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Nursing Homes in Arizona
Arizona is the nation’s second-most popular retirement destination, after Florida. The state offers seniors year-round warm weather and nearly 40% more sunny days than the U.S. average. For the 18% of residents who are over 65, excellent health care is another advantage of living in Arizona: Mayo Clinic Phoenix ranks among the 20 best hospitals in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report. While the state’s overall cost of living is close to the national average, health care costs are about 5% lower — a major perk for frail seniors and their families.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization that tracks health care data, there were 10,325 people living in Arizona’s certified nursing homes in 2019. For residents who stay in semi-private rooms, the average monthly cost of nursing home care is $6,844, per Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey. Private rooms are pricier at $8,213.
This guide offers caregivers an introduction to nursing home care in Arizona, including typical care costs in Arizona’s major cities and where to get help paying for care. Plus, it explains some of the key regulations nursing homes must follow.
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The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Arizona
According to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, Arizona’s average nursing home cost is not only lower than the national average but also lower than in most neighboring states. At $6,844 per month, the state’s average cost is nearly 12% lower than the U.S. average of $7,756. Costs in nearby states are much higher than in Arizona. In California and Nevada, prices are about 35% higher at $9,247 and $9,262, respectively. New Mexico is also more expensive than Arizona at $7,406 monthly. Within the immediate area, only Utah, where nursing home care runs $6,388 per month, is more affordable.
Overall, Arizona is an affordable state for nursing home care, but prices vary from one city to another. In the Prescott Valley area, the average cost is the same as the state average of $6,844. Phoenix has the highest average cost in the state at $9,247 per month but further south, prices are much lower. Nursing homes charge a monthly average of $7,118 in Yuma, $6,565 in Tucson and $6,920 in the Sierra Vista area. Near the Nevada border in Lake Havasu City, the average monthly cost of nursing home care is $7,437. For seniors on a budget, Tucson may be an ideal destination. Its average cost, at $6,565 per month, is nearly 18% lower than the Arizona average.
Phoenix
$9247
Lake Havasu City
$7437
Sierra Vista
$6920
Prescott Valley
$6844
Tucson
$6565
Flagstaff
$5627
Other senior care options in Arizona include in-home care, home health care, adult day care and assisted living care. In-home care, which includes help with housekeeping and other daily tasks, costs an average of $4,934, while seniors who require in-home assistance with basic medical care pay $4,957 for home health care. Seniors may choose to receive care outside of the home at an adult day care facility, which costs an average of $1,842 per month. Seniors who move to assisted living facilities pay an average of $3,900 per month.
In-Home Care
$4934
Home Health Care
$4957
Adult Day Care
$1842
Assisted Living Facility
$3900
Nursing Home Care
$6844
Does Medicaid Cover Nursing Home Care in Arizona?
Arizona has more than 2 million residents enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program, which is a more than 72% increase since coverage was expanded in October 2013. In nursing homes, the majority of residents—three out of five—receive Medicaid benefits to help with the costs. This state and federally funded program covers most services provided in nursing homes, including room and board, nursing services, medical equipment and other continuing and critical care services.
There are more than 16,000 nursing home beds in Arizona spread among more than 145 facilities. Each nursing home offers a level of care similar to what seniors might expect to receive in a hospital. Arizona Long Term Care System is the Medicaid program that pays for nursing home stays for eligible seniors. In addition, it also offers assistance with care provided at home or in an assisted living community, although room and board isn’t covered in these settings.
Medicaid Eligibility in Arizona
To qualify for Medicaid in Arizona, applicants must meet certain financial guidelines. To qualify for ALTCS coverage, applicants must also demonstrate a functional need for an institutional level of care or be disabled. Arizona Medicaid offers long-term care as an entitlement program, which means individuals who qualify are eligible for benefits and there is no participation cap or waiting list to receive services. After an assessment and care planning meeting, seniors who qualify are immediately approved to begin receiving care in either a nursing home or community setting.
To meet the program’s financial eligibility requirements, a senior may earn no more than $2,742 per month, or $32,904 per year. Applicants are considered as individuals for nursing home Medicaid, so income limits are doubled when both members of a couple apply. Married seniors can also provide an income allowance for a non-applicant spouse who continues to live in the community. The applicant can have up to $2,000 in countable assets, and a non-applicant spouse is eligible to retain up to $148,620 in assets.
