Can family caregivers get paid in Arizona? Yes. Arizona Medicaid programs such as ALTCS with Agency with Choice may allow eligible family members, including spouses in some cases, to be paid caregivers when the member qualifies and program requirements are met.
This guide explains how Arizona Medicaid home care works, who qualifies, which programs may allow paid family caregivers, and how FreedomCare helps with applications, approvals, and caregiver onboarding.
Arizona Medicaid can be confusing when you are trying to figure out if a family member can get paid to care for someone they love. This guide breaks down the main Arizona programs, who may qualify, and what steps families usually take next.
For many families, ALTCS is the main path. For others, DDD may be a better fit. The right answer depends on care needs, Medicaid status, age, diagnosis, and which Arizona program rules apply.
ALTCS may help Arizona residents who need nursing-facility level care receive long-term services at home. Through Agency with Choice, eligible family members, including spouses in some cases, may be able to become paid caregivers when program requirements are met.
DDD HCBS may support people with qualifying developmental disabilities that began before age 18. Depending on the service model and current rules, parents, siblings, and other family members may have more flexibility to provide paid care.
State Plan personal care may help with limited daily support, but it is generally not the main pathway for families who want to pay a relative caregiver. Families with higher long-term care needs should usually review ALTCS or DDD first.
In Arizona, Medicaid home care works through AHCCCS and its long-term care program, ALTCS, which can provide services at home for people who meet nursing-facility level of care and financial eligibility rules. Depending on the approved service model, some family members may be able to provide that care and get paid. FreedomCare helps Arizona families understand how these options work and whether Agency with Choice may apply to their situation.
The Bottom Line: Arizona Medicaid can help pay for care at home instead of in a nursing facility—and in many cases, a family member may be able to provide that care through ALTCS when program requirements are met.
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid agency. ALTCS is AHCCCS’s long‑term care program, and it offers medical coverage plus long‑term services and support for members who meet nursing‑facility level of care criteria. For individuals with developmental disabilities, long‑term services are often administered through the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES), Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), with program rules that are separate from ALTCS.
If your loved one needs help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, or meal preparation, ALTCS may authorize home‑ and community‑based services. Depending on the approved service model in the member’s care plan, families may have the option to work through Agency with Choice (AWC). FreedomCare helps families understand these options when they are available and how they work in everyday life.
To qualify for Arizona Medicaid long-term care through ALTCS, your loved one typically must meet nursing-facility level of care criteria, fall within Medicaid income and asset limits, and satisfy Arizona residency and citizenship requirements. FreedomCare helps families review these standards before they apply so they can better understand whether ALTCS appears to fit.
The Bottom Line: Eligibility depends on both care needs and finances, so it is important not to assume you do not qualify without reviewing your full situation.
Not sure if you qualify? FreedomCare can review your situation and help you understand your options.
To qualify for Arizona Medicaid long-term care programs, your loved one generally needs to meet a few key requirements:
If you’re worried about qualifying or unsure where you stand financially, FreedomCare can walk through your specific circumstances and help you understand your options.
We’ll help you find the right program for your family.
Why Families Choose FreedomCare
We help families across Arizona every day.
ALTCS, the Arizona Long Term Care System, is the main Medicaid long-term care program for people who need nursing-facility level support but may be able to remain at home. It can cover long-term care in nursing facilities, assisted living, or home and community settings, depending on eligibility and care needs. FreedomCare helps Arizona families understand how ALTCS can support care at home.
The Bottom Line: ALTCS can combine full Medicaid medical coverage with long-term care services so a loved one may be able to stay at home instead of moving into a facility.
ALTCS—the Arizona Long Term Care System—is the heart of long‑term care in Arizona. If your loved one is 65 or older, or has a physical disability, and needs the level of care typically provided in a nursing home, ALTCS may allow them to receive that care at home instead. For many families, this program is the difference between keeping a parent, spouse, or other loved one at home versus placing them in a facility.
