How to Become a Paid Caregiver for a Family Member in Arizona
Want to learn how to become a caregiver for a family member in Arizona? In this article we discuss how to get paid by the state for taking care of a family member. Specifically, we focus on the ALTCS program (Arizona Long Term Care System).
Please note that this article focuses on how to become a paid caregiver for a family member that is elderly or disabled. It does not address how to get paid by the state for taking care of a family member with developmental disabilities. Rules and processes may differ for consumers with developmental disabilities.
Want to learn how much you may be able to get paid to care for a family member? Please complete the form below to request a pay quote.
Please Complete the Following Form to Get a Pay Quote for a Family Caregiver:
Family Caregivers in Arizona can get paid to provide home care services for their loved ones. The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) covers the cost of home care services for eligible Arizonans. We will outline ALTCS eligibility and how to enroll in ALTCS. We will also discuss how to become a certified caregiver for a family member – explaining the required caregiver training and documentation. Additionally, we discuss how much family members get paid for caregiving, and more.
Table of Contents
Coverage for a Paid Family Caregiver
What is ALTCS?
ALTCS Family Caregiver
ALTCS Eligibility
ALTCS Enrollment
Which Family Members are Allowed to be Caregivers?
Caregiver Training
Required Caregiver Documentation
Caregiver Pay Rate and Salary
ALTCS, CDPAP, and IHSS
Locations We Service
Coverage for a Paid Family Caregiver
In order for a family member to get paid by the state to provide care, the consumer must first qualify to receive home care under the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). Arizonans must be found eligible both financially and medically to qualify for ALTCS coverage for home care.
What is ALTCS?
The Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) is Arizona’s Medicaid program for long-term care services. ALTCS covers a wide range of services including nursing home, assisted living, and home care.
ALTCS Family Caregiver
ALTCS allows family members to get paid as caregivers for their elderly and disabled loved ones receiving in-home care. In fact, while family caregivers are required to have some training, they are not required to have the same level of training required for non-family caregivers. See Question 12 of these AHCCSS FAQs on the Direct Care Worker (DCW) Training Program.
ALTCS Eligibility
Financial Eligibility
Financial eligibility considers both a consumers monthly income as well as their assets (e.g. money in the bank). Consumers are allowed up to $2,982 in monthly income and $2,000 in assets. Some forms of income and assets are not included and married consumers are allowed higher financial limits.
Consumers whose financials do not meet the above criteria can often still qualify for Medicaid.
Financial calculations can become complex and it can be worthwhile for consumers to consult with someone experienced with ALTCS eligibility and the ALTCS application process.
Medical Eligibility
Consumers must be determined to need a nursing facility level of care. An ALTCS medical assessor will conduct a Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) to determine if a consumer is eligible.
ALTCS Enrollment
Consumer enrollment to receive home care under ALTCS can be broken down into the following stages:
- Financial Assessment
- Health Assessment
- Managed Care Plan Assessment
Financial Assessment
The first stage of enrollment involves a financial assessment to determine if a consumer meets the financial criteria to be eligible to receive Arizona Long-Term Care benefits (see above Eligibility > Financial Eligibility).
Health Assessment
The second stage of enrollment involves a health assessment to determine if a consumer meets the clinical criteria to be eligible to receive Arizona Long-Term Care benefits (see above Eligibility > Medical Eligibility).
Managed Care Plan Assessment
Consumers that are determined to qualify both financially and medically will be given the choice to choose between one of three Managed Care plans that administer Medicaid long-term care benefits in Arizona. These Plans are Banner, United HealthCare, and Mercy.
After selecting a plan, a representative from the plan will conduct an assessment to determine the long-term care services for which the consumer qualifies. Once the consumer enrolls in the plan they can begin receiving services.
Which Family Members are Allowed to be Caregivers?
The following are answers to some common questions about which family members can get paid to take care of their loved ones:
Can children get paid to care for their elderly parents?
Yes. Children can get paid to take care of their elderly or disabled parents – whether it is their mother or father.
Can spouses get paid to care for their significant other?
Yes. Spouses can get paid to take care of their significant other – whether it is their husband or wife.
Can siblings get paid to care for their brother or sister?
Yes. Siblings can get paid to take care of their brother or sister.
Can grandchildren get paid to care for their grandparents?
Yes. Grandchildren can get paid to take care of their grandparents – whether it is their grandfather or grandmother.
