Making Sense of Arizona's Long-Term Care System

Confused by long-term care options and who pays? AARP Arizona has a new video to help families navigate this complex system.

The video explains the basics, including the types of providers, who pays for the care, and barriers to obtaining affordable coverage. 

“The sooner you think about what long-term care looks like for you and your family, the better off you’ll be,” says Dana Kennedy, state director for AARP Arizona.

One fact that may come as a surprise to some: Medicare generally does not cover long-term care. Instead, Medicaid—the federal-state health insurance program for low-income Americans—is the nation’s largest payer.  

Under the state’s Medicaid program, the Arizona Long Term Care System covers care in institutions, such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities, as well as home- and community-based services. But Medicaid’s strict income and asset limits make it difficult for many people to qualify. 

To learn more, watch the video at aarp.org/azLTC. 

To become a volunteer advocate and join AARP’s efforts to improve Arizona’s long-term care system, call 866-389-5649 or visit aarp.org/az. 

—James E. Garcia