ALTCS covers more than basic personal care. Depending on the plan of care, it can include homemaker help, skilled nursing, respite, home modifications, medical equipment, transportation, and full Medicaid medical coverage. FreedomCare helps families understand what services may be available and how those benefits fit into everyday caregiving.
Help with bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, moving around, and other daily care needs.
Help with chores and basic home tasks that support safe living at home.
Some members may also get transportation, equipment, or other approved supports.
Services are based on care needs, plan approval, and the member’s care plan.
ALTCS is comprehensive. Beyond just personal care, it includes:
It’s designed to keep everything coordinated, so you’re not juggling ten different providers and billers. FreedomCare helps families understand what’s covered and how to access the full range of benefits available through ALTCS.
Agency with Choice (AWC) is a member-directed care model in Arizona in which the provider agency remains the legal employer, while the member or family helps choose, schedule, and supervise the caregiver. Under ALTCS with AWC, eligible members may be able to receive care from a trusted family member instead of relying only on agency-assigned caregivers. FreedomCare works through the AWC model in Arizona and helps families navigate how it works.
The agency usually chooses the caregiver and handles scheduling, supervision, and employer tasks. Families have less direct control.
With AWC, families may have more input in choosing and directing the caregiver while the agency still handles employer and payroll duties.
FreedomCare can explain how AWC may work for your family in Arizona.
The Bottom Line: AWC can give families more say in who provides care while the provider agency handles payroll, taxes, and other employer responsibilities.
Here’s where ALTCS becomes especially meaningful for many families. In Arizona, one of the key member‑directed options is Agency with Choice (AWC). Under AWC, the provider agency and the member enter into a partnership: the agency remains the legal employer of the paid caregiver, while the member or representative can play a major role in recruiting, selecting, scheduling, supervising, and training that caregiver based on the member’s needs. This model gives families more involvement than a traditional agency‑only setup, while also giving them administrative support through the provider agency. For many Arizona families, that structure matters. It can allow a loved one to receive care from someone they know and trust while avoiding the full employer role.
FreedomCare’s Arizona program works through AWC. When families contact us in Arizona, we help them understand and navigate the Agency with Choice model.
Usually the main path when someone needs long-term care at home and meets Arizona ALTCS rules.
DDD may be a stronger fit for people with qualifying developmental disabilities.
This path may help with personal care in some cases, but it is usually not the paid family caregiver path people mean.
ALTCS is not the only long-term care option in Arizona. Depending on your loved one’s age, disability, and care needs, programs like DDD Home and Community-Based Services or State Plan personal care may be more appropriate. FreedomCare helps families understand how these options differ, especially when paid family caregiving is a priority.
The Bottom Line: Different Arizona Medicaid programs serve different populations, and not all of them allow family members to be paid caregivers.
While FreedomCare’s services primarily focus on ALTCS and the care pathways we support, we believe it’s important that families understand the broader Arizona landscape. Depending on your loved one’s age, disability, and care needs, other Arizona programs may be a better fit.
DDD eligibility includes residents who meet both developmental disability diagnosis and functional limitation criteria. If your loved one has a developmental disability such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, or epilepsy that began before age 18, DDD Home and Community Based Services may be the right fit. This program is built specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities and provides services tailored to their long‑term needs.
Many families appreciate DDD because of its flexibility around family caregivers. Parents can often be paid to care for their adult children with disabilities, and siblings may also qualify. The guidelines are typically more flexible than ALTCS when it comes to who can serve as a paid caregiver, especially under Arizona self‑directed attendant care service options.
While FreedomCare’s primary support in Arizona is focused on ALTCS and the consumer‑directed home care pathways we administer, we include DDD here because it is an important Arizona option for some families. For DDD eligibility questions and applications, families typically work directly with DES/DDD and their assigned coordinators, and we encourage verifying the most current DDD requirements through official DES resources.
