UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona Selected to Continue Statewide Service for Long-Term Care Members Under ALTCS EPD Program
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), the state’s Medicaid agency, has announced its intention to award a new contract to UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona as one of four organizations selected to administer the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) Elderly and Physical Disability (EPD) program. The decision marks a continuation and expansion of UnitedHealthcare’s longstanding role in delivering integrated care and essential services to Arizona residents who are elderly or have physical disabilities.
As part of the latest procurement cycle, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona stands out as one of only two health plans chosen to provide coverage statewide across all AHCCCS geographic service areas. The health plan will maintain its existing service areas in the northern and central regions of the state and will expand its operations into the southern region, significantly broadening its reach and capacity to support Arizona’s vulnerable long-term care population.
The new ALTCS EPD contract is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025, and will initially run for three years. The agreement includes provisions for up to three optional one-year extensions, allowing the state to evaluate ongoing performance and adapt to changing needs over time. This multi-year arrangement reflects a strong commitment to continuity, quality, and adaptability in the delivery of Medicaid long-term care services.
Continuing a Legacy of Support
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona has a long and respected history of serving ALTCS members. The organization has been involved with the ALTCS program since its inception in 1989, delivering coordinated care solutions that address the complex and varied needs of elderly individuals and those living with physical disabilities. Currently, the health plan supports over 10,400 ALTCS EPD members in the north and central regions of the state, offering a comprehensive model of whole-person care that includes medical services, behavioral health, long-term services and supports (LTSS), and care coordination.
Jean Kalbacher, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona, expressed pride in the organization’s continued partnership with the state and its members.
“We are honored to serve Arizona’s long-term care members statewide and remain committed to working with state, provider, and community partners to help Arizonans live healthier lives,” Kalbacher stated. “By combining our past experience and embracing new innovations, we will continue to provide quality, whole-person coverage to help advance health outcomes for Arizona’s long-term care members.”
This approach reflects UnitedHealthcare’s core commitment to integrated care and its recognition of the unique needs of the ALTCS population. Many EPD members require a broad array of services, including personal care, home- and community-based supports, durable medical equipment, transportation, and coordination between providers across multiple disciplines.
A Statewide Expansion
The ALTCS program provides critical long-term care services to Arizona residents who qualify for Medicaid and are determined to need institutional-level care due to aging or physical disability. Through a managed care model, AHCCCS contracts with health plans to provide services that enable members to remain in their homes and communities whenever possible. These services include nursing care, attendant services, home-delivered meals, therapies, and respite care, among others.
With the latest contract, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona will expand its reach into the southern region of the state—an area with significant demand for aging services and culturally diverse healthcare needs. This expansion enables more Arizonans to benefit from the organization’s experience, provider network, and focus on member-centered care.
Recognition for Quality and Innovation
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona has received notable recognition for its performance and quality of care. The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a leading independent healthcare quality evaluation body, has awarded the plan Health Plan Accreditation with Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Distinction. This honor reflects the health plan’s effectiveness in managing care transitions, person-centered planning, and outcomes measurement.
Further reinforcing its reputation, the plan earned a 4-star rating from NCQA’s 2024 Health Plan Ratings. This rating places UnitedHealthcare as the highest-rated Medicaid health maintenance organization (HMO) in Arizona, a significant achievement in a competitive and complex managed care environment.
These accolades underscore the organization’s commitment to continuous improvement, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration with healthcare providers and community-based organizations to deliver personalized, culturally appropriate care.
Serving a Diverse Medicaid Population
Beyond the ALTCS EPD program, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona serves a wide swath of the state’s Medicaid population, with over 450,000 members enrolled across various programs. These include the general Medicaid population, the ALTCS program, and services for individuals supported by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
The health plan has developed tailored approaches to meet the specific needs of each population segment. This includes investment in care coordination teams, member education, preventive health outreach, social services navigation, and support for family caregivers—many of whom play a vital role in helping ALTCS members remain at home rather than in institutional settings.
Integrated Coverage with Dual Special Needs Plans
A distinguishing element of UnitedHealthcare’s offering is the integration of its Medicaid services with its Medicare Advantage Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). This plan is specifically designed for individuals who are dually eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare and offers a high level of clinical coordination and support.
More than 55 percent of UnitedHealthcare’s ALTCS EPD members are enrolled in its D-SNP, demonstrating a strong preference among members for aligned and coordinated benefits. The plan includes access to enhanced clinical services, dedicated care management, and additional benefits not typically covered by traditional Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, and over-the-counter (OTC) product coverage.
Through the UnitedHealthcare UCard®, D-SNP members also receive a monthly credit that can be used to purchase OTC health items, nutritious food, and even pay utility bills—a feature designed to ease financial strain and promote overall wellness.
As UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona prepares to expand its ALTCS EPD services statewide, the organization is focused on building upon its legacy of trust, quality, and compassion. Through strong partnerships with local providers, investment in technology and innovation, and an unwavering dedication to person-centered care, the health plan is poised to deliver meaningful improvements in the lives of thousands of Arizonans.
The road ahead includes both opportunities and challenges, as Arizona’s aging population grows and the demand for long-term care services increases. However, with decades of experience, a statewide footprint, and national resources, UnitedHealthcare is well-positioned to meet those needs with a focus on dignity, respect, and improved health outcomes.
