Which ALTCS Health Plans Cover Assisted Living? Mercy Care, Banner & UnitedHealthcare Explained

Fall is a busy season for families in Apache Junction. Cooler weather brings holiday plans and more time together. It is also a time when many families start planning care for an aging parent. If your loved one qualifies for ALTCS, there is one more choice to make. You need to pick from the ALTCS health plans that serve your area. Each plan pays for care, assigns a case manager, and works with a network of providers. This guide explains each option in simple terms. It comes from the caring team at Visions Assisted Living, where we help local families understand senior care choices.

Which ALTCS Plans Cover Assisted Living? The Quick Answer

In the Central region of Arizona, three ALTCS health plans serve seniors and adults with physical disabilities. The Central region includes Maricopa, Gila, and Pinal counties. The plans are:

1. Mercy Care
2. Banner – University Family Care
3. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

All three can help pay for care services in ALTCS-approved assisted living homes. Room and board is not covered by any plan. The right choice often depends on which doctors and communities are in each plan’s network.

AHCCCS extended these plan contracts through September 30, 2026, and planned a new bidding round for fall 2026. Plan options can change, so confirm the current list with AHCCCS before you choose.

What Do ALTCS Health Plans Do?

ALTCS is the long-term care program of AHCCCS, Arizona’s Medicaid agency. AHCCCS decides who qualifies. The health plan then manages your loved one’s care. Each plan:

• Pays for approved care services in assisted living
• Covers doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions
• Assigns an ALTCS case manager
• Keeps a network of approved providers and care homes

Meet the Plans: Mercy Care, Banner, and UnitedHealthcare

1. Mercy Care ALTCS

Mercy Care ALTCS is a long-time Arizona Medicaid plan. It has served ALTCS members in Maricopa County for many years. It also serves Pinal, Gila, and Pima counties. Many families choose it for its wide local network.

2. Banner University Family Care ALTCS

Banner University Family Care ALTCS is part of Banner Health. It may be a good fit if your loved one already sees Banner doctors or uses Banner hospitals. Staying in one health system can make care easier to manage.

3. UnitedHealthcare Community Plan ALTCS

UnitedHealthcare Community Plan ALTCS serves members in many Arizona counties. This includes Maricopa and Pinal. Families who may move within the state sometimes like its wide reach.

Each of these ALTCS health plans covers the same core benefits. The biggest differences are their networks, their service style, and their case management teams.

ALTCS Contractors in Pinal County and Maricopa County

Apache Junction sits mostly in Pinal County, with a small part in Maricopa County. This matters because your county decides your plan choices. The ALTCS contractors in Pinal County are the same three plans that serve Maricopa County:

• Mercy Care
• Banner – University Family Care
• UnitedHealthcare Community Plan

AHCCCS lets members in these counties choose their plan. If you do not choose, AHCCCS will assign one.

What Does an ALTCS Case Manager Do?

Your ALTCS case manager is your main guide once your loved one is approved. This person works for the health plan. Their role includes:

1. Visiting your loved one to review care needs
2. Building a care plan with you and your family
3. Helping you find an approved assisted living home
4. Checking in on a regular schedule
5. Updating services when health needs change

A good relationship with the case manager makes a big difference. Share questions and concerns early and often.

Choosing an ALTCS Plan: A Simple Checklist

Choosing an ALTCS plan can feel confusing at first. Use these steps to make it easier:

1. List current doctors. Check which plans include your loved one’s doctors and specialists.
2. Check your preferred community. Ask the assisted living home which ALTCS health plans it accepts.
3. Review hospitals and pharmacies. Make sure the ones you use are in network.
4. Ask about case management. Find out how often the case manager visits.
5. Consider Medicare coverage. If your loved one has a Medicare plan, ask how it works with each ALTCS plan.
6. Call each plan. Ask questions and notice how clearly they answer.

Fall is a helpful time to do this research. Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, so you can review both types of coverage together.

Can You Change ALTCS Plans Later?

Yes, in most cases. Members can usually change plans during a yearly enrollment window. Some changes are also allowed for special reasons, such as a move. Talk with AHCCCS or your case manager before you switch. A change can affect which doctors and care homes you can use.

At our assisted living community in Apache Junction, we help families check plan details before move-in. The team at Visions Assisted Living is glad to answer your questions along the way.

Find the Right Fit Before the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for comfort and connection. A clear care plan lets your family enjoy it with more peace of mind. It also gives your loved one a safe, warm place to call home.

Comparing ALTCS health plans is easier with a caring partner by your side. At Visions Assisted Living, we help Apache Junction families understand their ALTCS options, work with case managers, and plan a smooth move. Our team treats every resident like family. Take action now to schedule a tour, ask which ALTCS health plans we work with, and see how we can support your loved one this season.