Medicaid

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

Medicaid for Kids with Special Needs

MKSN is a program that helps pay medical bills for children with special needs due to a disability. To find out if your child is eligible for MKSN, you must fill out a Medicaid application and send it to your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office.

Find Out if MKSN is Right For Your Family

Managed Care Ombudsman Program

The Managed Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights and needs of Medicaid managed care members in Iowa who live or receive care in a health care facility, assisted living program or elder group home, as well as members enrolled in one of Medicaid's seven home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver programs (AIDS/HIV, Brain Injury, Children's Mental Health, Elderly, Health and Disability, Intellectual Disability and Physical Disability).

Learn More About the Ombudsman Program

About Iowa Medicaid Programs

The Iowa Medicaid Enterprise (IME) is the division of the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) that administers the Iowa Medicaid program. On April 1, 2016, the DHS transitioned most Iowa Medicaid members to a managed care program called IA Health Link.

Learn About Iowa Medicaid

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

When accessing a Medicaid HCBS waiver an individualwill 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