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In-Home Care in Arizona

Arizona’s senior-friendly climate isn’t the only reason an above-average 18% of its almost 7.3 million residents are in the 65+ age group. The state offers generous property tax credits for seniors with incomes below the minimum thresholds and doesn’t tax Social Security benefits. Arizona also boasts several nationally ranked hospitals, including Mayo Clinic-Phoenix and the Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City.

Excellent care isn’t restricted to hospitals. Many agencies help seniors age safely and comfortably at home. The average cost of In-Home Care in Arizona is $5,339.  A bit more on average, Home Health Care fees are $5,434 per month. In-Home Care is a non-medical service that typically involves supporting seniors with dressing, bathing and cleaning their homes. Home Health Care is a medical service delivered by skilled nurses and therapists who deal with clinical issues, such as seniors recovering from surgery or managing long-term health issues such as arthritis.

This guide reviews home care costs in and around Arizona and the roles played by Medicaid and Medicare. It also lists some useful resources for homebound seniors and their families.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Arizona

Figures published in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey show Arizona to be mid-range in cost terms for In-Home Care services. It’s costlier than the national average of $4,957 by around $382 per month, although not as expensive as some neighboring states. For example, a senior in Utah is likely to pay around $5,625 per month for In-Home Care services, while in California, fees rise to $6,101. Nevada is a more affordable alternative to Arizona, with fees averaging $5,148. New Mexico is even more competitive, with a median fee of $4,605.

Arizona

$5339

The United States

$4957

New Mexico

$4605

California

$6101

Nevada

$5148

Location is a factor in fees for In-Home Care services in Arizona. In Yuma, for example, it’s common for agencies to charge around $4,290 per month for their services, while in Flagstaff, it’s $6,673 for generally similar services. Phoenix is at the costlier end of the spectrum too, at $5,958, while in Tucson, fees drop to around $5,434 and in Prescott Valley, $5,053.

Phoenix

$5958

Tucson

$5434

Prescott Valley

$5053

Flagstaff

$6673

In addition to location, the frequency of services provided and the type of care delivered also factor in overall costs. Adult day health care facilities have the lowest expenditure so they offer care for around $2,102. Assisted living facilities provide accommodation and care for approximately $4,000 per month in Arizona. Agencies are more costly at $5,339 for In-Home Care and $5,434 for Home Health Care. At $6,540 per month, nursing home care is the most expensive due to the hospital-level care and narrower staff-to-resident ratios than those found in assisted living facilities.

In-Home Care

$5339

Home Health Care

$5434

Adult Day Health Care

$2102

Assisted Living Facility

$4000

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$6540

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Arizona?

Arizona has a Medicaid program officially known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), which can help pay home care costs for qualifying Arizona residents. Seniors have access to the AHCCCS through a program called Arizona Long Term Care Services, which is also known as the Elderly and Physical Disability Program.

Home Waiver Programs in Arizona

Arizona Long Term Care Services (ALTCS)

You will often find Arizona Long Term Care Services referred to by its acronym, ALTCS (pronounced ALL-TECS). Its purpose is to pay for long-term care services for seniors who meet the financial eligibility requirements and score 60 points or more on their medical assessments (which are designed to determine the senior’s ability to perform everyday activities without assistance). Although the program can pay for nursing home care, it can also pay for In-Home and Home Health Care services, such as home-delivered meals and skilled nursing. Everyone who satisfies the eligibility criteria qualifies for support. 

Successful applicants develop long-term care plans with caseworkers. This approach has some flexibility as the senior can choose what’s known as an ‘Agency of Choice’ or opt for ‘Self-Directed Attendant Care’. The former option lets seniors choose their own caregivers from an authorized agency without needing to be their caregiver’s employer. The latter option effectively makes the senior the employer, with the ability to hire, fire and train their caregiver. A Fiscal Employer Agent is assigned by the Department of Economic Security to help the senior negotiate the complexities of being an employer. The Self-Directed Attendant Care option is popular with seniors as it allows a family member to be the paid caregiver.