State Plan Medicaid offers limited personal care for people who need some help with daily activities but don’t meet the nursing‑home level of care that ALTCS requires. State Plan personal care services generally provide limited assistance for eligible Medicaid members who need help with certain daily activities but do not qualify for ALTCS long‑term care.
These services are typically delivered through agency‑directed models and do not usually function as a consumer‑directed “pay a family caregiver” pathway. You can’t choose your caregiver, and family members can’t be paid. It’s less common for long‑term family caregiving situations, but FreedomCare can help you understand if it applies to your circumstances.
A waiver lets Arizona provide long-term care at home instead of only in a nursing home or other facility. It helps more people get care in the setting that fits them best.
Medicaid waivers let Arizona provide long-term care at home or in the community instead of only in nursing facilities. Different waiver structures serve different groups, including seniors, adults with physical disabilities, and people with developmental disabilities, and each pathway can affect who may be paid as a caregiver.
The Bottom Line: The program or waiver your loved one qualifies for affects caregiver rules, covered services, and how care is managed day to day.
This is usually the main path for older adults and adults with physical disabilities who need long-term care.
Family caregiver rules depend on the service model and approval.
This path is for people with qualifying developmental disabilities that started before age 18.
Family caregiver flexibility may be better in some DDD cases.
Some Arizona supports may help with home care needs, but not all work like paid family caregiver programs.
Always check the exact program rules.
The word “waiver” gets thrown around a lot in Medicaid conversations, and it can feel like jargon. Here’s what it actually means: waivers allow states to provide long‑term care at home or in the community instead of in nursing homes or institutions. Think of them as permission slips from the federal government that let Arizona serve people in more flexible, home‑based ways.
Arizona uses different Medicaid long‑term care programs and waivers to serve seniors, adults with disabilities, and people with developmental disabilities. The program you qualify for affects who can be a paid caregiver, what services you receive, and how much control you have over daily care decisions.
ALTCS serves individuals with age‑related needs and adults with physical disabilities who meet nursing‑facility level of care criteria. If the member lives at home, Arizona may use different service‑delivery models, including Agency with Choice (AWC) and Self‑Directed Attendant Care (SDAC), to deliver attendant‑care services.
AHCCCS policy for direct‑care services explicitly applies to DES DDD as well as ALTCS E/PD and Tribal ALTCS unless otherwise specified. Families with a qualifying developmental disability should review DES/DDD service options directly, including current family‑paid caregiver policies where applicable.
Tribal ALTCS: Designed for American Indian and Alaska Native members, administered through tribally operated programs with culturally appropriate services.
Arizona Children’s Rehabilitation Services (CRS): Serves children with certain chronic medical conditions—not technically a waiver, but an important resource for families with medically complex kids.
For families who want to be paid to care for a loved one at home, the most important question is which Arizona Medicaid programs actually support consumer‑directed or family caregiver models. This comparison highlights how ALTCS with AWC, DDD HCBS, and State Plan personal care differ in who they serve and whether family caregivers can be paid.
The Bottom Line: ALTCS with AWC and many DDD HCBS options can support paid family caregiving, while State Plan personal care is usually agency‑staff‑only and does not pay family caregivers.
Here’s a side-by-side look at Arizona’s main consumer-directed care programs to help you compare options:
| Program | Who It Serves | Consumer Direction | Family Caregiver Rules | Spouse Eligibility | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALTCS with Agency with Choice (AWC) | Seniors and adults with physical disabilities who meet nursing-facility level of care | Yes through AWC | Spouses, adult children, siblings, and some other relatives may be eligible when program rules are met | May be allowed under AWC when ALTCS requirements are satisfied | Apply through AHCCCS / ALTCS |
| ALTCS Agency-Directed Care | Seniors and adults with physical disabilities who meet nursing-facility level of care | No agency-directed | Care is assigned through the provider structure rather than chosen by the member | Generally not applicable in the same way as AWC | Enroll through ALTCS plan |
| DDD HCBS | Individuals with developmental disabilities beginning before age 18 | Partial depends on service model | Parents, siblings, and some other family members may be eligible depending on DDD rules | Depends on DDD service model and current rules | Apply through Arizona DDD |
Caregiver rules can change based on the service model, the care plan, and program approval. AWC, SDAC, and agency-directed care do not all work the same way.
