Frequently Asked Questions

Caregivers must schedule a dental examination for each child age 1 year or older as soon as possible but no later than within 30 days of placement. Regular dental checkups should occur every 6 months following the initial dental examination.

Licensed foster parents are to notify DCS and their licensing agency within 24 hours if their child has an illness, injury, change of medication, or medication error that results in seeking medical attention.

Licensed foster parents are to notify DCS and their licensing agency immediately if their child dies, has a serious illness or injury requiring hospitalization, or receives urgent care or emergency room treatment and whenever emergency services (911) is contacted.

Within 24 hours of any of the above noted incidents, licensed foster parents shall complete an Unusual Incident Report form and submit it to their licensing agency.

Unlicensed kinship foster parents are to notify DCS within 2 hours of the following: death of a child or hospitalization (medical or psychiatric.

Unlicensed kinship foster parents are to notify DCS within 48 hours if the child becomes seriously ill.

Certain disabilities qualify children for Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). ALTCS is the State of Arizona's Medicaid program that funds long-term care services, for financially and medically eligible Arizona residents. Once eligibility has been determined for ALTCS services, the child will be enrolled with a Health Plan (Mercy Care, Care 1st or United Healthcare). The health plan will provide the services the child is qualified for.

You can find a list of pharmacies in the Mercy Care DCS CHP Provider Directory. Visit www.MercyCareAZ.org and select “For Members” under Mercy Care DCS CHP. You’ll locate “Find a Pharmacy” in the upper right corner of the screen.

Caregivers do not need to pay for ALTCS services. If you get a bill for a service that is covered by ALTCS, contact the agency that sent you the bill. You are not responsible to pay out of pocket costs, including AHCCCS co-payments.

• Institutional care in a nursing facility;
• Home and community based services, combining out-patient and in-home care;
• Medical services, such as doctor’s office visits and prescriptions (prescription coverage is limited for people with Medicare);
• Behavioral health services;
• Preventive and well care for children; and
• Hospice services.

If you have questions regarding ALTCS services, contact ALTCS toll-free at 888-621-6880. Additional information for ALTCS can be found at https://www.azahcccs.gov/members/ALTCSlocations.html.

If there are concerns regarding the services the child is receiving you can contact the specific health plan for the child or the Division of Developmental Disabilities Customer Service Center 1-844-770-9500 (toll free) or [email protected]