To be eligible for ALTCS, the applicant must be aged 65 or older and have a recognized physical or mental disability that would justify nursing home care. The applicant must also have an income no greater than 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate. To apply, seniors can either call (888) 621-6880 or contact their nearest ALTCS office

How to Know If You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Arizona

As of 2022, a single applicant’s annual income can’t exceed $30,276 in Arizona. If both spouses in a two-person household apply, it’s $60,552. Countable income includes social security pensions, SSI payments, Veterans’ pension and compensation, disability income and immediate annuities. Countable assets include checking and savings accounts, real property (although not the applicant’s current address, unless its value exceeds $603,000), the cash value of insurance policies, stocks and non-exempt vehicles. There is a 60-month look-back period for all assets to determine if the applicant has undersold or gifted assets in anticipation of a future Medicaid claim. 

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Arizona

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Arizona

NameIncome limits*Asset limits
Single Person$30,276$2,000
Two-Person Household$60,552$3,000

*Per year

In addition to income and assets, Arizona’s Medicaid program requires applicants to also satisfy other eligibility requirements. These are:

  • Being a U.S. citizen or non-citizen with a qualifying residency status
  • A resident of Arizona
  • Having a medical need for care and support to perform everyday activities

How to Apply for Medicaid in Arizona

There are several options that make it easier for seniors to apply for Medicaid in Arizona. They are:

  • Online: Visit Health-e-Arizona PLUS
  • By phone: Call (855) 432-7587 to request a paper copy of the application form be mailed to you
  • In-Person: Find your nearest DES office and make an appointment to speak to an advisor
  • By mail: Download and print Form FAA-001A and mail a completed copy with documents supporting the claim to the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Family Assistance Administration, P.O. Box 19009, Phoenix, AZ 85005-9009

What Information You Will Need

The following list of needed items applies to all applicants, including occasions when more than one person from the household applies.

  • Proof of U.S. citizenship and identity
  • An Alien Registration Card, if an immigrant
  • Social Security number, or proof of applying for a number
  • Birth certificate
  • The name, address and daytime phone number of a landlord or neighbor
  • A signed and dated statement by a non-relative who doesn’t live with the applicant confirming the applicant’s address and the names of everyone in their household
  • Proof of all money received in the current month and previous month
  • Verification of any medical insurance policies
  • Proof of last day of employment, if applicable

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

The most helpful free resource for potential Medicaid applicants in Arizona is AHCCCS. However, some seniors might want to get information elsewhere and others may need legal advice, so we’ve compiled this shortlist of organizations that may be able to assist.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
American Council on AgingOnline OnlyStatewideThe American Council on Aging website is a privately-funded resource that provides free information for seniors who want to know more about Arizona's Medicaid prior to submitting an application. Its content is written by experienced Medicaid planning and legibility professionals who cover more than just the basics. However, due to the site's design, it can't provide in-depth detail but is a useful tool for seniors at the start of their research.
Arizona Center for Disability LawMultiple Contact NumbersStatewideThe Arizona Center for Disability Law is a nonprofit law firm specializing in helping disabled citizens get necessary benefits, which includes seniors who have been denied Medicaid. The firm operates out of 3 offices — Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff. Their attorneys and paralegals inform, educate and advocate for disabled seniors in a range of civil law matters, such as pursuing the right to devices for those denied assistive technologies.
AZ LinksMultiple Contact NumbersStatewideAZ Links is the Aging and Disability Resource Center for the entire state. Its purpose is to connect seniors and caregivers with the resources they need, including where to get advice and support regarding Medicaid. The AZ Links screening tool is a quick way to identify all the free resources available to seniors in their areas.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Arizona?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Arizona

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Arizona

There are many government agencies and nonprofit organizations in Arizona dedicated to helping seniors age safely in place. The agencies listed here can help with transportation, meal deliveries, home repairs and reducing household energy costs.

