Health Insurance for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities who Need Long Term Care

What Happens When You Apply for ALTCS?

  • If someone applies for the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) and has a developmental disability, they might be referred to the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) if they haven’t already applied.
    • DDD is part of the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). It helps people in Arizona who have certain disabilities.
    • ALTCS and DDD are different programs, but they work together to help people.
  • If you qualify for both ALTCS and DDD, a DDD Support Coordinator will help you get services.
  • You can apply for DDD before or after you apply for ALTCS.
  • Information about applying for DDD is in the DDD-2069A DDD Eligibility Packet. DDD-2069A - DDD Eligibility Packet.

Who Needs a DDD Referral?

  • You need a DDD referral if you are applying for ALTCS and have one of these disabilities that started before you turned 18:
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder
    • Epilepsy
    • Cognitive or Intellectual Disability
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Down Syndrome
  • If you are under 6 years old and don’t have one of these disabilities but have a medical condition that puts you at risk of having a developmental disability, you need a DDD referral.

    NOTE: If you start getting DD services before you turn 6 and don’t have one of the listed disabilities, your case will be checked again when you turn 6. You’ll need a formal diagnosis of one of those disabilities to keep receiving services from DDD.
  • If you haven’t started a DDD application, ALTCS can help you with it.
  • Your ALTCS application can’t be completed until DDD decides if you are, or are not, eligible for their program.
  • If you are under 6 years old and don’t have one of these disabilities but have a medical condition that might cause a developmental disability, you might still need a DDD referral. When you turn 6, you’ll need to be checked again to keep getting help.

What Forms Will ALTCS Send You if you Need a Referral?

ALTCS will send you or your representative these forms to sign and return within 15 days:

  • DDD Application
  • DDD Release of Medical Document
  • Authorization to Disclose Protected Health Information to AHCCCS

ALTCS will send your signed forms and medical records to DDD. If you don’t return the forms to ALTCS, ALTCS can’t help with your DDD application, and the ALTCS application will continue using the same standards used to assess elderly or physically disabled people.

What Do You Need to Do?

To help ALTCS with your DDD referral, you or your representative should:

  • Give medical records and signed forms to the ALTCS worker
  • Give a birth certificate, medical insurance card, and proof of Arizona residency to the DDD worker
  • Send more medical records if needed
  • Tell both agencies if your contact information changes
  • Keep in touch with your DDD worker and the Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) Assessor
  • Return phone calls quickly
  • Give any extra information as soon as possible
  • Tell the PAS Assessor when you get your DDD eligibility decision

After DDD decides if you are eligible, the ALTCS PAS assessor will set up a medical interview to see if you qualify for ALTCS.

Additional Information

Please use the Applicants Menu on the left for information about how to apply, covered services, available health plans, and additional resources. For other questions please contact your nearest ALTCS office.

Filing an Application for the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) - DE-828 | Rich Text Version

Llenando una Solicitud para el Sistema de Cuidados a Largo Plazo de Arizona (ALTCS) - DE-828 | Rich Text Version