2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Arizona
| Household Size | Number of Applicants | Income Limits Per Year* | Asset Limits: Applicant(s) | Asset Limits: Non-Applicants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One Person | 1 | $32,904 | $2,000 | |
| Two Person | 1 | $32,904** | $2,000 | $148,620 |
| Two Person | 2 | $65,808*** | $4,000**** |
*All monthly income except for a $137.10/mo. personal needs allowance and Medicare premiums must go toward nursing home costs. There may also be a monthly needs allowance for a non-applicant spouse, .
**Income limit is for applicant only.
***Income is limited to $2,742 per month per spouse.
****$2,000 per spouse
Seniors applying for Medicaid in Arizona must also be a resident in the state and U.S. citizen or legal resident.
How to Apply for Medicaid in Arizona
There are several ways to apply for Arizona Medicaid for long-term care. The application is available online for download. Alternatively, you can call (888) 621-6880 to have a paper application mailed out. To get help with the Medicaid application process, you can call the same number. Once completed, the application can be mailed to 801 East Jefferson Street, MD 3900, Phoenix, Arizona, 85034. In-person assistance is available at your nearest ALTCS office.
Information You Will Need:
- Proof of citizenship or legal residency
- Social Security number
- Copy of birth certificate
- Name, address and contact phone number for a landlord or neighbor
- A signed statement including contact information from a non-relative verifying the members of the applicant’s household and address
- Proof of all incoming funds received in the current and prior month
- Proof of lack of employment
- Verification of medical insurance other than Medicaid, including Medicare
Additional Medicaid Support & Resources in Arizona
The following list includes contact details and contact information for free resources available to Arizona seniors when applying for Medicaid.
| Resource | Contact | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Health-e-Arizona PLUS | (855) 432-7587 | Health-e-Arizona PLUS is the organization operating under the Department of Economic Security. It provides application assistance for all public benefit types, including Medicaid, nutrition assistance, housing help and other programs that may offer financial help to seniors. |
| Arizona Association of Area Agencies on Aging | (928) 298-2574 | Arizona is home to seven regional AAA locations that act as one-stop help centers, connecting seniors to local and statewide assistance programs. Services such as in-home care, transportation assistance, home modifications and access to caregiver training may be available through your local agency. |
| Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System | (602) 417-4000, (800) 654-8713 (Outside Maricopa County) | AHCCCS is the Arizona Medicaid program, and it provides services on a managed care model. Seniors work with a single agency to gain access to all available benefits, making the application process smooth and relatively straightforward. Help with Medicaid applications is available through the AHCCCS hotline. |
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home Care in Arizona?
Medicare provides limited coverage for short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility following a hospital stay, but seniors must meet a number of specific requirements. This benefit is available to beneficiaries who have been hospitalized for at least three days, excluding the date of discharge, so it’s most valuable for those who are recovering from an injury, illness or surgery.
Once seniors meet the hospitalization requirement, Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of skilled nursing per benefit period. The first 20 days are covered in full. Starting on day 21, beneficiaries must pay a daily coinsurance rate. After day 100, seniors are responsible for the entire cost.
What Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare covers a number of specific services, including:
- Meals
- A semiprivate room
- Medications
- Skilled nursing
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Audiologist care
- Medical supplies
- Medical social services
- Nutritional counseling
- Ambulance transportation
What Isn’t Covered by Medicare?
Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care that addresses seniors’ day-to-day needs. This includes help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and using medical equipment.
For more information about Medicare and when it covers Nursing Home Care, read our Guide to Nursing Homes.
