Everything you need to know about getting paid to care for a loved one in Arizona
You do not need to already have standard AHCCCS Medicaid, but you must qualify for ALTCS, which is Arizona’s Medicaid program for long term care. Medicaid on its own does not meet the requirements. ALTCS looks at both medical need and financial eligibility to decide who qualifies for this level of support. If you are not currently on ALTCS but think you or your loved one might meet the criteria, call FreedomCare at 866-341-8724. We can help you understand the rules, check eligibility, and guide you through the next steps.
Yes. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may still qualify for ALTCS as long as you meet the medical and financial requirements. ALTCS is a separate part of Arizona Medicaid that covers long term care, so having Medicare does not prevent you from applying. Many people in Arizona have both programs at the same time. If you think you might meet the ALTCS criteria or are already receiving Medicaid services, we can help you understand the next steps and see whether you qualify.
Unfortunately, you will not qualify on Medicare alone. You must either be eligible for ALTCS or already enrolled in ALTCS, which is Arizona’s Medicaid program for long term care. ALTCS looks at both medical need and financial criteria, and these rules determine who can receive in-home support and choose a family caregiver. If you only have Medicare but think you may qualify for Medicaid through ALTCS, call FreedomCare at 866-341-8724. We can help you understand the requirements and guide you through the eligibility steps.
To qualify for care through ALTCS, you must meet Arizona Medicaid’s medical criteria for long term support. ALTCS looks for:
Families often apply when they notice a loved one struggling with tasks that put their safety at risk. If you think you or your family member may meet these criteria, FreedomCare can explain what ALTCS looks for and help you understand the next steps.
No, there are no restrictions through ALTCS based on a specific illness or diagnosis. What matters is whether the person meets the medical criteria for nursing facility level of care under ALTCS. This means ALTCS looks at how much help someone needs with daily activities like bathing, dressing, mobility, and managing health needs. If a condition affects a person’s ability to stay safe and independent at home, they may qualify. If you are unsure whether your loved one’s health needs meet the criteria, we can help you review the requirements.
Yes, your relative can get paid to take care of you if you already have a home attendant, but you will usually need to choose one option for your care. ALTCS and your insurance plan typically require you to pick either your current home attendant or a family caregiver through FreedomCare. The number of hours you receive will not change. For example, if you are approved for 20 hours a week, you can use those hours with a home attendant or with your family caregiver, but not both. If you are unsure which option fits your situation best, we can walk you through the pros and cons.
You can join this program if you are receiving hospice care, as long as you meet ALTCS requirements and are approved for the program. Families often apply for ALTCS while hospice is already in place, and eligibility is still possible if care needs and financial criteria are met. Hospice services must be coordinated through your ALTCS health plan so your care stays consistent and safe. Many people in hospice still need daily support at home, and ALTCS allows families to choose someone they trust to help. If you are not yet on ALTCS, you would need to qualify first. You can call FreedomCare at 866-341-8724 for help with eligibility and next steps.
You can choose a caregiver from among trusted family members or friends, as long as they meet ALTCS and AHCCCS requirements.
Eligible caregivers may include:
A spouse
An adult child
A grandchild
A sibling
Another relative
A close friend
Additional requirements:
Must be 18 years or older
Must be eligible to work in the United States
Must pass required background checks
Must complete state-required training
Please note:
Legal guardians and Designated Representatives cannot be paid caregivers
If you’re unsure whether someone in your family qualifies, our team can help review eligibility and guide you through the next steps.
A caregiver and the person they care for can live in the same home, and this is actually very common under ALTCS. Arizona Medicaid allows family members or trusted friends to provide care right where the person feels safest, which is often in their own home. As long as the caregiver meets ALTCS requirements and completes the needed steps, shared housing does not affect eligibility. Many families choose this option because it keeps routines steady and makes daily support easier. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, we can help you review the rules.
Participants do not need to pay for this program because it is fully funded through ALTCS, which is Arizona’s Medicaid program for long term care. ALTCS is designed to help people stay safely at home without taking on extra costs for essential support. If someone qualifies medically and financially, the program covers the cost of caregiving hours, including when a family member is chosen to provide care. If you are unsure whether you or your loved one meets the ALTCS criteria, we can help you understand the requirements and discuss next steps.
FreedomCare would replace your current care services if you choose to switch into the program. ALTCS and your health plan generally require you to pick one provider for your approved caregiving hours. This means you can continue with your traditional homecare agency or you can move to FreedomCare and select a trusted family member or friend as your caregiver, but you cannot use both at the same time. If you are trying to decide which option fits your situation best, we can walk you through what the change would look like.