ResourceContactAreaServedService
Weatherization Assistance ProgramMultiple ContactsStatewideThe purpose of the Weatherization Assistance Program is to make homes safer for successful applicants and lower the costs of heating and cooling their homes. The program is open to all state homeowners and renters who meet the financial eligibility criteria and will cover all costs relating to work recommended in the energy audit report. This may mean installing installation throughout the property, tuning up the HVAC system, fitting shades to sun-exposed windows, repairing faults causing air infiltration/leakage and installing features that improve water efficiency.
Section 504 Home Repair Program(602) 280-8701Rural Areas StatewideThe Section 504 Home Repair Program provides loans and grants to homeowners on low incomes, enabling them to make their homes safer and more comfortable. To qualify for a loan, the homeowner must occupy the property and be unable to get credit elsewhere. Be advised there are income limits. Loans of up to $40,000 are available on 1% fixed interest terms over periods of up to 20 years. Grant applicants must be 62+ and unable to repay a loan to be eligible for up to $10,000.
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program(833) 453-2142StatewideThe Low Income Household Water Assistance Program contributes to the costs of water and wastewater services for homeowners and renters across the state. The program's scope includes helping to restore disconnected water services, assisting with paying bills past their due date and supporting seniors with future water costs. To qualify, applicants must be U.S.citizens (or legal aliens) residing in the state and have gross household incomes not exceeding 60% of Arizona's median income. Although the program is open to all, it prioritizes residents aged 60 and older, those with disabilities as well as people whose water bills absorb more than 5% of their monthly income.
Home-Delivered MealsMultiple ContactsStatewideThe home-delivery meal program is financed primarily by the Department of Economic Security and administered locally by the Area Agencies on Aging. The program's purpose is to provide nutritious and healthy meals to eligible seniors who may otherwise be unable to afford or access good quality food.
ADA Ride ServicesMultiple ProvidersMaricopa and Pima CountiesThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compels public transportation providers with fixed routes to provide low-cost curb-to-curb or door-to-door paratransit programs. In Arizona, providers of ADA ride services include Valley Metro's Dial-A-Ride, which covers much of Maricopa County, and the Sun Tran and Sun Link services which serve many parts of Pima County. 

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Arizona

The state of Arizona does not license home care agencies. Provided the services offered by agency caregivers is nonmedical in nature, agencies are not subject to direct state oversight. Nonmedical home care agencies in the state may voluntarily seek certification from the Arizona In-Home Care Association (AIHCA), a private industry organization that maintains quality of care standards. In addition to AIHCA requirements, individual caregivers are still subject to state laws for background screening and training.

TopicRule
Scope of CareCaregivers in Arizona are permitted to assist seniors with activities of daily living and other routine needs, both inside and outside the home. Caregivers may provide seniors with personal care, companionship, shopping and meal preparation assistance and other nonclinical services with the consent of their client.
Care Plan RequirementsCaregivers and home care agencies in Arizona are required to develop a care plan with seniors and responsible family members prior to administering service. Agencies are expected to provide accurate information about care options and likely costs, as well as the identity and availability of the individuals providing care. Seniors have a right to be involved with all care decisions and an expectation that their information will be kept confidential.
Medication Management RequirementsCaregivers in Arizona are permitted to assist with the administration of over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs that are indicated for assisted administration. Caregivers are not allowed to initiate medical interventions of their own without medical professional direction.
Staff Screening RequirementsApplicants for caregiver certification must be at least 18 years old and able to communicate in English. They must test negative on a pretraining TB test or submit proof of vaccination. Caregivers in Arizona must, prior to accreditation, submit and pass an AZ DPS fingerprint screening and background check.
Staff Training RequirementsCaregivers in Arizona must complete 20 hours of online instruction and 42 hours of classroom instruction in an accredited training program. Students must pass all courses with a minimum score of 80%. A passing grade is required on the state exam for permitting. A CPR/AED card is required for new caregivers and must be maintained for as long as certification lasts. Caregivers must also meet the requirements for obtaining an Arizona Food Handlers' card.
Medicaid CoverageThe AHCCCS Medicaid program pays for many of the secondary costs of in-home care, such as medication and medical supplies. Direct payments to caregivers are made through either of two state Medicaid programs, Agency With Choice or Self-Directed Attendant Care..
Reporting AbuseSuspected cases of elder abuse or neglect may be reported to either local law enforcement or Adult Protective Services at 877-767-2385.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Arizona

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

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Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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