In Arizona, people caregiving for elderly parents, relatives, or friends may be able to receive financial assistance for their work. There are a few different programs that family members who dedicate their time and energy to caregiving should explore to receive financial support.
We’ll review many of the available options in this guide, including the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS).
Getting Reimbursed as a Family Caregiver in Arizona Through Medicaid
Arizona's Medicaid program, known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), covers about 1.9 million residents. For family caregivers, there are several programs available through AHCCCS that can help you get reimbursed for your caregiving services.
Note that to be eligible for these state-based support services, beneficiaries must first enroll in Medicaid. To get information on applying, click here.
Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)
The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is a Medicaid program that provides long-term care services to eligible seniors and individuals with disabilities. Depending on the situation, an elderly beneficiary may be able to choose to have a family member get compensated to be their primary caregiver. This is often done through the Home and Community Based Services Program (HCBS) program. While the program allows family members to become paid caregivers, note that spouses are not eligible.
Steps to Apply:
- Eligibility: Your family member must be enrolled in Medicaid and meet specific medical and financial criteria.
- Application: To start an application, call ALTCS toll-free at (888) 621-6880. You can find more information on the application process here.
- Home and Community Based Services: From there, you may need to apply for Home and Community Based Services. More information is here. The first step to applying for Home and Community Based Services Arizona program is to contact your local Medicaid agency or an ALTCS Approved Representative. The representative should also be a Certified Medicaid Planner™ or CMP™.
- Caregiver Designation: Once approved, you can choose a designated caregiver.
For more information on applying, contact the ALTCS office at 888-621-6880.
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) supports individuals with developmental disabilities. It supports people of all ages, including other adults.
Steps to Apply:
- Contact the Division of Developmental Disabilities at 844-770-9500.
- Ensure your loved one meets the eligibility criteria for DDD services. You can look at the criteria here.
Veteran Support Programs
The Veterans Administration (VA) has numerous programs to provide support to veterans and their caregivers. Here are a few to know.
Veteran Directed Care (VDC)
Veterans in Arizona can hire family members as caregivers through the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program. This program provides veterans with a flexible budget to purchase home and community-based services, including hiring family members.
Eligibility:
- Veterans must be enrolled in VA medical benefits.
- Apply for the VDC program through the VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274.
Aid and Attendance (A&A) Pension Benefit
Veterans who require long-term in-home, assisted living, or nursing home care may qualify for VA Ad & Attendance, which can provide up to $3,261 per month for caregiving expenses, including payments to family caregivers.
To apply, you’ll need to look at all requirements and, if qualified, complete VA Form 21-2680.
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for VA Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for VA Family Caregivers (PCAFC) provides a stipend, training, counseling, and respite care to family caregivers of veterans who were seriously injured or became ill in the line of duty and require assistance with daily activities.
To apply online, click here.
Additional Support Programs
The Arizona Caregiver Coalition
The Arizona Caregiver Coalition is a non-profit that offers various support services to family caregivers. These include respite care, caregiver training, support groups, and access to resources designed to assist caregivers in managing their responsibilities and maintaining their well-being.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
Arizona’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provide support services to family caregivers, including:
- Information and Referrals: Guidance on local resources, support groups, and caregiver training.
- Respite Care: Temporary relief for caregivers to take breaks and attend to their own well-being.
- Support Groups: Facilitation of caregiver support groups for sharing experiences and learning from others.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Arizona follows the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), ensuring up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave annually for eligible employees. This allows caregivers to take time off work to care for a loved one without the risk of losing their job.
Contact Information for Caregiver Reimbursement in Arizona
If you have questions about Arizona’s state programs for caregiver reimbursement, try contacting the following offices:
- ALTCS Office: 888-621-6880
- Division of Developmental Disabilities: 844-770-9500
- VA Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274
- Arizona Caregiver Coalition: 888-737-7494
Conclusion
Arizona offers several programs to support family caregivers through financial assistance and resources. These programs recognize the vital role caregivers play and aim to provide necessary support and compensation.
For further assistance and to explore more resources, consult with your Medicaid case manager or contact one of the relevant offices listed above.
