FAQs

DDD stands for the Division of Developmental Disabilities, part of Arizona’s Department of Economic Security (DES). It helps people with certain developmental disabilities live safely, learn skills, and be more independent.

DDD provides services like:

• In-home caregivers (help with bathing, dressing, etc.)

• Respite care (breaks for family caregivers)

• Habilitation (teaching life skills like cooking or communication)

• Employment and job coaching

• Transportation to services

To qualify, a person must:

• Have a diagnosis of autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, an intellectual disability, or down syndrome

• Have had the disability before age 18

• Show that it limits their ability to function independently in daily life

ALTCS stands for the Arizona Long Term Care System (pronounced “ALL-techs”). It’s part of Arizona’s Medicaid program and helps people who need long-term care due to a physical or developmental disability, chronic illness, or aging.

ALTCS helps pay for:

• In-home caregivers

• Skilled nursing care or assisted living

• Therapies and medical equipment

• Home modifications

• Hospice care

• Transportation to medical appointments

To qualify for ALTCS, your loved one must:

• Need help with daily activities (like bathing, mobility, or supervision)

• Meet financial eligibility (limited income and resources)

• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen, and an Arizona resident

It can definitely be confusing at first, but here’s the simple breakdown:

In Arizona, DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) is the agency that coordinates and manages services for people with developmental disabilities; things like caregivers, habilitation (life skills training), respite, and more.

But DDD doesn’t pay for most of those services directly.

That’s where ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) comes in. ALTCS is part of Medicaid and is the funding source that pays for the services DDD sets up.

Thus, to receive services through DDD, a person must also qualify for ALTCS. It’s a two-part process:

1. DDD decides if the person has a qualifying developmental disability.

2. ALTCS decides if the person has a medical need and meets financial requirements.

When someone is approved for both, they can start receiving the full range of long-term care services through DDD, with Medicaid (ALTCS) covering the cost.

If someone is approved for DDD but not ALTCS, they won’t be eligible for many key services, like in-home care, respite, or habilitation, because those are funded through ALTCS.

Start with DDD.

In most cases, it’s best to apply for the DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) first, especially if your loved one is under age 18 or newly diagnosed with a developmental disability.

Why?

• DDD determines if your loved one qualifies for disability services (based on diagnosis, age of onset, and how the disability affects daily life).

• Once approved, DDD will coordinate services like respite, habilitation, and caregiving support.

• But those services need funding—which is where ALTCS comes in.

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Then apply for ALTCS.

After (or while) your DDD application is being processed, begin the ALTCS application. You don’t have to wait for full DDD approval to start, but it helps to have that determination underway.

ALTCS will evaluate:

• Medical need – whether your loved one needs help with daily living

• Financial eligibility – income and assets must be below certain limits

When someone is approved for both DDD and ALTCS, they can receive fully funded, long-term support services through Medicaid.

1. Download the application here:

   DDD Application Form – English & Spanish

2. Complete the application:

   Fill out all sections about the applicant’s medical history, diagnosis, and daily needs. If available, attach any relevant documentation, such as:

   • Medical or psychological evaluations

   • Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

   • School or therapy records

3. Submit the application one of three ways:

   Email: DDDApps@azdes.gov

   Fax: (602) 542-6870

   Mail:

   Department of Economic Security Division of Developmental Disabilities Intake Unit, 1789 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

4. Wait for contact from DDD:

   A DDD intake specialist will reach out to schedule an interview and request additional documentation if needed

5. If you have any questions about how to fill out the application or have any questions answered about DDD, then we recommend calling them or emailing them directly.

   Phone: 844 770 9500, option 1, TTY 711.

   Email: DDDCustomerServiceCenter@azdes.gov

Choose how to start, pick one method

Call: 888 621 6880

• Best when: You want to start today or you have questions.

• What to say: “I want to register an ALTCS application.”

• Have ready: Full name, date of birth, address, phone, county, AHCCCS ID if you have one, the applicant’s SSN (Social Security Number)

• What you get: A registration on file, next steps, and often a reference or case number. Ask for an email or mailed confirmation.

• Tip: Write down the date, time, and the person you spoke with. If you need an interpreter, ask for one.

• Helpful link:ALTCS Offices and Contacts

Email: altcsregistration@azahcccs.gov

• Best when: You want a written record and cannot hold on the phone.

• How to do it: Fill out DE 101, Request for Application (PDF), attach it, and send an email that includes your name, date of birth, address, phone, and county.

• Subject line idea: “ALTCS application registration for [Name, DOB].”

• Tip: Avoid sending a full Social Security Number by email. If they need it, ask for a secure way to provide it. You can request a reply that confirms receipt.

Online: Health e Arizona Plus

• Best when: You are comfortable online and want to upload documents or check status later.

• How to do it: Create or log in to your account, then start the ALTCS application or registration. Save your confirmation number.