Medicare Support & Resources in Arizona
Families considering nursing home care for their loved ones may wonder if Medicare can meet some of their costs. Although health insurance can’t help in the long term, it may provide initial assistance. Trained advisors associated with the organizations listed below may provide information and answers to questions about coverage.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| AZ State Health Insurance Assistance Program | (800) 432-4040 | Arizona's State Health Insurance Assistance Program helps seniors and their families navigate the increasingly complex landscape of Medicare coverage. Trained volunteer SHIP counselors offer unbiased information about available coverage, possible out-of-pocket costs associated with each option and assistance determining premiums and making comparisons. |
| Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions | (602) 364-3100 | This state agency has created a list of resources for seniors who may need help finding long-term care insurance, medical insurance or other seniors benefit programs. It provides links to a list of companies offering long-term care insurance, a guide to long-term care insurance, local resources such as Area Agencies on Aging and Social Security Administration offices, as well as tools to help locate nearby nursing homes and compare options. |
| Senior Medicare Patrol | (800) 432-4040 | The SMP program operated by the Department of Economic Security helps seniors and their families identify and report health care fraud and errors. Seniors who may be facing extensive medical bills may get help better understanding their explanation of benefits and finding and fixing billing errors that may be increasing their cost of care. |
Other Financial Assistance Options for Nursing Home Care in Arizona
While Medicaid and Medicare are two of the most common programs used to pay for Nursing Home Care, there are other financial assistance options available, depending on your unique situation.
| Name | How To Apply | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Aid and Attendance | Learn more and apply online at va.gov. | Veterans who receive a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit, a monthly cash allowance that veterans receive in addition to their standard pension amount. The benefit is intended for veterans in need of long-term care services and may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care. |
| Reverse Mortgages | Learn more about your options and how to apply at ftc.gov | If you own a home, you may be able to use a reverse mortgage to help pay for nursing care. Reverse mortgages are loans that one can take out against the value of their home, essentially converting some of the home's equity into cash. Reverse mortgage loans do need to be repaid with interest, typically within 12 months of receiving the loan. |
| Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance | Learn more about Long-Term Care Insurance and how to apply for a policy at acl.gov. | Seniors who already have long-term care insurance may be able to use it to pay for skilled nursing care. Most policies cover at least a portion of the cost, but it depends on the specific policy terms. Note that older adults who are already in need of skilled nursing care will not typically be eligible to sign up for a LTC insurance policy. |
Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Arizona
There are many resources in Arizona that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.
Area Agency on Aging
Retirees can find support and advice on various senior-related issues from their local Area Agency on Aging. The agency provides advice on topics such as financial assistance programs, in-home care and long-term care planning. It also connects seniors and caregivers with community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Area Agencies on Aging | Arizona's Area Agencies on Aging provide support and advocacy for older residents, empowering them to remain in their homes where desirable. Accessible remotely and at a selection of statewide locations, they connect senior Arizonans, along with families and caregivers, to a range of support services. These include home-delivered meals and assistance with self-managing chronic health conditions. A 24-hour accessible senior helpline is also available at (888)-783-7500. |
Cash Assistance Programs
Cash assistance programs in Arizona provide financial support to help low-income retirees remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Seniors and caregivers can apply for tax rebates and reductions, discounts on vital services and help covering the cost of heating and cooling their home.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Lifeline Program | 800-234-9473 | The LifeLine Program offers a discount on landline or mobile telephone service, ensuring that participants can stay in contact with loved ones. |
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Whether living in their own home or in a senior living community, Arizona seniors can find financial assistance from numerous local resources. These organizations help residents cover some of the costs associated with in-home or long-term care and connect them with other helpful community-based resources.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) | The Arizona Long Term Care System covers a comprehensive array of supportive services for individuals who are aged or disabled. This program pays for nursing home care and community-based alternatives that can help you remain in your own home or in a residential setting of your choice. It covers in-home care, personal care attendants, assisted living, adult day health care and other services |
Food Assistance Programs
Local organizations help ensure elderly citizens have a balanced diet and receive essential vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. Through nutrition programs, congregate meals, home-delivered meals and food pantries, these programs help Arizona seniors afford the nutritious food they need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Commodity Senior Food Program (CSFP) | Arizona's Commodity Senior Food Program serves the needs of low-income seniors in the state through monthly deliveries or pickups of nutritious foods. Packages available through the CSFP include canned meats, fruits and vegetables as well as milk, cereal, rice and pasta. The food for the program is purchased by Arizona from the USDA. Seniors must meet income qualifications to participate. | |
| Arizona Coordinated Hunger Relief Program | The Arizona Department of Economic Security Coordinated Hunger Relief Program coordinates food assistance from various federal, state and local organizations to maximize resources and ensure that the nutritional needs of poor and vulnerable seniors are met. The program also administers The Emergency Food Assistance Program that distributes food from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to low-income residents, including seniors. To qualify, a senior's gross household income should not exceed $25,142 per year for one person or $33,874 for two. | |
