Following a court-issued stay in a procurement appeal, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) announced in August 2025 that it would be extending its contracts with current Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) providers for another year. This decision postpones the start of new contracts that were scheduled to begin on October 1, 2025.

Which contracts were extended?
The extension applies to the following contractors providing long-term care services for the Elderly and Physically Disabled (EPD) program:

• Mercy Care
• Banner-University Family Care
• Arizona Physicians IPA (United Healthcare Community Plan)

Why were the contracts extended?

• Court order: The existing contracts were extended until September 30, 2026, due to a court order that temporarily halted the implementation of new contracts for ALTCS-EPD services.
• Procurement issues: In 2024, the process to award new EPD contracts faced protests and appeals. While a settlement was reached in April 2025 to move forward with new contracts, another legal challenge led to the court-ordered stay.
• Ensuring continuous coverage: The extension was deemed necessary to prevent service disruptions and ensure continued coverage for ALTCS-EPD members starting on October 1, 2025.

What does this mean for members?

• Members in the ALTCS-EPD program will remain with their current health plan through September 30, 2026.
• AHCCCS will notify members directly to confirm that their health plan will not be changing on October 1, 2025.

Does this affect other AHCCCS programs?
No, this extension only affects the ALTCS-EPD program. It does not apply to other programs like ALTCS-Developmentally Disabled (ALTCS-DD) or AHCCCS Complete Care (ACC).

The result?

If you are on Arizona’s long term care program for elderly and physically disabled persons (ALTCS), there was no change to your insurance program contractor this month. You will continue to receive services through Mercy Care, Banner-University Family Care, or Arizona Physicians IPA (United Healthcare Community Plan).

Thinking of Applying for ALTCS Benefits? Need Help? Have Questions? 

Call us at 480-922-1010 or email info@bivenslaw.com to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced elder law attorneys.