Waivers

Iowa currently has seven HCBS Waivers in the Waiver Program  that provides service funding and individualized supports to maintain eligible members in their own homes or communities who would otherwise require care in a medical institution.

 

Be sure to check out our "ASK an Expert" series with Lacey Guinta, Case Management at Child Serve.

Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Program

Iowa currently has seven HCBS Waivers in the Waiver Program that provides service funding and individualized supports to maintain eligible members in their own homes or communities who would otherwise require care in a medical institution. Each waiver information packet is available in both English and Spanish.

Visit the Iowa Department of Human Services Website

Are Home and Community Based Services Right for You?

The Iowa Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) programs are Medicaid programs where the federal government has set aside or "waived" rules. This gives you more choices about how and where you receive services. It is for people with disabilities and older Iowans who need services. These services may allow you to stay in your home. You must be eligible for Medicaid and also meet the requirements of the program you are applying for and/or receiving. An assessment will be done to determine if you meet the criteria of being in need of nursing facility, skilled nursing facility level of care, hospital level of care, or being in need of care in an intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual disabilities.

Read the Iowa Department of Human Services Brochure

IA Health Link Member Resources

Most Iowa Medicaid members are enrolled in the IA Health Link managed care program. This program gives you health coverage through a Managed Care Organization (MCO) that you get to choose. View the member resources page to access general managed care resources, search for a provider in your MCO's network, and much more.

View the resources

How to Apply for the HCBS Waiver Online

Here is where you can apply online for the HCBS Waiver. Helpful Hint: on page 17 you can check the box for HCBS waivers. It has also been recommended to write which waiver(s) you're applying for at the top of the front page to help get it processed.

Apply for the HCBS Waiver with the Iowa Department of Health

Paper Application for the HCBS Waiver

This is the printable paper application for the HCBS Waiver. Helpful Hint: on page 17 you can check the box for HCBS waivers. It has also been recommended to write which waiver(s) you're applying for at the top of the front page to help get it processed.

Print out the application for the HCBS Waiver from the Iowa Department of Health

DHS Services Portal: Online Waiver Application

This site is the starting point for the DHS Self-Service Portal. You can use this site to see if you may be eligible for benefits by submitting an application. You can also access a printable application, learn about additional benefits that may be available to you, or get information about your existing benefits.

Access the DHS Services Portal

Flow Chart for Enrollment Process for New HCBS Waiver Members (FFS and MCO)

This flow chart outlines the different work flows that illustrate various policies and processes in the HCBS Waiver program.

Check out the Flowchart from the Iowa Department of Human Services

HCBS Waiver Waiting List Information

This is a link to the HCBS Waiver Waiting List. In order to find out what year DHS is working on, scroll down to your waiver, look for the "next application date for slot" and you will see the date of the application that they are currently working on. Many people have to wait for years to get a slot on a waiver. This document will give you an idea of how long you will be waiting depending on which waiver(s) you have applied for.

View the Iowa Depart of Human Services Wait List

Iowa Medicaid Provider Search

This tool on the DHS Website can help you find a Medicaid Provider by specialty, type and location.

Visit the DHS Website

IA Health Link Managed Care Program Member Handbook (MCO)

Inside this booklet, you will find information about the IA Health Link program. IA Health Link is a managed care program that works to make sure you get the health care that you need. IA Health Link is a program that gives you quality health coverage that is covered by a Manage Care Organization (MCO), also known as a health plan. You get to choose which MCO will manage your care. Each MCO has a network of providers across the state of Iowa who you may see for care.

Read the Iowa Health Link Managed Care Member Handbook

Is the Consumer Choices Option for you?

Members can also take advantage of a Consumer Choices Option (CCO) which gives members more control over how to choose their services.

Read the Iowa Department of Human Services PDF

Consumer Choices Option (CCO)

The Consumer Choices Option is an option that is available under the Home and Community Based Services waivers that gives you control over a targeted amount of Medicaid dollars so that you can develop a plan to meet your needs by directly hiring employees and/or purchasing other goods and services. The Consumer Choices Option offers more choice, control and flexibility over your services as well as more responsibility.

Visit the Iowa Department of Human Services Website

Consumer Choices (CCO) Handbook

This handbook explains the Consumer Choices Option. It explains the process of creating quality support services. The Consumer Choices Option allows you, the consumer, (with help as needed) to control and direct the supports you receive as much as possible. This handbook talks about how you can have choices in your life-choices about where you live, where you work, and who you can count on for support.

Read the Iowa Department of Human Services Brochure on CCOs

Consumer Directed Attendant Care (CDAC) Services

In the HCBS Waiver program, there is an opportunity for people to have help in their own homes through the CDAC services. These are services designed to help people do things that they normally would for themselves if they were able.

Visit the Iowa Department of Human Services CDAC Webpage

CDAC Member Handbook

There may come a point when we need help to remain in our homes. This may be the result of an accident, a lengthy illness, disability, or aging problems. Fortunately, there is an option for people in this situation: hire someone to help. In the Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs, there is an opportunity for you to have help in your own home. You may consider having a consumer-directed attendant care assistant. This service is available if you are on the: . Intellectual disability waiver, . Elderly waiver, . Ill and handicapped waiver, . Brain injury waiver, . Physical disability waiver, or . AIDS/HIV waiver Consumer-directed attendant care services are called CDAC for short. They are intended for people in an HCBS waiver program who need someone to help them to stay in their own homes. You will be the employer of your CDAC service provider. You are responsible for finding, hiring, training, directing and, if needed, firing your helper.

Read the Iowa Department of Human Services Brochure on CDAC

Health Insurance Premium Payment Program (HIPP)

The HIPP program helps people get or keep health insurance they already have by paying for the premiums when it is "cost-effective". The purpose of the HIPP program is to save taxpayer dollars by purchasing employer health insurance to work as a primary insurance coverage.

Read the Iowa Department of Human Services Brochure

ASK an Expert: Home and Community Based Waiver Services - Webinar with Lacey Guinta

Lacey Giunta, ChildServe Case Management Supervisor & Certified Brian Injury Specialist discusses Home and Community Based Waiver Services.

Watch it on ASK's YouTube Channel!

HCBS Assessment or Reassessment - One Page Application

The one page application for HCBS Waivers for those already on Medicaid.

Download the Word Application Here

Applying for a Waiver in Iowa

What are Home and Community Based Services? Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) are for people with disabilities and older Iowans who need services to allow them to stay in their home and community instead of going to an institution. Iowa currently has seven HCBS waivers in the waiver program. These waivers provide service funding and individualized supports to allow eligible members to remain in their own homes or communities.

View the ASK Resource Center PDF

FAQ from Families: Waiver Services in Iowa Home and Community Based Services (HCBS)

When accessing a Medicaid HCBS waiver an individual will be assigned either a Managed Care Organization (MCO) or Fee for Service (FFS). Most individuals will be covered by a MCO. These are common questions from families about applying for and utilizing HCBS waiver services.

Read the ASK Resource PDF