| Arizona Meals on Wheels | Arizona seniors can access nutritious meals through the Arizona Meals on Wheels program. Those unable to travel can have pre-prepared meals delivered to their door. While making deliveries, Meals on Wheels volunteers also provide much-needed companionship and safety checks. Meals are generally provided on a sliding fee scale depending on individual circumstances. Older residents who are mobile can attend congregate meals held in senior centers, cafes and other venues throughout the state, where seniors gather together for socialization. | |
| Arizona Senior Farmers Markets Nutrition Program (SFMNP) | The Arizona Senior Farmers Markets Nutrition Program provides vouchers for seniors to use to buy fresh food at their local farmer's market. Seniors qualify for this program based on income, and they must be age 60 or older to apply. Some locations that participate in SFMNP offer Community Supported Agriculture boxes of produce, which removes the need to travel to and shop at the farmer's market. | |
| Arizona C.R.I.T. Food Distribution Program | 928-669-1283 | The C.R.I.T. Food Distribution Program in Parker, AZ, serves low-income seniors and others in the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation area, including Riverside and San Bernardino counties in California and La Paz County in Arizona. The nutrition assistance program provides USDA-approved foods and fresh-grown produce to supplement groceries for the month. Eligible elderly and disabled residents may qualify for home meal delivery. Recipients must complete an application, and food distribution is available on weekdays by appointment. |
| Arizona The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) | The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federally supported program that provides free emergency food packages to low-income individuals and seniors in times of need. In each monthly food box, seniors receive shelf-stable foods, including canned or dried fruits, vegetables, pasta, bread and bottled juices. Seniors must have a total household income of less than 185% of the federal poverty line to be eligible for emergency food assistance, and they can find many participating distributors across Arizona. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
Due to the high cost of purchasing new medical equipment, several organizations in Arizona collect lightly used medical devices such as wheelchairs, ramps and walkers and distribute them to local seniors and residents in need.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Loans for Assistive Technology (AZLAT) | 800-477-9921 | Operated by Northern Arizona University, this assistive technology program stocks approximately 4,000 AT and AT-related products, including items that help with hearing and vision loss and functional needs. |
Home Repair and Modifications
Seniors and those with disabilities can access a variety of local resources to help them pay for home repairs and modifications. Programs in Arizona have different eligibility criteria and often assist retirees by providing grants or loans.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Emergency Repairs and Housing Rehabilitation | The Arizona Department of Housing provides community block grants to help fund emergency repairs in designated areas. | |
| Arizona Weatherization Assistance Program | The Weatherization Assistance Program covers the cost of energy-efficient upgrades and home improvements. |
Legal Resources
Many organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to Arizona seniors. Older adults can access advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills and power of attorney. Some firms also act as long-term care ombudsmen, advocating for the rights of seniors in senior living communities.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Community Legal Services | 602-258-3434 | Seniors and low-income adults can access advice and representation for legal issues here. On a pro-bono basis, attorneys with this agency can help seniors resolve tax issues with the IRS and access health care and public benefits. This organization also runs a resource center with self-help information and forms. |
Senior Engagement
Senior engagement resources and programs in Arizona help older adults remain active and ensure they contribute to the community. Resources include wellness programs, volunteer opportunities, support groups and organizations that help residents connect with the community to live fulfilling lives.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Complete Health Avondale Resource Center | 623-333-2741 | Avondale residents aged 60 and older enjoy several fun activities and events at this community center. Participants can sign up for fitness classes, bingo, raffles and more. Transportation service is available to and from the campus. |
Social Security Offices
Social Security offices in Arizona help seniors and disabled people access the benefits they're entitled to. Older adults can contact their local office for information about receiving retirement benefits, disability allowance and Supplemental Security Income.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Social Security | Social Security is a source of income available to retirees and people who can no longer work because of a disability. The money for Social Security comes from a payroll tax levied on employers, employees and self-employed individuals. When you retire, you'll receive monthly payments based on how much you earned when you were working. |
Tax Assistance
Seniors can apply for tax assistance from several Arizona resources. Elderly residents and those with disabilities could be eligible for tax exemptions on medical expenses, reductions on property tax and other tax assistance programs.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Senior Property Tax Freeze | The Arizona Department of Revenue allows seniors to request a property valuation protection option on their primary residence. This program will freeze the assessed value of a senior's home for three years. Tax rates may fluctuate based on local regulations. Applications are processed by your County Assessor. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
Low-income seniors who are struggling to meet the costs of maintaining their homes can find support from organizations that offer assistance with utility and energy bills. Arizona retirees could also qualify for emergency funding programs if they're in danger of losing utility services due to unpaid invoices.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) | 866-494-1981 | LIHEAP provides one payment per 12-month period to income-eligible families. Funds can help with unpaid energy bills, deposits and some energy-efficient energy bills, deposits and some energy-efficient |
Veteran's Services
Arizona retirees who have served in the U.S. military can find support from local veteran services. These offices and organizations help vets access the benefits they're eligible for and provide advice and information on a variety of issues.
