ALTCS Prescreening Support
Arizona Pilot Program
Navigating long-term care options in Arizona can be confusing and overwhelming — especially during a hospital discharge or care transition. The Care4ME ALTCS Prescreening Pilot Program helps individuals and caregivers better understand the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) before pursuing formal next steps.
This pilot program is currently offered in Arizona only.
What is ALTCS?
The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid program that provides long-term care services to eligible residents who need ongoing support due to age, disability, or chronic health conditions. ALTCS may help cover services such as in-home support, assisted living, and nursing care for those who meet both medical and financial eligibility criteria.
Families and caregivers often find the process complex, especially when it involves both medical and financial eligibility requirements.
Why Prescreening Matters
Prescreening helps families and caregivers:
- Understand what ALTCS looks at during the eligibility process
- Identify whether pursuing ALTCS may be appropriate at this time
- Clarify questions before submitting a formal application
- Reduce confusion, delays, and unnecessary stress
Prescreening is not a determination of eligibility. It is an educational and preparatory step.
What the Care4ME ALTCS Program Does
Through this Arizona pilot, Care4ME offers prescreening assistance, education, and navigation support to families and caregivers who are considering the ALTCS process.
Specifically, Care4ME may help by:
- Explaining the ALTCS process in plain language
- Reviewing general care needs and daily support challenges
- Helping caregivers understand readiness and next steps
- Guiding families to appropriate resources and contacts
- Supporting conversations with discharge planners and care teams
This support is designed to help families make informed decisions and prepare for the next phase of care.
What Care4ME Does Not Do
To ensure clarity and safety for families and referring professionals, it’s important to understand the boundaries of this program.
Care4ME:
- ❌ Does not determine ALTCS eligibility
- ❌ Does not submit ALTCS applications
- ❌ Does not conduct medical evaluations or scoring
- ❌ Does not provide legal or financial advice
- ❌ Does not guarantee outcomes or approval
ALTCS eligibility decisions are made exclusively by the State of Arizona through its established processes.
When Care4ME Is a Good Referral
This program may be appropriate when:
- A family feels overwhelmed by the ALTCS process
- A caregiver needs help understanding ALTCS readiness
- A patient is not yet ready for a formal ALTCS application
- Education and preparation are needed before next steps
- Families need guidance during discharge or care transitions
When Care4ME Is Not Appropriate
Care4ME’s ALTCS prescreening support is not intended for:
- Emergency medical or urgent care decisions
- Immediate placement needs requiring clinical assessment
- Situations where a formal ALTCS application must be filed immediately
In such cases, families should follow hospital protocols and state resources.
Arizona Pilot Program Scope
The ALTCS Prescreening Pilot is offered as a limited program in Arizona. Availability may vary based on capacity and program guidelines. Care4ME may adjust or expand this pilot as resources and partnerships develop.
Speak With a Care Navigator
If you are a caregiver, family member, or professional seeking prescreening guidance, Care4ME can help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.
Care4ME is not a state agency and does not determine ALTCS eligibility. Services are informational and supportive and do not replace official ALTCS processes. Care4ME does not provide medical, legal, or financial advice. Assistance is offered based on availability and program guidelines. Care4ME is a care and support program of HeartStone Ministry.
Care4ME
Care4ME provides care navigation, caregiver support, and community-based programs to help individuals and families navigate complex care situations with clarity and confidence.
Care4ME is a care and support program of HeartStone Ministry.