Caregiver Training
Caregivers are required to complete mandatory training in order to become a caregiver for a family member. Family Caregivers are required to complete Level 1 of Direct Care Worker (DCW) training. They must also be certified in CPR and First Aid.
Required Caregiver Documentation
- Caregivers will need to have and maintain an Arizona Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card. You can apply for a card online at the Arizona Department of Public Safety website.
- Caregivers will need to complete and provide the required documentation for Form I-9. Examples of acceptable forms of documentation can be found on Page 2 of the form.
Caregiver Pay Rate and Salary
How much do family members get paid for caregiving?
The Pay Rate for family caregivers in Arizona at our agency begins at $16/hour. This does not reflect the highest pay rate available in Arizona at our agency. Additionally, our agency’s starting pay rate in your area may be higher.
The family caregiver’s salary at our agency will depend upon both the pay rate and the number of hours approved by the consumer’s Medicaid plan. The amount of hours approved can vary significantly depending upon the needs of the consumer.
Our starting pay rates are listed by county and city in the charts below.
There are a number of factors that can impact a family caregiver’s pay rate. Please feel free to contact us to inquire about your situation. Simply give us a call at 602-848-2460 or complete the form below to request a pay quote.
How much does ALTCS pay family caregivers?
Most family caregivers that get paid to care for their loved ones under ALTCS receive their pay through an ALTCS approved agency. The agency determines the caregiver’s hourly pay rate. Crystal Home Care AZ (that’s us!) is an ALTCS approved agency. The pay rate for family caregivers at our agency begins at $16/hour.
The total pay that the caregiver receives will also depend on the amount of hours the consumer is approved to receive. For elderly and disabled consumers, the amount of hours a consumer receives is usually determined by the consumer’s Managed Care plan and can vary significantly depending on the consumer’s needs.
Please Complete the Following Form to Get a Pay Quote for a Family Caregiver:
The following are our starting pay rates by region:
Counties
| Maricopa County | $16/hour |
| Pima County | $16/hour |
| Pinal County | $16/hour |
| Yavapai County | $16/hour |
| Mohave County | $16/hour |
| Yuma County | $16/hour |
| Coconino County | $16/hour. Flagstaff – $18.50/hour. |
| Cochise County | $16/hour |
| Navajo County | $16/hour |
| Apache County | $16/hour |
| Gila County | $16/hour |
| Santa Cruz County | $16/hour |
| Graham County | $16/hour |
| La Paz County | $16/hour |
| Greenlee County | $16/hour |
Cities
| Phoenix, AZ | $16/hour |
| Tucson, AZ | $16/hour |
| Mesa, AZ | $16/hour |
| Gilbert, AZ | $16/hour |
| Chandler, AZ | $16/hour |
| Glendale, AZ | $16/hour |
| Scottsdale, AZ | $16/hour |
| Peoria, AZ | $16/hour |
| Tempe, AZ | $16/hour |
| Surprise, AZ | $16/hour |
| Goodyear, AZ | $16/hour |
| Buckeye, AZ | $16/hour |
| San Tan Valley, AZ | $16/hour |
| Yuma, AZ | $16/hour |
| Avondale, AZ | $16/hour |
| Queen Creek, AZ | $16/hour |
| Maricopa, AZ | $16/hour |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $18.50/hour |
| Casa Grande, AZ | $16/hour |
| Casas Adobes, AZ | $16/hour |
| Marana, AZ | $16/hour |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $16/hour |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $16/hour |
| Catalina Foothills, AZ | $16/hour |
| Oro Valley, AZ | $16/hour |
| Prescott, AZ | $16/hour |
| Apache Junction, AZ | $16/hour |
ALTCS, CDPAP, and IHSS
Is ALTCS the same as the CDPAP Program?
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a New York Medicaid program. ALTCS is an Arizona Medicaid program for long-term care services which allows family caregivers to get paid. While in some cases the end result for the consumer may be similar (i.e. a caregiver can get paid to take care of a family member), details may differ.
Is ALTCS the same as IHSS?
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a California Medicaid program. ALTCS is an Arizona Medicaid program for long-term care services which allows family caregivers to get paid. While in some cases the end result for the consumer may be similar (i.e. a caregiver can get paid to take care of a family member), details may differ.
Locations We Service
We service the entire state of Arizona (AZ), including all counties, the tribal areas, and rural regions. So, wherever you live in AZ, we would be honored to help with your home care needs.