The Arizona Long Term Care System
Report 1 in a Series of State Case Studies
Arizona began providing acute care services to Medicaid eligible residents in 1982 through the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), a Section 1115 Research and Demonstraction Waiver demonstration program approved by the US Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). Long term care services were covered under the Arizona Long Term Care system (ALTCS) beginning in December 1998 under an amendment to the 1115 demonstration waiver.
ALTCS provides acute care, behavioral health and long term care services to the elderly, the physically disabled and people with developmental disabilities with incomes up to 300% of the federal SSI benefit standard ($1374 in 1995). Members must also meet the nursing facility level of care criteria to participate. Enrollment in the managed care long term care system is mandatory (members cannot choose a fee for service system).
| 1995.Dec_.managed.care_.long_.term_.care_.Arizona.system.state_.case_.studies.pdf | 2.7 MB |
For individuals living with complex, often chronic conditions, and their families, palliative care can provide relief from symptoms, improve satisfaction and outcomes, and help address critical mental and spiritual needs during difficult times. Now more than ever, there is growing recognition of the importance of palliative care services for individuals with serious illness, such as advance care planning, pain and symptom management, care coordination, and team-based, multi-disciplinary support. These services can help patients and families cope with the symptoms and stressors of disease, better anticipate and avoid crises, and reduce unnecessary and/or unwanted care. While this model is grounded in evidence that demonstrates improved quality of life, better outcomes, and reduced cost for patients, only a fraction of individuals who could benefit from palliative care receive it. 