Here's a side‑by‑side look at Arizona's main consumer‑directed care options to help you compare which path might work best. Exact caregiver rules, wage rates, and authorized hours depend on the specific program, managed‑care organization, and service plan, so families should always confirm details with their health plan and case manager.
| Program | Program Type | Who It Serves | Consumer Direction | Family Caregiver Pay | Commonly Confused With | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALTCS | Medicaid long-term care | Seniors and adults with disabilities needing nursing-facility level care | Yes in some service models | May be available for eligible family members depending on service model | State Plan personal care | Long-term care program with nursing-facility level criteria |
| State Plan Personal Care | Medicaid State Plan benefit | Members needing limited daily help | Usually limited and agency-directed | Generally not available | ALTCS | Does not require nursing-facility level care |
| DDD HCBS | Medicaid waiver / developmental disability services | Individuals with developmental disabilities | Varies by service model | Often more flexible for family caregivers | ALTCS | Separate system focused on developmental disabilities |
| VA Aid & Attendance | Federal veterans benefit | Eligible veterans and survivors | No | Indirect can help offset care costs | ALTCS | Not a Medicaid program |
Choosing the right program can feel like a high‑stakes decision because it affects your loved one’s comfort, your family’s finances, and your own peace of mind. The good news is that once you understand which programs you qualify for and how family caregiver rules work, the path forward usually becomes clearer. FreedomCare is here to walk through your specific situation, explain how these options work in practice, and help you make a confident decision.
Quick answer tool: Use this to get a first idea of which Arizona path may fit your caregiver setup.
Get a quick idea of whether your caregiver setup might work under ALTCS, DDD, or if it needs a closer look. Arizona only. This tool is a guide, not a final decision.
In Arizona, the right Medicaid program depends on who needs care, what diagnosis they have, and whether paid family caregiving is a priority. FreedomCare helps families compare ALTCS, DDD, and State Plan options so they can choose the path that best fits their loved one’s needs.
The Bottom Line: If the person needing care is a senior or adult with physical disabilities, ALTCS is often the main pathway; if the person has a developmental disability that began before age 18, DDD may be the better fit.
We hear the same questions and concerns from families all the time. Let’s clear up the biggest sources of confusion:
This is not fully correct. In Arizona, AHCCCS policy includes a Spouse as Paid Caregiver Service Model Option that permits legally responsible spouses to receive compensation for providing direct-care services to their spouse who is an ALTCS member, when program requirements are met. However, spouses are not permitted to receive reimbursement under SDAC, so the answer depends on the specific service model being used. FreedomCare in Arizona works under the Agency with Choice (AWC) model, which allows spouses to be paid caregivers when all criteria are satisfied.
Not exactly. Regular AHCCCS covers medical care like doctor visits and prescriptions. ALTCS is for people who need nursing-home level care but want to receive it at home or in the community. It includes regular Medicaid benefits plus long-term care services.
Not always. Arizona’s member-directed options are mainly available to ALTCS members who live in their own home, and those options include AWC and SDAC. Other parts of Medicaid may work through more traditional health-plan or agency structures.
They are very important. In Arizona, whether care is delivered through AWC, SDAC, or another pathway can affect who the employer is, whether a spouse may be paid, how payroll works, and how much day-to-day control the family has.
It provides flexibility, especially for parents caring for adult children with developmental disabilities. DDD programs generally make it easier for parents to be paid caregivers, and services are designed specifically around developmental needs. That level of specialization can make a real difference in daily life. We help families understand how DDD compares with ALTCS and what these programs may mean for caregiver options in Arizona.
