What is ALTCS?

MEDICAID/ARIZONA LONG TERM CARE SYSTEM

            Since 1982, Arizona has participated in the Medicaid program through the operation of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System ("AHCCCS") under a federal waiver allowing payment of federal Medicaid dollars into our homegrown version of a managed care program.  In 1987, the state legislature added long term care services to the AHCCCS program by establishing the Arizona Long Term Care System ("ALTCS") for Medicaid-eligible persons who are elderly (over age 65), or physically or developmentally disabled.  As a result, ALTCS is a separate division of AHCCCS, operating under Medicaid long term care rules.  Although the names are different, it is correct to say that ALTCS is Medicaid. 

            Benefits available under the ALTCS program range from home care services and assisted living to care rendered in an adult foster care home or skilled nursing facility.  Because ALTCS is a needs-based program, a person must be both medically and financially "needy" before long term care services are rendered.  

Why having a Trust is better than a Will

A Revocable Trust dictates how your want your property to be handled while you are alive as well as distributed after your death.  If a person dies without a Trust, there could be a probate to determine how to distribute your estate.  This can become a lengthy and costly process.  Having a Last Will and Testament in place can help the courts determine how to make distributions, but it does not avoid the probate process.  The probate process validates the Last Will and Testament if one exists, however this process allows public access to the deceased’s estate and it opens up the estate’s distributions for public viewing.   That is why you should not only create a Will but a Trust as well.  If set up properly, the Revocable Trust will not go through the probate process, this is because the owner of the property (the Revocable Trust) did not pass away, just the person in the role of the Trustor or Grantor (you).  The successor Trustee will be able to step in and handle the affairs of the Trust, including the distribution of the assets.

Most families like to use Trusts to minimize inheritance taxes that can be associated with the transfer of assets from parents to children or grandchildren.  A Trust also allows parents to remain in control of their assets and decide on the distributions amounts and place age restrictions on the beneficiaries as to when they receive the assets.  It can also ensure providing for family members who are disabled.  Some Trusts can be created for the purpose of protecting assets and build lasting framework for the family’s wealth.  The key to a successful Revocable Living Trust is to create one that best suits the family’s needs and one that will function properly over time and ensure to fulfill the wishes of the Trustor.  For more information on creating your Revocable Trust, call the Dana Law Firm.

Ask the Expert series focuses on family pets - Your West Valley News: Elmirage

Ask the Expert series focuses on family pets - Your West Valley News: Elmirage