In Iowa, there are seven programs called Home-and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. These waivers help people stay in their own homes or communities instead of going to a medical institution.
These programs also provide funding and personalized support for individuals who qualify, allowing them to receive the care they need while remaining in a familiar environment.
- For more information about available HCBS, see the Medicaid Programs webpage.
- For more information on HCBS, see the HCBS webpage.
HCBS Waiver Program Resources
- HCBS Intellectual Disability (ID) Waiver Tiered Rates
- LTSS Program Comparison Chart
- Process Flow Chart for HCBS Waiver Applications
- HCBS Waiver Waiting List Information: Many people apply for waivers. There may be a waiting list for some waiver programs. The waiting list can vary by program and by utilization rates. Your HHS worker can help you understand waiting lists.
- Applying to become a provider in the HCBS Waiver Program: Read more about how to become a provider in the HCBS Waiver Program.
- HCBS Provider Manual
HCBS Waiver Forms
- IoWANS User ID Form: User ID request form to add new workers to the Institutional and Waiver Authorization and Narrative System (IoWANS). Save locally, fill out, then send as an attachment to IoWANSHelpDesk@dhs.state.ia.us.
HCBS Waiver Provider Contacts
Persons wishing to enroll for services should contact the local HHS offices in the county where the enrollee resides.
Finding a Provider
See the HHS website to search for available service providers, including waiver, Medicaid and mental health providers as well as others.
HCBS Specialists
The state has been divided into HCBS Specialists Regions, with each region assigned a HCBS Specialist to provide technical assistance and quality oversight to the counties included in that HCBS region.
- Map of HCBS Specialists Regions (specialist map)
- List of HCBS Specialists for each region (specialists by county)
HCBS and MLTSS Program Managers
Program oversight is provided by program managers from the Bureau of Medical and Long-Term Services and Supports.
Contact Lists
Access each contact list to view the names and contact information.
- Child Health Specialty Clinics
- Child Health Specialty Clinics Family Navigators
- HIV CARE Consortia
- Area Agencies on Aging
Fiscal Agents
- Provider Services
Iowa Medicaid
PO Box 36450
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
800-338-7909
515-256-4609 (local from Des Moines metro area) - Member Services
Iowa Medicaid
PO Box 36510
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
800-338-8366
515-256-4606 (local from Des Moines metro area)
Program Integrity
Iowa Medicaid
PO Box 36390
Des Moines, Iowa 50315
877-446-3787
515-256-4615 (local from Des Moines metro area)
Department of Elder Affairs
515-725-3333
Are you having trouble affording rent?
Temporary rental assistance is available for people who receive services through Medicaid waivers. The Iowa Finance Authority provides temporary rental assistance for people who receive services through Medicaid waivers. For more information, visit their website or contact their office toll free at 1-800-432-7230.
Iowa Finance Authority
2015 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-725-4900 (Des Moines metro area)
800-432-7230
Waiver Draft Transition Plans & The Statewide Transition Plan
Final Settings Statewide Transition Plan
Final Statewide HCBS STP (2022)
Final Statewide HCBS STP (2019)
Initial Approved Statewide HCBS Settings Transition Plan
Initial Approved Statewide HCBS Settings Transition Plan (August 2016)
Appendix A (January 2016)
HCBS ID Waiver Tiered Rates FAQ
HCBS Waivers & Amendments
State Plan Amendment, HCBS Habilitation
1915(i) HCBS Habilitation Program Approval Package_IA 17-003
HCBS Waiver Waiting List Information
Many members apply for waivers. It is possible that there may be a waiting list for waivers. The waiting list can vary by program and by utilization rates. Your HHS worker can help you understand waiting lists.
How to Apply Online
Please visit the Iowa Medicaid webpage to learn how to apply online.
Where to go for assistance
Use the interactive HHS map to locate a HHS office for assistance.
Are you having trouble affording rent?
The Iowa Finance Authority provides temporary rental assistance for members who receive services through Medicaid waivers. For more information, visit their website or contact their office toll free at 1-800-432-7230.
Iowa Finance Authority
2015 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50312
515-725-4900 (Des Moines metro area)
800-432-7230
Information regarding Estate Recovery:
When you received Medicaid benefits, which includes capitation fees paid to a managed care organization, even if the plan did not pay for any services, the State of Iowa has the right to ask for money back from your estate after your death. Members affected by the estate recovery policy are those who are:
- 55 years of age or older, regardless of where they are living; or
- under age 55 and:
- reside in a nursing facility, an intermediate care facility for persons with intellectual disability, or a mental health institute, and
- cannot reasonably be expected to be discharged and return home.
Competency-Based Training for Providers and Direct Support Professionals
Competency-based training (CBT), technical assistance (TA), and consultation for Iowa long-term services and supports (LTSS) providers and case managers has come to Iowa Medicaid. The Iowa Legislature has provided for specific funding to provide TA and statewide CBT to Medicaid providers and case managers of LTSS. Iowa Legislature appropriates funding for these services annually. The CBT and TA will be provided with the intent of generating positive outcomes for providers and members. This CBT will be focused on providing a better understanding of, and compliance with, state and federal regulations concerning service provision. It will also be implemented to increase provider staff competencies in provision of direct services. This CBT is a statewide initiative for LTSS service providers and case managers.