan 30, 2026
First--Arizona does not have Medicaid, but instead has its version called Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
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.
(1)
Report
See 1 more reply
This is a global forum. Please tell us what ALTCS is.
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Geaton777
Report
lealonnie1 Jan 30, 2026
Nah. Everyone would rather guess.
(2)
Report
See 1 more reply
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter