A question we are frequently asked …
Does ALTCS take my loved one’s income when they qualify for ALTCS benefits?
The answer to that question is NO. They don’t TAKE the income. But they do assess a cost of care based on the ALTCS’ members income.
There is a myth that ALTCS somehow takes over the management of your loved one’s income and assets after approval. They do not. Instead ALTCS and the program contractor assess the Share of Cost and/or Room & Board payments. Most ALTCS members pay one or the other but if your loved one needs an income-only trust to qualify that person may incur both a Share of Cost and a Room and Board charge.
Then the family member who makes application typically writes out a check each month from the ALTCS member’s account to pay the Share of Cost and/or Room & Board amount.
If the ALTCS member resides in a nursing facility that person will ONLY incur a Share of Cost (often called the SOC). The Share of Cost is paid directly to the nursing facility each month.
If an ALTCS member resides in an assisted living home or assisted living facility that person will ONLY incur a Room & Board (R&B) payment unless he/she has an income-only trust. If paying just a Room & Board payment, it is paid directly to the assisted living home/facility each month. IF a Share of Cost is also assessed, that payment is paid to the ALTCS program contractor (in Maricopa County for year 2014-15 the program contactors are: Mercy Care Plan, Bridgeway, United Healthcare Community).
If an ALTCS member resides at home and receives services there, that person will ONLY incur a Share of Cost (SOC) if he/she has an income-only trust. Most ALTCS members who reside at home get to keep all of their income to pay for their living expenses. IF a Share of Cost is assessed, that payment is paid to the ALTCS program contractor.
Give us a call if you have Share of Cost or Room & Board questions. With over 47+ year’s experience, we can accurately estimate your loved one’s Share of Cost and/or Room & Board charges.
