Funding a GPS tracker in Arizona
In Arizona, the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Economic Security serves children and adults with developmental disabilities, and delivers long term care for those eligible for the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). This page explains which services to ask about, how to apply, and what to ask. It is general information, not advice.
Last updated 7 October 2026. Written by StepSafe, which sells a GPS tracker for children who wander, so read the product parts with that in mind.
Read this first
This is general information, not legal or medical advice. We are not benefits advisors and we have no relationship with any program named here. No product of ours is covered, approved or endorsed by any of them, and we cannot tell you whether your child qualifies.
Programs change. Treat this page as a list of questions to ask, confirm everything with the agency before you spend money, and keep your receipts.
Last checked: 7 October 2026. The Arizona DES and AHCCCS websites could not be opened from where we did this research, so we read their pages from archived copies saved between March 2025 and September 2026. The links below go to the live pages. Confirm the current version with DDD.
Programs in Arizona to ask about
None of the official pages we read names GPS trackers for children who wander. What they do list are services such as assistive technology, adaptive aids, specialized equipment and personal emergency response systems. Those are the words to use when you ask.
Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
Arizona Department of Economic Security
DDD offers several categories of membership. People who are eligible for DDD but not for ALTCS can get support coordination to connect them with community resources. Targeted Support Coordination is offered to people enrolled in AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) medical benefits who are not eligible for ALTCS.[2]
For members under 21 with AHCCCS, Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) services are covered through the person's AHCCCS health plan.[2]
DDD's Medallion Program gives members a bracelet or shoe tag with a 24-hour hotline number and a case number, so first responders can identify the person in an emergency. It is free and open to all DDD members.[1]
Safety devices: May cover safety or assistive technology; ask your coordinator. We did not find an official page that names GPS trackers for wandering.
Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), through DDD
AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid), with services delivered by DDD
ALTCS is health insurance for people with an age related, physical, or intellectual or developmental disability who need a nursing facility level of care. Members do not have to live in a nursing home; many receive in-home services.[7]
DDD lists services for ALTCS members including attendant care, habilitation, respite and home modifications, based on medical necessity and funding.[1] Its home modifications policy says requests found to be for "Home safety" will be denied.[6]
Emergency Alert System equipment is covered for ALTCS members who live alone or are alone for periods without contact with a provider, family member or other support, with a primary care provider's prescription and the ability to use the system, among other conditions.[5]
Safety devices: May cover safety or assistive technology; ask your coordinator. We did not find an official page that names GPS trackers for wandering.
Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)
Arizona's Assistive Technology Act program, at Northern Arizona University
AzTAP offers assistive technology consultations, device demonstrations, short-term device loans, help with equipment reuse, and AzLAT loans to buy assistive technology.[8] We have not confirmed whether it lends GPS trackers.
Safety devices: Lends and demonstrates assistive technology; ask whether a locating device is available to try.
Who qualifies, in general terms
From age 6, DDD eligibility needs a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, epilepsy or intellectual (cognitive) disability that started before age 18 and is likely to continue, plus serious limits in at least three daily life skills.[3]
One of those life skills is self-direction, which DDD describes as needing help with making decisions, "safety in the community", and money skills.[3]
A child under 6 may qualify by having one of those diagnoses, being at risk for one, or having a 50% delay in one developmental area or a 25% delay in two or more.[4]
ALTCS is for people who meet its financial and medical requirements, are developmentally disabled, and have a medical need.[2]
Only the agency can decide whether your child is eligible. These are the general rules as published, not a test you can apply yourself.
How to apply, step by step
- Complete the DDD eligibility application and send it with proof of Arizona residence, proof of US citizenship or lawful presence, and medical or school records showing the disability, by email or to a DDD eligibility office.[4]
- Ask about ALTCS too. You can register an ALTCS application online through Health-e-Arizona Plus.[7]
- Once your child is a DDD member, ask your support coordinator about the Medallion Program and for the wandering risk to be part of service planning.[1]
- If your child has AHCCCS and is under 21, ask the health plan whether a device could be considered under EPSDT.[2]
- While you wait, ask AzTAP whether you can borrow or try a device.[8]
What to ask your case manager or service coordinator
Questions to take to the meeting
- Could a wearable locating device be requested through ALTCS, or through EPSDT with my child's AHCCCS health plan?
- How do we sign up for the Medallion Program?
- Would Emergency Alert System equipment apply to an older child who is sometimes alone?
- What documentation do you need from my child's doctor or therapist about the wandering?
- Do you need quotes, a product description, or a specific vendor?
- Does the program pay for an ongoing service plan, or only for the device?
- If it is not approved, can I have the decision in writing, and how do I appeal?
For a sample request letter and a note on how wandering is recorded in a medical file, see what to say when you ask.
Programs change
Waiver services, eligibility rules and application steps are updated regularly. We last read these pages on 7 October 2026. Before you rely on anything here, confirm it with the agency or your coordinator. If you find something out of date, email support@stepsafekids.com and we will fix it.
Other states
- CaliforniaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- TexasPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- FloridaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- New YorkPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- PennsylvaniaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- IllinoisPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- OhioPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- GeorgiaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- North CarolinaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- MichiganPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- New JerseyPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- VirginiaPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- WashingtonPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
- MassachusettsPrograms, who qualifies and how to apply →
Not listed? Read the United States overview for the routes that exist in every state.
What we make
StepSafe makes a clip-on cellular GPS tracker for children who wander. StepSafe ships in early 2027. Nothing on this page means any program will pay for it.
See the shop, or start with our free safety toolkit, which works whatever device you choose.
Sources
- DES DDD: Available DDD Services and Supports
- DES DDD: DDD Member Categories
- DES DDD: Quick Reference, Eligibility Age 6 to Adult
- DES DDD: Quick Reference, Eligibility Process
- DES DDD: Medical Policy Manual 1240-D, Emergency Alert System (PDF)
- DES DDD: Medical Policy Manual 1240-I, Home Modifications (PDF)
- AHCCCS: ALTCS, Coverage for Individuals with Long-Term Care Needs
- AzTAP, Arizona's Assistive Technology Act program