The patient enrollment process to receive care follows a few simple steps that help you move into the ALTCS program and start services with FreedomCare.
Step 1: Confirm you qualify for ALTCS
If you already have ALTCS, contact FreedomCare Arizona directly at (480) 741-2048. We help you check eligibility and guide you through the application process.
Step 2: Confirm your care status
If you already have ALTCS, you do not need to complete another medical assessment. Instead, you simply need to contact your Care Manager and request an agency transfer to FreedomCare.
If you do not yet have ALTCS, your ALTCS health plan will complete the required medical assessments to determine your level of care and eligibility for home health services.
Step 3: Receive your plan of care
If you are transferring to FreedomCare and already approved for ALTCS, you will most likely keep the same number of caregiving hours you are currently authorized for since a new assessment is not required.
If you are new to ALTCS, your health plan will create a plan of care based on your assessment and assign the number of caregiving hours you qualify for.
Step 4: FreedomCare requests authorization
After your chosen caregiver completes their enrollment and the health plan sends authorization, FreedomCare prepares your case for activation.
Step 5: Welcome call is scheduled
Your start date is confirmed during the welcome call, and you are officially ready to begin care with your chosen caregiver.
If you need help at any stage, we walk with you through each step so the process feels manageable.
If you do not have ALTCS yet, you can still start the enrollment process, and many families come to us at this exact stage. We know it can feel overwhelming to sort through forms and requirements while you are already caring for someone you love. We walk you through each step so you know what to expect.
Here is what the process looks like:
If you already receive in-home care services with another agency, you can switch to FreedomCare by contacting your ALTCS case manager and requesting a provider change. Your case manager will update your file, coordinate the transition, and issue a new authorization that allows your services to move to FreedomCare. Once that authorization is in place and your chosen caregiver completes enrollment, we help you begin care. If you need assistance speaking with your case manager or understanding the steps, we are here to guide you.
You can change your caregiver or have multiple caregivers, but each change must be requested through FreedomCare. If you want to switch caregivers, you simply call us and we help update your information. Any new caregiver must complete the full enrollment process before they can begin working. If you prefer more than one caregiver, the steps are the same for each person. Having multiple caregivers does not increase your authorized hours, but it can help share responsibilities. If you need help deciding what works best, we can talk it through with you.
If you have a Designated Representative, they will work with FreedomCare by helping coordinate your care and handling important tasks on your behalf. Your Designated Representative manages your caregiver’s schedule, completes required paperwork, and communicates with FreedomCare whenever updates or questions come up. They also work with your ALTCS case manager to keep your care plan accurate and up to date. While they play an important role in supporting your care, Designated Representatives cannot serve as paid caregivers. If you need help understanding their responsibilities, we can walk you through it.
A misdemeanor on your record would not automatically disqualify you as a caregiver. In Arizona, every caregiver must pass a criminal background check. Some offenses lead to automatic disqualification, but many misdemeanors are reviewed on a case by case basis, depending on the type of offense and how long ago it occurred. FreedomCare helps you navigate this process, understand the rules, and determine whether you can qualify under ALTCS requirements. If you are unsure about your eligibility, we can review it with you.
The enrollment process follows a few key steps that make sure every caregiver meets Arizona Medicaid requirements and is ready to start care.
If you ever feel unsure along the way, we stay with you through each step so everything feels manageable and clear.
Payment is determined by FreedomCare and follows the same rate structure across Arizona, no matter which ALTCS health plan you have. Arizona Medicaid sets the foundation for long term care services, and FreedomCare applies a consistent pay rate so every caregiver is treated fairly. Your payment does not change based on your loved one’s plan or location. If you ever have questions about how pay works or what to expect once you start caring for your family member, we can walk you through the details so everything feels clear and predictable.
Working hours are determined by the number of service hours authorized by the member’s ALTCS health plan. During the ALTCS assessment, the evaluator decides how much help the patient needs with daily activities, and those findings guide the total hours approved. Once the health plan issues authorization, FreedomCare works with both the patient and the caregiver to create a schedule that fits within the approved hours. If you are unsure how many hours your loved one may qualify for, we can help you understand the assessment process and what to expect.
There is no minimum number of hours required to work in this program. Your schedule is based entirely on the hours approved by the ALTCS health plan and the needs outlined in the member’s plan of care. Some caregivers work only a few hours each week, while others provide much more support. FreedomCare helps you set a schedule that stays within the authorized hours and fits your availability. If you want to understand what your workload might look like, we can go over the approved hours with you.