| Program Name | Phone Number | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona VA Benefits and Health Care | Arizona VA Benefits and Health Care is a support network offering extensive services to senior veterans. It provides comprehensive health care solutions, including mental health and PTSD support. The program assists with disability compensation, pensions and home loans to help seniors have the financial support they need. It also assists with burials and memorials, demonstrating its commitment to the veteran community. |
Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Arizona
| Nursing Home Laws and Regulations in Arizona | |
|---|---|
| Licensing Requirements | Title 9, Chapter 10, Article 1 of the Arizona Administrative Code requires all nursing homes to be licensed as nursing care institutions. Licenses must be renewed annually. The state has the right to suspend or revoke licenses of facilities that don't comply with the nursing home laws laid out in Title 9, Chapter 10, Article 4. |
| Staffing Requirements | Facilities must verify that all staff have appropriate skills and education for their positions. For positions that require licensing, such as registered nurses, the facility must document staff members’ licenses. Employees must hold valid fingerprint clearance cards. During each shift, nursing homes must have enough staff on-site to provide adequate care to residents. The Arizona Administrative Code doesn’t mandate specific staff-to-resident ratios. A negative tuberculosis test is required for all staff who will interact with residents for at least eight hours per week. |
| Staff Training Requirements | New staff members must receive orientation before caring for residents. Nursing home administrators must also provide appropriate continuing education for staff. |
| Admission Restrictions | Seniors must be assessed by a registered nurse before being admitted to a nursing home. Seniors who need care outside of the facility's scope of services can't be admitted. |
| Care Planning Requirements | Within 14 days of moving into a nursing home, residents must be assessed by a registered nurse. A care plan must be created that addresses any health conditions identified in the assessment. This plan must aim to help the resident maintain or restore their abilities. |
| Dietary and Nutritional Services Requirement | Nursing homes that prepare meals on-site must be licensed as food establishments. Residents must be provided with three meals and one snack each day, and the menus must be based on the federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans policy and reviewed by a registered dietitian. Nutritionally similar substitutions must be available on request. |
| Specialized Rehabilitative Services | Nursing homes aren't required to offer rehabilitation services, such as physical therapy. In facilities that choose to offer them, rehabilitation services can only be provided by licensed individuals. |
| Medication and Pharmaceutical Services | Nursing homes may only administer medications that a resident's physician has prescribed. At least once every three months, residents' prescriptions must be reviewed by a pharmacist. Residents have the right to be informed about their prescriptions, including possible side effects. If medication errors occur, residents' physicians must be notified. |
| Activities Requirements | Administrators must employ a qualified person to manage the facility's recreational activities. All communities must create a monthly activity calendar and display it in a visible location. Recreational activities must meet residents' needs. |
| Infection Control Requirements | Arizona' nursing homes must create an infection control program that includes tracking of communicable diseases and procedures to control infections. These procedures must cover disinfection, hand hygiene and personal protective equipment, as well as policies for dealing with medical waste. |
| Medicaid Coverages | Seniors who meet medical and financial requirements can receive nursing home care through the Arizona Long Term Care System, a part of the state's Medicaid program. |
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