Assisted Living in Arizona

Arizona's Medicaid program is the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). This AHCCCS program, called SSI-MAO, is for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled. It pays for doctor visits, hospital care, lab work, x-rays, and prescriptions. It does not pay for assisted living or long-term care. For that, see ALTCS below.

If you get SSI, you get AHCCCS automatically. Otherwise, in 2026 your monthly income must be $1,330 or less for one person, or $1,804 or less for a couple. There is no asset limit.

ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid program for long-term care. It serves people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and need the level of care a nursing home gives. You do not have to live in a nursing home. ALTCS can pay for care in your own home or in an assisted living facility that works with your ALTCS health plan. After you qualify, you join an ALTCS health plan and get a case manager who plans your services with you.

In an assisted living facility, ALTCS pays the facility for the supervision and personal care it gives you. Doctor visits, therapy, medical equipment, and behavioral health care are billed separately and also covered. ALTCS does not pay room and board. Your health plan sets the room and board amount, and you pay it yourself, or someone can pay it for you.

You may also owe a monthly share of cost toward your care. If you live in an assisted living facility or your own home, ALTCS first lets you keep $2,982 a month in 2026 as a personal needs allowance. It also subtracts health insurance premiums and some medical bills that ALTCS does not cover. Any income left is your share of cost.

In 2026, a single person can have up to $2,982 a month in gross income and $2,000 in countable assets. Your home, one vehicle, household belongings, burial plots, and up to $1,500 set aside for burial do not count. If you are married and your spouse lives at home, your spouse can keep between $32,532 and $162,660 of the couple's assets. After your death, the state can seek repayment from your estate for care you received after age 55.

The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. Part A covers hospital stays and a short period of skilled nursing care after a hospital stay. Part B covers doctor visits, outpatient care, and medical equipment. Medicare does not pay for assisted living rent or for help with daily tasks like bathing and dressing. In 2026, Part B costs $202.90 a month with a $283 yearly deductible, and the Part A hospital deductible is $1,736.

Plans sold by private insurers that replace Original Medicare. They must cover everything Original Medicare covers, and many add drug, dental, vision, or hearing coverage. Plans, costs, and doctor networks vary by county.

Drug plans that add prescription coverage to Original Medicare. Each plan has its own list of covered drugs and its own premium. Most Medicare Advantage plans already include drug coverage.

A federal program, also called the Part D Low-Income Subsidy, that pays most Part D premiums, deductibles, and drug copays. People who get Medicaid, SSI, or a Medicare Savings Program qualify automatically.

AHCCCS programs that pay Medicare costs for people with limited income. Anyone in QMB, SLMB, or QI-1 also qualifies for Extra Help.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) pays Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualifying Individual (QI-1) pay the Part B premium. Arizona has no asset limit for these programs.

Monthly income for retired workers, based on what you earned during your working years. You can spend it on anything, including assisted living. You need at least 40 work credits, which is about 10 years of work. Benefits can start at 62, and the monthly check is larger if you wait until full retirement age or later.

A monthly federal payment for people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have very little income and savings. Getting SSI usually qualifies you for Medicaid as well.