The payment schedule and how you receive your payment depend on the method you choose. Caregivers are paid consistently, and you can receive your paycheck through direct deposit, a mailed check, or a pay card that FreedomCare provides at no cost. We also offer Instapay, which lets you access most of your earnings right after your shift instead of waiting for a traditional pay cycle. Many caregivers prefer direct deposit or Instapay because the money arrives quickly, but every option is available. If you ever need to update your payment method or have questions about timing, we are here to walk you through the steps and make sure you always feel confident about how and when you get paid.
FreedomCare provides overtime pay, and the qualifications for overtime depend on the hours approved for the patient you care for. You may receive overtime if the patient is authorized for more than 40 hours per week and you work over 40 hours during that week. The overtime rate can vary based on where the patient lives and which ALTCS health plan they have. If you are unsure whether your caregiver schedule qualifies for overtime, we can review the approved hours with you and explain how pay is calculated.
Additional requirements to be a caregiver include having reliable tools for communication and timekeeping. Caregivers must have:
These tools ensure accurate records and smooth communication. If you’re unsure whether your setup meets the requirements, we can help you review your options.
You can care for more than one patient at the same time in the program, but you must divide the hours and cannot work for both patients at once. Each patient has their own set of approved ALTCS hours, and you can combine them as long as the schedules do not overlap. For example, if one patient has 23 hours per week and another has 20, you can work up to 43 total hours, but you cannot be clocked in for both at the same time. If you need help planning a schedule that fits, we can guide you.
You can get paid to provide care overnight if the member’s ALTCS health plan authorizes those hours. Overnight or extended care is only approved when it is medically necessary and included in the care plan created during the ALTCS assessment. All hours worked must stay within the total number of hours assigned by ALTCS, whether they occur during the day or at night. If you are unsure whether overnight care is approved for your loved one, we can help you review the plan of care and understand what is allowed.
Caregivers at FreedomCare may receive several benefits that support them while they care for a loved one. These benefits can include:
These benefits are designed to help you feel supported and protected while providing care. If you have questions about eligibility or how to access your benefits, we can guide you through every step.
FreedomCare does not reimburse travel expenses, including mileage, for caregivers. Travel is considered part of the caregiver’s regular duties and is not covered separately. However, transportation to medical appointments may be available if it is listed in the member’s ALTCS service plan and approved by their health plan. In those cases, the transportation benefit is arranged through the plan, not through FreedomCare. If you are unsure whether your loved one has transportation services included in their plan of care, we can help you check the details.
In most cases, caregiver hours are not fixed, and you can have a flexible schedule as long as you stay within the hours approved by the ALTCS health plan. FreedomCare allows you and your loved one to set a routine that works for both of you, whether that means mornings, evenings, or a mix of different times throughout the week. This flexibility helps families manage work, appointments, and daily responsibilities more comfortably. If you ever need help planning a schedule within the approved hours, we can walk you through your options.
If there is an issue with your payment, the first step is to contact our Care Coordination team so we can look into it right away. Payment concerns can happen for many reasons, such as missing time entries or changes in authorization, and our team is here to help you sort through the details. We review your timesheets, payment method, and account information to find the cause and fix it as quickly as possible. If you ever feel unsure, reach out and we will walk through it together.
If you need a day off or are sick and unable to work, a backup caregiver can cover for you as long as they are already enrolled. We encourage every patient to have at least two caregivers approved so there is always someone available when life happens. If you expect to be out for a longer period, contact FreedomCare so we can help explore other caregiving options and make sure the patient continues receiving the support they need.
Caregivers do receive health insurance when they work full time with FreedomCare. Arizona caregivers who meet full time hour requirements can enroll in a health plan that provides reliable coverage while they care for a loved one. Part time caregivers are still eligible for other benefits like paid sick time and overtime pay when applicable. If you are not sure whether your weekly hours qualify you for health insurance, we can review your schedule with you and explain exactly what benefits you can receive.
You can download a copy of Arizona’s labor law posters here.
You can download the app on your phone by visiting either the Google Play Store or the Apple Store and searching for FreedomCare Plus. Once you find the app, download and open it, then allow any permissions it requests so it works properly. You will log in using the caregiver code and password you received during your welcome call. If you ever have trouble downloading the app or need help with your login information, our Care Coordination team can guide you step by step.
You can access the payment site to review your pay stubs directly through the FreedomCare app. Once you open the app, tap the My Payroll button and you will see your recent pay stubs, payment history, and other payroll details. Everything is organized in one place so you can check your information whenever you need to. If you have trouble finding your pay stubs or logging in, our Care Coordination team can walk you through it.
