What Memory Care Services Does Medicaid Cover?
If you are caring for a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you understand that they need extra care. Depending on your circumstances, there are varying levels of memory care available for your family, ranging from drop-in adult day care to a trained health aide helping in your home to a residential memory care community.
If the time comes when your loved one might benefit from having access to 24-hour assistance and specialized care outside the home, memory care communities like BridgeWater Assisted Living provide a safe, loving environment with specially trained staff who help with activities of daily living, medication management, transportation, housekeeping, meals, social opportunities, and cognitive therapy programs.
As you explore your options, you might be worried about paying for specialized care. Medicaid can be a valuable financial resource to help pay some of these costs. Although Medicaid does not pay for room and board in a memory care community, some services are covered as long as the community you choose is Medicaid-certified.
Memory Care and Medicaid in Arizona
Medicaid is funded both at the federal level and state level. This means the covered services, payment amount, and payment method vary from state to state. In Arizona, the Medicaid program is called the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). Within AHCCCS, financial support for seniors and disabled recipients comes through the Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS).
Who Is Eligible for ALTCS Benefits?
Seniors or their families who need assistance with the costs of long-term care can apply for ALTCS if they:
- Are a U.S. citizen or resident
- Are 65 years of age or older
- Live in Arizona
- Have a qualifying medical condition
- Meet other income and health qualifications
If you meet the abovementioned requirements, you can apply online, visit an ALTCS office in person, or call 888-621-6880 toll-free.
What Memory Care Services Does ALTCS Cover?
ALTCS funds can be used to help pay for the following:
- Adult daycare programs and health services: therapeutic adult day care, supervised day programs, etc.
- Cognitive rehabilitation: such as BridgeWater’s Equilibrium cognitive therapy activities
- Educational activities: education and training that help the recipient better understand medication management, for instance
- Support services: some respite care, family support, and personal assistance
- Home health services: in-home medical care, therapy, and assistance
- Meals on Wheels or other home delivery meal program
- Dental services: up to $1000 annually
Other relevant memory care services may also be covered. It’s important to discuss your situation with the case manager assigned to you when you apply for ALTCS.
BridgeWater Assisted Living is Medicaid-Certified!
If you are looking for a memory care community in Arizona for your loved one with memory loss, consider BridgeWater Assisted Living. With our science-based memory care program, we proactively keep minds, bodies, and spirits nourished and engaged. Because we are Medicaid-certified, we can receive payment for long-term care benefits from ALTCS recipients. Our Community Benefits Advocates can answer any questions and discuss other financial solutions with you. We can’t wait to make a difference for your family!