Who Qualifies for Assisted Living Financial Assistance in Arizona?

Does Medicare pay for assisted living in Arizona? Grand Canyon State residents may wonder about this subject if they are older or caring for someone over 65. Although Medicare and Medicaid don't pay room and board costs for any community living situation — including independent living, assisted living, and memory care — there may be help available for some elders, especially if they have limited financial means. 

Arizona's Medicaid program, also referred to as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, assists lower-income residents. The federal, state, and county governments jointly fund this Arizona elderly assistance program. 

Seniors must meet several criteria to qualify for monetary aid to put toward the cost of assisted living in Arizona. Seniors must either be aged 65 or older or have a disability. They need U.S. citizenship or otherwise qualify as non-citizens and live permanently in Arizona. 

Single individuals must have an income of no more than $1,255 monthly, and the limit reaches $1,704 for couples. Importantly, seniors must also meet level of care criteria; they must need the services typically provided by nursing homes to qualify for assisted living benefits.

Regarding assisted living communities, Arizona Long Term Care Services managed care program doesn’t provide funding to cover the costs of bed or board. It typically covers personal care services such as help with bathing, dressing and brushing teeth, assistance with day-to-day activities such as eating and transferring, and help with instrumental activities of daily living, such as meal preparation, transportation and domestic chores.

Residents of assisted living communities generally also have opportunities to join diverse enrichment and socialization activities.