It offers coordinated long‑term support under one program while allowing some members who live at home to use a member‑directed option. In Arizona, AWC can be appealing because the family stays deeply involved in caregiver choice and daily management while the provider agency handles legal‑employer responsibilities. For families supporting an aging parent, spouse, or other loved one with physical care needs, it can be one of the most practical ways to keep care at home.
Your loved one needs long-term care, may qualify for Arizona Medicaid, and does not fit DDD.
The disability started before age 18 and the person may qualify for Arizona DDD services.
The person needs some personal care support, but the goal is not the same kind of paid family caregiver setup families usually mean.
Applying for ALTCS or DDD in Arizona involves financial reviews, medical or functional assessments, and multiple steps that can take weeks to complete. FreedomCare helps families understand what to expect, prepare documents, and avoid common mistakes that delay approval.
The Bottom Line: The ALTCS process usually takes 60 to 90 days, and getting organized early can help reduce delays. FreedomCare supports Arizona families through pre-screening, paperwork, and caregiver onboarding.
The application process is where a lot of families get stuck. There’s paperwork, assessments, and waiting periods, which can make it feel like a full‑time job just to navigate it. That’s where specialized guidance can make a difference, and FreedomCare provides that support. We guide families through every step, from initial application to final approval, so you’re not doing it alone.
Qualifying for ALTCS isn’t just about age or income—it’s about proving you need nursing‑facility‑level care. That might sound daunting, but FreedomCare helps families understand exactly what ALTCS is looking for.
Medical eligibility for ALTCS is based on meeting Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC) criteria through a functional assessment that considers ADLs, medical needs, cognitive/behavioral factors, and safety. The activities of daily living (ADL) cover bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and mobility. A qualified assessor evaluates your functional abilities to determine if you meet nursing‑facility level of care. This isn’t a test you’re trying to pass; it’s an honest look at what help you actually need to live safely at home.
Income must be below 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate (around $2,982 monthly for individuals in 2026). Assets are capped at $2,000 for individuals, though your home, one vehicle, and certain personal belongings don’t count. If you’re over the limit, spend‑down strategies may help you qualify. FreedomCare can connect you with specialists who understand Arizona’s asset rules.
Many families worry they make too much or own too much to qualify. The truth? Eligibility is more nuanced than it first appears, and there are legitimate pathways even when finances seem borderline. Don’t self‑disqualify—let FreedomCare review your situation.
Here’s what the ALTCS application journey typically looks like:
Before you dive into the full application, you’ll go through a pre-screening assessment to see if your loved one meets the basic eligibility criteria for nursing-facility-level care. This gives you a sense of whether ALTCS is viable.
After we confirm that ALTCS appears to be a good fit, FreedomCare helps you start your ALTCS application by calling the ALTCS office together, with you present on the call, so the process begins correctly from the first conversation.
ALTCS first reviews financial eligibility, including income, assets, and related eligibility documents. Families may need to provide proof of identity, citizenship, income, resources, and other supporting paperwork.
Once financial eligibility is established, a medical assessor conducts an interview, reviews medical records, and determines whether the member meets the required nursing-facility level of care.
If approved, you’ll select an ALTCS contractor from the options in your area. Each has slightly different provider networks and service approaches, so it’s worth comparing. FreedomCare can explain the differences.
After eligibility is approved, the health plan case manager determines what the Plan of Care should look like, visits you, and authorizes services. FreedomCare then follows the approved Plan of Care and helps families move through caregiver onboarding and next steps.
Applying for DDD services follows a different path:
Reach out to the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities to request an application and schedule an intake interview. Initial contact can be made online, by phone, or by submitting a referral through the DES portal.
You’ll need documentation showing the developmental disability began before age 18. This means gathering medical records, psychological evaluations, and school records, sometimes going back decades. FreedomCare can help you identify what’s needed.
DDD will conduct functional assessments and verify the diagnosis. This process can take time, so patience is key.
If eligible, a DDD support coordinator will assess needs and develop an individualized service plan tailored to your loved one’s disability and goals.
