Iowa's Disability Services System

• The ADRC creates easier navigation and access to services, there is no wrong door for getting access to the services you need, no matter where in the state you live.
• Focuses on each person and their unique needs, making sure people with disabilities and their families get the right kind of support.
• Connects Iowans with other important programs like Medicaid, Public Health, and Behavioral Health. 

ADRCs (Aging and Disability Resource Centers) help make it easier for older adults and people with disabilities to find the services and support they need. They work with different partners to make sure people get the right help in a simple and easy way. This is part of something called the No Wrong Door Model, which means people can get help no matter where they start. Both Disability Access Points (DAPs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are part of the ADRC network.

Here’s what else ADRCs do: 

• Answer questions and give support that fits each person’s needs
• People can contact the ADRC in four main ways:

1. In person
2. By phone
3. Through the website
4. By being referred by a community partner 

If you or someone you care for is currently getting services through an MHDS Region, there is nothing you need to do. Your services will stay the same. Someone from your local DAP will reach out to you and your team in May and June to transition coordination of your services. The person who helps plan and connect you to services (called a service coordinator) might be different, but the service providers will stay the same.  

Here’s what else is happening: 

• From January to June, Iowa HHS will work closely with the MHDS Regions and DAPs to make sure the switch goes smoothly.
• DAPs will work with providers (the people and places that give care and support) for short-term services and supports (STSS).
• Iowa HHS will look at special programs in each area and work with DAPs to keep services going and make sure people continue to get the care they need. 

April 2025

• Provider Presentation
• Member Presentation

May 2025

• Provider Presentation
• Member Presentation

June 2025

• Provider Presentation
• Member Presentation

July 2025

• Provider Presentation

April 2025

• Provider Recording
  • Passcode: 4f*i+8FO
• Member Recording
  • Passcode: 3#TqW6*L

May 2025

• Provider Recording
  • Passcode: s@e.e1F#
• Member Recording
  • Passcode: ^6^FIj#j

June 2025

• Provider Recording
  • Passcode: R+@DO1iA
• Member Recording
  • Passcode: vBx3rD7@

July 2025

• Provider Recording
  • Passcode: @e^IY@8w

• Disability Access Points Transformation (overview of what's happening in Iowa's Disability Service System Transformation)
• Provider Payments (overview of the SNMIS payment system)
• ADRC Roles and Responsibilities (overview of the role of HHS, Disability Access Points, Area Agencies on Aging, and ADRC Technical Assistance and Call Center)

The SNMIS Billing and Companion Guides are designed to support your successful use of the SNMIS platform for filing claims for SUPTRS, Behavioral Health, and Non-Medicaid LTSS Disability Services.

• SNMIS Billing Guide
• SNMIS Companion Guide

To further support your transition, SNMIS Office Hours will begin June 18 and will be held Wednesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 a.m., through December 31, 2025. These virtual sessions will have a panel of subject matter experts from Iowa HHS to help answer questions and troubleshoot issues related to the SNMIS. 

• Office Hours Meeting Link: https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1600240912
• Meeting ID: 160 024 0912

For questions related to SNMIS, please reach out to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) at: 

• For SUPTRS and Behavioral Health: bhassistance@hhs.iowa.gov
• For Non-Medicaid LTSS Disability Services: dsassistance@hhs.iowa.gov

All Behavioral Health and Disability Service providers must register in the new SNMIS claim reimbursement system as soon as possible to ensure they are ready to submit claims beginning July 1, 2025.

To register, follow these steps:

1. To submit claims for services through SNMIS, providers must be enrolled and in good standing with Iowa Medicaid, and any applicable licensing or accreditation bodies. Information on enrolling with Iowa Medicaid can be found here: Medicaid Provider Enrollment.
2. Enrollment in Iowa Medicaid will not automatically give you access to billing claims in SNMIS. Iowa Medicaid enrolled providers MUST register with Electronic Data Interchange Support Services (EDISS) for the SNMIS line of business. 

Important note: If you are using a vendor for electronic claim submission, the vendor will be required to update their registration in the EDISS to select the SNMIS line of business.  A vendor will not be available for selection in the vendor search when adding transactions unless that vendor has the SNMIS line of business selected in their vendor account. Providers will be directed to go back to the vendor advising that the SNMIS line of business needs to be selected. If the Vendor needs assistance, they can contact the EDI Call Center.

Claim form instructions and billing procedures can be found in the SNMIS Companion Guide.

Have questions about SNMIS? See our FAQs on SNMIS billing

A map to illustrate district boundaries was created using a data-driven approach to ensure effective service delivery and equitable access to care. Key criteria included areas of high need, access to care, and city and county boundaries. Publicly available data, such as the Primary Care Physician ratio (HRSA), dentist ratio (HRSA), mental health provider rate (HRSA), social vulnerability index (CDC), and Medicaid rate from the American Community Survey 2018-2022, were used in the analysis. 

The Disability Service System District Map, in combination with the development and utilization of a data-informed funding formula, will ensure that resources are allocated effectively to support the full array of disability services needs of Iowans.

On February 25, 2025, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the selection of seven Disability Access Points (DAPs) that will serve as key resources in the state’s newly redesigned Disability Services System. These DAPs will play a crucial role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities and their caregivers have streamlined access to the support and services they need. The new system is designed to enhance coordination, simplify service navigation, and improve overall accessibility to disability-related resources. DAPs serve as ADRC member organizations as defined in rule 441—224.1.

The DAPs operational go-live date is set for July 1, 2025, Iowa HHS remains on track to implement this new approach to disability services. DAPs aim to create a more efficient and user-friendly system for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers across the state.

View the full list of DAP recipients

In January 2025, the Aging & Disability Services division hosted informational sessions on new and changed rules for the Disability Services System. Find the materials and recordings below.

• Disability Services Rules Presentation
• January 16, 2025 Recording
  • Passcode: jGR3cd+9