Please contact your Care Support team. They will investigate the issue and assist you in resolving it.
If the app is not functioning properly for you, there is no alternative way to clock in and out on your own. The FreedomCare Plus app is the primary method for tracking your visits. In rare situations where the app is not working and the visit already happened, FreedomCare can manually update your timesheet, but only for visits within the last 14 days. If you are having ongoing issues with the app, contact our Care Coordination team so we can troubleshoot and help you get back on track.
For information regarding your insurance benefits, please contact our plan administrator at (718) 989-4037.
If there is a change in the care routine such as your patient being hospitalized, you must report it to both the ALTCS health plan case manager and FreedomCare right away. Services cannot be provided or billed while the patient is in the hospital, so it is important that we are notified as soon as the situation changes. Once the patient is discharged, we help you confirm when services can resume. If you are unsure who to contact or what to report, we can guide you step by step.
FreedomCare is available in Arizona and in several other states across the country. In addition to Arizona, FreedomCare is available in the following states:
We continue to expand so more families can have the freedom to choose their caregiver and receive care at home. If your state is listed, you may be able to get paid to care for a family member depending on eligibility. If you are not sure whether you qualify, we’re here to walk you through the next steps and help you understand your eligibility and options.
This program is funded through Arizona’s Medicaid program, which is administered by AHCCCS. Funding comes from both the state and federal government, and it is set aside so people can receive care safely at home instead of moving into a nursing facility. When someone qualifies for ALTCS services, the program allows them to choose a trusted family member or friend to be their caregiver, as long as all eligibility requirements are met.
ALTCS eligibility is based on a combination of medical need and Medicaid financial guidelines. This program is designed for people who require ongoing assistance with daily activities and need a higher level of care to remain safely at home. Approval depends on an assessment that looks at how much support you need, along with a review of income and assets under Arizona Medicaid and AHCCCS rules.
If you are approved for ALTCS, you may be able to receive care from a family member or trusted friend instead of relying on traditional home care. Many people are unsure if they qualify when they first start looking into ALTCS. We help families understand the eligibility criteria, what the assessment involves, and the next steps to take.
ALTCS is Arizona’s long term care program within Medicaid, created for people who need consistent help with daily activities in order to remain safely at home or in the community. Before services can begin, you must be approved for ALTCS or in the process of enrolling. Eligibility is determined through both a medical assessment and a financial review. If you are approved, ALTCS may allow you to receive care from a family member or trusted person rather than relying on traditional agency care. If you are still figuring out whether ALTCS is right for your situation, we can help explain how the program works and what steps come next.
ALTCS eligibility is based on a combination of care needs and ALTCS financial guidelines, not age alone. To qualify, a person must require long term support at a level comparable to nursing facility care and meet Arizona ALTCS income and asset limits. From a medical perspective, ALTCS looks at how much assistance is needed with everyday activities such as bathing, dressing, mobility, eating, and maintaining safety at home. Financial eligibility is also reviewed, since ALTCS is a Medicaid program. While income and assets are considered, certain items may not count toward these limits, including a primary residence or one vehicle. Many families are unsure whether they meet these requirements at first. We regularly help people understand how eligibility is determined and what steps to take if they are considering ALTCS for themselves or a loved one.
The ALTCS application process includes following steps:
FreedomCare guides you through every part of the process so you always know what comes next.
ALTCS helps cover long term care and support services for people who qualify through Arizona Medicaid. The program is designed to meet individuals where they are, whether that means receiving care at home or in another supportive setting. Coverage may include in home care to help with activities of daily living, adult foster care, assisted living, or nursing home care when appropriate.
ALTCS also covers medical and behavioral health services, prescription medications, therapies, and durable medical equipment that supports daily functioning and safety.
Many families turn to ALTCS as a way to keep a loved one at home while still getting consistent, reliable support. If you are unsure which services apply to your situation, we can help explain what ALTCS may cover and how to move forward.
Yes. ALTCS allows members to move between care settings as their needs change. The program is designed to support flexibility rather than keep someone in one place long term. If a person’s condition improves, they may be able to leave a nursing facility and return home with in home support through ALTCS.
If care needs increase over time, ALTCS can also support a transition to assisted living or a nursing facility when appropriate.
Many families face these decisions as circumstances change. We help guide you through what a transition involves, how to request a change in care setting, and what services ALTCS may continue to cover along the way.
Enroll now to have a family member or a trusted friend care for you in your home.
