In this article, we will answer your most frequently asked questions about ALTCS and ALTCS assisted living facilities.
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ALTCS Frequently Asked Questions
What is “ALTCS”?
ALTCS is an AHCCCS Medical Assistance Program that provides long-term services to any of the following customers:
- Need to be medically and financially eligible
- Are elderly
- Physically or developmentally disabled and who have a medical need for long-term care services.
What services does ALTCS provide?
Firstly, in-home care. Secondly, day programs. And thirdly, financial support – for applicants residing in skilled nursing units, assisted living arrangements or group homes. How does one qualify? The candidate will off need to meet the ALTCS’s requirements, which include medical, income and resource requirements.
How does an Applicant medically qualify for ALTCS?
To be eligible for ALTCS’ medical requirements, an applicant must firstly undergo a Preadmission Screening (“PAS”). A PAS is an interview with a social worker from ALTCS regarding the applicant’s activities of daily living, hospitalization, health care history and cognitive functioning. Furthermore, to meet medical approval, an applicant must “be at the level of skilled nursing care” – regardless of whether they are actually in a skilled nursing facility.
How does an Applicant meet the income requirements?
For 2017, an applicant (unmarried) may have up to $2,205.00 in monthly gross income. Whereas if married, the applicant must have less than $2,205 in gross monthly income or combined; both spouses must have less than $4,410 gross monthly income. However, they may utilize an Income Only Trust (a.k.a. Miller Trust) if the income exceeds the above-referenced limits.
What resources can an applicant own at the time of application?
An applicant’s primary residence, one vehicle, a burial plan and personal property are not a consideration when evaluating an applicant’s resources. There are nuances to the above excluded resources, but generally, this is accurate.
Moreover, a single applicant may also have liquid funds not to exceed $2,000. This includes, for example, bank accounts, the cash value of life insurance, cash, stock, etc.
On the other hand, to determine a married applicant’s resource limit, the process is more complicated. One must first determine the “first continuous period of institutionalization”. When was the original time the applicant has a period of care, in any settings, for a consecutive 30 days? On that date, then the resources of both spouses will be assessed and totaled. From this assessment, ALTCS will determine the Community Spouse Resource Deduction (“CSRD”), in other words, the amount the non-applicant spouse (the spouse who does not need ALTCS benefits) may retain. This CSRD is one-half of the enumerable resources assessed on that first day of the initial continuous period of institutionalization. Overall, a maximum of $120,900.00 in enumerable resources and a minimum of $24,180.00 in countable resources retained along with the excluded resources.
How can an elder law attorney assist with the ALTCS process?
In the following ways:
- Explain the (sometimes) confusing ALTCS process.
- Anticipate an approximate CSRD.
- Help prepare for the PAS evaluation.
- Determine a plan to protect the maximum amount of countable resources.
- Evaluate whether a Medicaid Compliant Single Premium Immediate Annuity may be appropriate.
- Help time the application for benefits to maximize the benefit of ALTCS.
- Determine whether gifts have been made and whether a penalty will be applied.
What else will you discuss with an elder law attorney?
- Is the estate plan prepared to protect the maximum value of the property?
- Is the home property protected?
- Is the applicant at risk for estate recovery?
- How do I administer an Income Only Trust?
Contact Options For Senior Living
We’re here to help you find the best long-term care community for your aging parent or spouse.
Article Submitted By:
Emily R. Taylor
Emily R. Taylor, Attorney PLLC
480-699-3145
emily@emilytaylorlaw.com
www.emilytaylorlaw.com
