Arizona participates in the long-term care partnership program. The program provides dollar-for-dollar asset protection for those who own qualified LTC Insurance. Plus, a wide variety of care providers offer services throughout the state.
While many qualified care providers are available when you need long-term health care services, the costs are rising due to the increasing demand.
The variety of quality care options available throughout Arizona for those who require long-term health care services include:
- adult day care centers
- assisted living facilities
- continuing care retirement communities
- home health care providers
- memory care facilities
- rehabilitation facilities
- traditional nursing homes
Top insurance companies have several insurance options to help residents safeguard income and assets, protect lifestyles, and preserve a legacy. Plus, policyholders will have access to quality care options giving loved ones the time to be family instead of caregivers.
Plus, all tax-qualified Long-Term Care Insurance policies in Arizona have several consumer protections in addition to federal tax benefits.
Federal Partnership Program
The State of Arizona participates in the federal/state partnership program. This program provides additional asset protection. In the event that you exhaust your benefits from a qualified Arizona Partnership Long-Term Care policy, the state will provide you dollar-for-dollar asset protection. This would allow you to qualify for Medicaid long-term care benefits while retaining more of your assets than what Medicaid would typically allow.
Policy Example
For example, your policy pays out $425,000 in benefits but you are still alive and require care. You earn a Medicaid asset disregard that allows you to shelter that same amount over the asset level you would otherwise be forced to meet in order to be eligible for Medicaid’s Long-Term Care benefit. The Partnership Program also protects those assets after death from Medicaid estate recovery.
Reciprocity
Most states have reciprocity with other states' long-term-care partnership programs including Arizona. This means if you move from or to Arizona your partnership asset protection follows you as well.
Medicaid
Long-Term Care Medicaid spend down is $2,000. A spouse’s minimum asset allowance is $26,076 . Your spouse’s minimum monthly income allowance is $2,382. * The home equity limit is $603,000.
For more information about the Medicaid program visit www.medicaid.gov
Rate Stability Rules
In addition, Arizona consumers enjoy additional peace-of-mind as the state has adopted Long-Term Care Insurance Rate Stability Rules. These rules, developed the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, makes it much harder for an insurance company to get an approved rate increase.
Products Approved in Arizona
A variety of affordable products are approved in Arizona for Long-Term Care Insurance planning. These options include tradition policies, including partnership certified policies, limited-duration plans, and asset-based “hybrid” policies.
Tax Incentives
No state tax incentives exist for Arizona residents at this time. Federal tax incentives do apply.
Reverse Mortgages in Arizona
Reverse mortgages are available in Arizona. A reverse mortgage is a home equity loan where the borrower does not have to make payments.
This type of mortgage can increase monthly income, eliminate mortgage payments, and even fund Long-Term Care Insurance. However, Arizona has many rules on these mortgage products, and you should seek the help of a qualified and licensed mortgage broker.
If you have significant equity in your home and you and your spouse are at least 62 years old, you can get a reverse mortgage to turn your equity into funding long-term health care, pay for an LTC Insurance policy, pay bills and add to your retirement lifestyle.
The home must be the principal residence without any tax liens.
Learn more about reverse mortgages by clicking here.
*The federal government sets a new minimum and maximum amounts each year, but states can set their own minimum requirements at any level between the federal limits. This information is based on the best available sources.