Services start through approved providers, and depending on the model, family members may be able to serve as paid caregivers. FreedomCare can clarify caregiver rules for your specific DDD service plan.
FreedomCare can help you understand which Arizona path may fit and what steps to take next.
Based on helping hundreds of Arizona families, here’s our best advice:
Start gathering documents early and do not wait until you urgently need them.
Keep copies of everything you submit and every piece of correspondence you receive.
Respond quickly to any requests for additional information since delays can slow down approval.
Document every medical appointment and care need because this supports your level-of-care determination.
Do not try to navigate the process alone. Work with someone who understands the system. Families who partner with FreedomCare often see smoother approvals because we help prevent common mistakes before they happen.
Caregiver pay in Arizona depends on the Medicaid program, the managed-care organization, and the number of hours approved in the plan of care. ALTCS with AWC generally pays at or above Arizona minimum wage, and FreedomCare helps caregivers understand how their pay structure works.
The Bottom Line: Caregiver pay is based on approved hours and plan rules, not a single statewide flat rate.
One of the first questions families ask: “How much will I actually get paid?” The answer depends on your program, your managed‑care organization, and how many hours of care are authorized. Here’s what you need to know about caregiver compensation in Arizona.
Pay Rates
Caregiver pay under ALTCS/AWC depends on the member’s authorized attendant‑care hours, the managed‑care organization/contractor structure, and the fiscal employer agent arrangement that processes payroll and taxes. The pay rates in Arizona always meet or exceed Arizona’s minimum wage. Because rates and authorized hours vary by plan, location, and service authorization, families should confirm the current pay details through their ALTCS contractor and service‑plan documents. FreedomCare helps you understand the pay structure for your specific managed‑care organization.
Hours & Scheduling
Your loved one’s care plan determines how many hours are authorized each week, typically ranging from 15 to 40+ hours depending on care needs. Their authorized hours and service schedule are based on the approved authorization and Plan of Care. In practice, the case manager or health plan specifies the days, frequency, and number of hours authorized, and caregivers are scheduled according to that approval.
Who Handles Payroll
In Arizona, who handles payroll depends on the service model. Under AWC, the provider agency is the legal employer and manages employer‑side responsibilities. Most ALTCS contractors work with fiscal intermediaries like FreedomCare, who are third‑party agencies that process timesheets, handle payroll taxes, issue paychecks, and manage employment paperwork. You submit your hours, they handle the rest. It might sound complicated, but FreedomCare walks you through the entire payroll process so you’re never confused about how to get paid or what documentation you need.
FreedomCare helps Arizona families use Medicaid programs like ALTCS to receive care from someone they trust at home. We focus on eligibility, applications, caregiver setup, and ongoing support so families can spend less time navigating paperwork and more time caring for their loved one.
The Bottom Line: You focus on care; FreedomCare helps with the Medicaid process.
You should not have to become a Medicaid expert just to care for someone you love. That is our role. At FreedomCare, we guide Arizona families through every step of accessing consumer-directed care, from identifying the right program to setting up caregiver payments.
We review whether ALTCS home care appears to be the right Arizona pathway and explain where other programs, like DDD, may fit.
We explain upfront who can and cannot be paid in your specific program, so you are not surprised months later.
We help families understand what ALTCS requires, how the process works, and what information they may need to prepare.
If approved, we help families navigate the Agency with Choice structure, caregiver onboarding, payroll setup, and role expectations.
We continue helping families understand care-plan and caregiver questions as needs change.
Arizona families often ask whether spouses can be paid caregivers, how ALTCS differs from regular Medicaid, and how long approval takes. These are some of the most common questions FreedomCare helps answer every day.
Yes. Under ALTCS with Agency with Choice (AWC), many family members—such as spouses, adult children, siblings, and some extended relatives—may be able to serve as paid caregivers when program requirements are met. FreedomCare reviews your situation and explains clearly who may qualify under the AWC model in Arizona, so you can move forward with confidence.
