Last verified: October 2026
What is ALTCS?
The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS, pronounced all-tecs) is the part of AHCCCS, Arizona's Medicaid program, that pays for long-term care for people who are elderly or have a physical or developmental disability and need a nursing home level of care.
Members do not have to live in a nursing home. AHCCCS says many live in their own homes or an assisted living facility and receive services there.
Sources: AHCCCS ALTCS.
What are the ALTCS income and resource limits in 2026?
For a single applicant, AHCCCS sets the ALTCS gross monthly income limit at $2,982 a month gross for an individual, effective January 1, 2026 and countable resources at no more than $2,000; married applicants can set aside resources for a spouse who is not in a medical facility under the community spouse rules.
Some resources do not count, including $1,500 designated for burial is not counted, burial plots and irrevocable burial plans, household belongings and certain excluded accounts. People over the income limit may still qualify by setting up a special treatment trust; AHCCCS provides an information sheet on request.
Sources: AHCCCS ALTCS application guide (DE-828).
What is the ALTCS medical test?
AHCCCS must determine that the applicant needs a nursing home level of care, which it assesses through a medical eligibility review of functional and medical needs, not simply a diagnosis.
Dementia alone does not guarantee eligibility; the assessment looks at how much help a person needs with daily activities, behavior and medical conditions. Gather recent medical records and a list of the help your parent needs every day before the assessment visit.
How do you apply for ALTCS from Tucson?
Apply online through Health-e-Arizona Plus (HEAplus) or call ALTCS at (888) 621-6880; another person can act on the applicant's behalf, and you will need documents proving income, resources, citizenship or qualified immigrant status, and Arizona residency.
Pima Council on Aging holds a free ALTCS workshop on the fourth Wednesday of every month; registration is required through (520) 790-7262. Many families also consult an elder law attorney when the finances include a home, a business or recent gifts.
Which health plans serve ALTCS members?
ALTCS members who are elderly or physically disabled are enrolled with an ALTCS EPD health plan; AHCCCS currently names UnitedHealthcare Community Plan LTC, Banner-University Family Care LTC and Mercy Care LTC.
Plan availability can depend on where the member lives, so ask ALTCS which plans serve your Pima County address. The plan's case manager arranges services and, in assisted living, sets the room-and-board amount the member pays.
ALTCS in 2026: what it requires and what it does not
| Requires | Does not require | |
|---|---|---|
| Income | under $2,982 a month (or a qualifying trust) | zero income |
| Resources | $2,000 countable for a single person | selling the home in every case |
| Medical need | nursing home level of care | living in a nursing home |
