AHCCCS raised the private pay rate used in ALTCS transfer-penalty calculations to $9,117.67 for Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties, effective October 1, 2026. For a Phoenix-area family, the first question is which rate applies to the person.
Last verified: October 12, 2026. This guide explains public rules for a family planning conversation. AHCCCS determines eligibility and the individual calculation; consult an Arizona elder-law attorney about a proposed asset transfer.
What changed on October 1?
The AHCCCS rate history separates Maricopa, Pima and Pinal from Arizona's other counties. The new table runs through September 30, 2027. These figures are the divisor in a transfer-penalty calculation. A home-care quote is a separate document with its own hours, services and terms.
| County group | Oct. 2025 to Sept. 2026 | Oct. 2026 to Sept. 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Maricopa, Pima, Pinal | $8,666.72 | $9,117.67 |
| All other Arizona counties | $8,132.22 | $8,239.92 |
Source: AHCCCS, Prior Private Pay Rates, checked October 12, 2026.
How does the calculation work?
Under AHCCCS policy MA905, divide the uncompensated value by the applicable rate. Keep whole months; multiply the remaining fraction by 30, then drop any fraction of a day.
Illustration only: assume AHCCCS has determined an uncompensated value of $20,000 and that no exemption changes it. Using $9,117.67 gives about 2.19354 months: two months and five days. Using $8,666.72 gives about 2.30768 months: two months and nine days. These are comparisons of two applicable-rate scenarios, not a recalculation of one person's existing notice.
The policy also says an established penalty's length does not change unless the full transferred amount is returned. Confirm the start date separately; this example does not establish a calendar end date.
Check the transfer before relying on the example
AHCCCS policy MA904 covers compensation for non-exempt transfers. Receiving less than full value leaves an uncompensated amount that can lead to a period without long-term-care services. When the compensation equals or exceeds the resource's value, the transfer does not affect long-term-care services.
A useful preparation step is to make one folder for the transaction. Add the transfer date, the value at that time, and what the person received in return. Depending on the transaction, relevant records may include account statements, checks, deeds or loan documents. Ask the eligibility worker which records are required; a family summary alone may not establish the value.
Payments for caregiving deserve their own review. MA904 counts personal care as compensation only under a valid contract made before the services were provided, with payments made under its terms. Before treating payments to a relative as compensation, have the actual agreement and payment history reviewed.
Keep the care plan beside the benefits paperwork
A benefits question can take over the family conversation while ordinary tasks still need covering. Make a separate weekly plan for meals, dressing, transportation, companionship and the hours when someone will be alone. Write down who can reliably help, what remains uncovered, and when the plan needs to begin.
Then request current written pricing for the uncovered hours. Heritage's Scottsdale and Phoenix home-care cost guide explains how to compare hours and pricing assumptions. Keep any provider quote separate from the AHCCCS private pay rate so the same dollar figure does not end up doing two different jobs in the family budget.
For the benefits process, AHCCCS's application policy requires a financial interview and a Pre-Admission Screening (PAS) that decides whether the person needs the level of care provided in a hospital, skilled nursing facility or intermediate care facility. A single calculation cannot establish approval. The official ALTCS overview explains where to begin an application and that qualifying members may receive services at home or in community settings.
Five questions for the next conversation
- Ask AHCCCS which first-approval month, county and private pay rate it used.
- Ask AHCCCS which transaction values and compensation records still need verification.
- Ask the adviser reviewing the notice what the stated start and end dates mean for the care plan.
- Ask the family which days and tasks it can cover, and which need paid support.
- Ask the care provider which hours, services, minimums and payment terms appear in the written quote.
Keep the answers in the same folder, with the name of the person who answered and the date. If the concern is a reduction of existing services, Heritage's ALTCS appeal guide covers a different set of questions about notices and continued benefits.
Rates, applications and support at home
01Is the $9,117.67 figure Heritage Home Care's monthly price?
No. It is AHCCCS's published transfer-penalty calculation rate for Maricopa, Pima and Pinal counties for October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027. Ask Heritage for a separate written quote based on your family's non-medical care needs.
02Does the October rate shorten a penalty that is already running?
An established penalty does not change merely because the annual rate changes. Ask AHCCCS to confirm the rate and dates on the individual notice.
03Where can a family start an ALTCS application?
AHCCCS's ALTCS overview links to the Health-e-Arizona Plus application instructions. Eligibility involves more than this calculation, so use the agency's application process for the person's circumstances.
04Can an ALTCS member receive services at home?
AHCCCS says qualifying ALTCS members can receive services in home or community settings. Confirm eligibility, the care plan and provider participation directly with AHCCCS and the person's health plan.
Talk through the help your family needs at home
Heritage provides non-medical personal care and companion care in Scottsdale and Maricopa County. Bring a simple weekly schedule to the conversation and ask about current service availability and pricing. Benefits eligibility and provider coverage should be confirmed with AHCCCS and the person's health plan.
Call (480) 418-4100 or read about the in-home assessment.
Sources checked October 12, 2026
- AHCCCS revision history, September 29, 2026 private pay rate update.
- AHCCCS MA905: transfer penalty period, revised September 29, 2026.
- AHCCCS: prior private pay rates, including October 2026 to September 2027.
- AHCCCS MA904: compensation received for transfers.
- AHCCCS MA1303: ALTCS application process.
- AHCCCS: ALTCS eligibility and application overview.