In many cases, yes. Arizona Medicaid, through ALTCS, allows a spouse to be a paid caregiver under specific conditions when using models such as Agency with Choice (AWC), including documented need, program approval, and limits such as not paying for more than 40 hours of services in a seven-day period. FreedomCare operates within the AWC model in Arizona and can help you understand whether a spouse—or another family member—can be enrolled as the paid caregiver in your particular case.
ALTCS, the Arizona Long Term Care System, is Arizona’s Medicaid program for individuals who need nursing facility level care but want to remain at home. It covers personal care, medical services, equipment, prescriptions, and transportation. Once enrolled, a managed care organization coordinates services. Through AWC, eligible participants can hire and manage their own caregivers, including qualified family members. We guide families through ALTCS enrollment and the transition to consumer direction.
Arizona operates several HCBS waivers. The ALTCS Elderly and Physically Disabled Waiver serves seniors and adults with physical disabilities. DDD waivers serve individuals with developmental disabilities. Tribal ALTCS serves eligible American Indian and Alaska Native members. Each waiver has its own eligibility rules, covered services, and caregiver guidelines. We help you determine which waiver applies and what it means for your family.
Regular AHCCCS covers medical services such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescriptions. ALTCS is for individuals who require long term care at a nursing facility level but prefer to receive services at home or in the community. ALTCS includes all standard Medicaid benefits plus personal care, respite, and other long term support. Qualification requires meeting both medical and financial criteria. We can assess whether your loved one meets ALTCS standards.
Approval typically takes 60 to 90 days, depending on how quickly documentation and assessments are completed. Expedited processing may be available if someone is in a nursing facility or at risk of entering one. We help families submit complete applications to reduce delays and avoid common mistakes.
Yes, in many cases a caregiver who lives in the same household may be paid under ALTCS through the Agency with Choice (AWC) model, depending on the member’s plan and program rules. In some situations, the caregiver must meet specific authorization and contractor requirements, so the exact answer depends on the case. FreedomCare can help you understand the household rules that apply and whether your family member may qualify as a paid caregiver.
ALTCS assists with core ADLs such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and mobility. It also supports IADLs like meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and transportation to medical appointments. Services are based on a functional assessment and individualized care plan. We help you understand the level of care your loved one may qualify for.
Use these resources to learn more about Arizona Medicaid, ALTCS, HCBS waivers, and paid family caregiver options.
Legal information, advice, assistance, and advocacy for persons 60 years of age and older in Arizona.
des.az.gov/legal-services
Explanations of nursing facility coverage in Arizona, including eligibility requirements, level of care criteria, and how long-term care services are funded through Medicaid programs like ALTCS.
azahcccs.gov
Information about how HCBS waivers allow states to provide long-term care in home and community settings instead of institutional facilities.
medicaid.gov/medicaid/home-community-based-services
This FreedomCare guide explains how Arizona residents can become paid family caregivers through Medicaid programs like ALTCS and DDD, including eligibility steps and enrollment guidance.
freedomcare.com
A breakdown of Arizona Medicaid benefits, including medical coverage, long-term care services, and how programs like ALTCS support individuals who need in-home care.
freedomcare.com
Information about Medicaid self-directed care programs, how they work, and how eligible individuals can choose and manage their own caregivers, including family members.
freedomcare.com
Important Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Medicaid rules and program details are subject to change. Eligibility requirements, caregiver rules, and benefit levels may vary by managed care organization and individual circumstances. You should always verify current program requirements directly with AHCCCS or your managed care organization before making decisions about long term care.
FreedomCare can help guide you through the process, answer general questions about eligibility, and support you during enrollment. However, for legal or financial advice specific to your situation, we recommend consulting with a qualified enrollment specialist, social worker, or elder law attorney.
AHCCCS policies and program guidelines are updated regularly. The information in this guide reflects AHCCCS and ALTCS requirements as of February 2026 and should be confirmed at the time of application.
Get clear answers about your eligibility, caregiver options, and next steps with a FreedomCare advisor.