• Have ready: Basic personal details, household information, and any income or resource info you already know.

• Plan for: About 30 to 45 minutes the first time. You can save and finish later.

• Start here: Health e Arizona Plus

Note: You only need to pick one of these. Calling, emailing, or applying online will all start the process.

Recommendation: For long term care related to a developmental disability, we usually recommend starting with the DDD application. DDD manages ALTCS services for people with developmental disabilities and coordinates the Medicaid health plan, so beginning here puts you on the right path.

Next step: After you are approved for DDD services, start your ALTCS application if long term services are needed.

DDD expects current medical, psychological, therapy, and school records when it reviews eligibility. If your prior packet was old or incomplete, update the records and apply again.

Practical tip: If your child’s evaluation and/or supporting documentation is more than one year old, schedule an updated evaluation. DDD asks for curre

Only ALTCS. If you are still approved for DDD, you do not need to reapply to DDD.

It’s important to know that multiple denials, whether for DDD or ALTCS, is not the end of the road! These programs have strict criteria, and unfortunately, even individuals with significant needs are sometimes denied due to missing documentation, unclear records, or misunderstanding of their situation.

We’ve worked with families who came to us after being denied several times, some had been turned down three to five times, before reaching out for help. Once we stepped in, we:

• Reviewed prior applications and denial letters to understand the exact issues

• Strengthen medical, psychological, or functional limitations documentation

• Clarifying how the disability impacts daily life

• Guided families through the reapplication process with confidence

In all of these cases, the same individuals who were denied over and over were eventually approved, once the right information was presented.

If this sounds like your situation, know that you’re not alone. We specialize in helping families navigate these complex systems and give your loved one the best possible chance at getting the services they need.

Congrats on the approvals! After you are approved for DDD and ALTCS, you will need to choose a DDD health plan, usually Mercy Care or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. American Indian or Alaska Native members may also choose the DDD American Indian Health Plan.

Choose the plan your current doctors and therapists accept. Or call your preferred clinic or hospital to ask which DDD ALTCS plans they take and whether they are accepting new patients. Some providers do not take both plans.

Make a short list of your key providers, including your pharmacy. Pick the plan that covers the most important ones.

Tip: If you do not have your AHCCCS Member ID yet, ask for it right away. Your ALTCS financial assessor, also called the financial eligibility worker, can give it to you.

Your AHCCCS Member ID, often called your “ACCESS ID,” becomes your insurance ID after you are enrolled. It will be printed on your new DDD health plan card, which you will receive by mail. Use this same number at doctor visits, the pharmacy, and the hospital.

Here is the simple split.

Medical Care
Your ALTCS health plan is your medical insurance. This will be Mercy Care or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. American Indian or Alaska Native members may choose the DDD American Indian Health Plan. The health plan handles doctors, hospitals, behavioral health, pharmacy, medical equipment, and non-emergency medical rides. For anything medical, call the number on the back of your insurance card.

In-Home Services
DDD coordinates your long term supports. Your Support Coordinator creates your Person Centered Service Plan, helps you choose agencies, and authorizes services like habilitation, attendant care, respite, nursing, and caregiver training.

Who to call

• Medical or pharmacy questions, provider networks, prior authorizations, lost insurance card: call your health plan.

• In home services, hours, staffing, planning meetings, problems with an HCBS agency: call your DDD Support Coordinator or DDD Customer Service 844 770 9500 (option 1, TTY 711).

Short version: health plan for anything medical, DDD for community or in home supports and coordination.

Here is what usually happens after approval:

Within 3 to 5 business days:

• DDD Support Coordinator contacts you to schedule your first planning meeting.

• If you do not hear from anyone within two weeks, call DDD Customer Service 844 770 9500, option 1, TTY 711. Ask for your coordinator’s name, phone, and email.

Within about 7 to 10 days by mail:

• Your ALTCS health plan sends a welcome packet and ID cards.

• You can call the plan right away to pick a PCP and get your ID number if you need care sooner.

  • Mercy Care: 602 263 3000 or 800 624 3879

  • UnitedHealthcare Community Plan: 800 293 3740

Within 2 to 4 weeks:

• Your planning meeting happens with your Support Coordinator. You will review goals and choose in home services like habilitation, attendant care, and respite.

• Ask when authorizations will be submitted, when services can start, and how you will be notified.

Also watch for:

If anything feels stuck, start with your Support Coordinator. They can warm transfer you to the right team.

Yes. If you are unsure where to start, call DDD Customer Service at 844 770 9500, option 1, TTY 711. They can tell you your case status, give you your Support Coordinator’s name, phone, and email, share your AHCCCS Member ID, connect you to your health plan, help schedule your planning meeting, explain appeals or complaints, and update your contact information. Ask for a warm transfer if you need to reach another office.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Arizona time.