Disability Services

On May 15, 2024, a new law called House File 2673 was signed in Iowa. This law will make some changes to how non-Medicaid disability services are managed in the state. Coordination of disability services will move from Mental Health and Disability Services (MHDS) Regions to Disability Access Points (DAPs) who will be part of the state’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network.

• 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.

A Disability Access Point (DAP) is a local place that helps people with disabilities, their families, and their caregivers find the services and support they need—both short-term and long-term. DAPs help by giving information, making plans, making referrals and checking in to make sure people are getting the right support to live healthy, independent lives. 

There are four agencies designated as DAPs across seven districts in Iowa. These agencies are part of Iowa’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network. 

Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) Network | Health & Human Services

In each area, DAPs will: 

• Give people and caregivers helpful information and guide them to local service providers in their community.
• Be part of the ADRC Network, working as a trusted resource center for aging and disability help.
• Team up with local leaders, individuals with disabilities and disability programs to make sure disability services are meeting community needs.

Information and Assistance services designed to provide individuals with disabilities and their caregivers with current information on opportunities and services available within their communities and link them to those opportunities and services as desired.

Options Counseling that utilizes interactive and Person-Centered processes whereby individuals receive guidance in their deliberations to make informed choices about services and supports.

Short-Term Services and Supports (STSS) focused on supporting people with disabilities to live in the home and community of their choice in an integrated manner and offering support to their caregivers as needed toward this purpose. Services include but are not limited to: 

• Individual Assessment and Evaluation
• Transportation, Respite
• Peer and Parent Support
• Time-limited Rental Assistance
• Home and Vehicle Modifications
• Adaptive Equipment
• Other Basic Needs 

Access to Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) focused on supporting people with disabilities at the lowest level of care possible, including facility diversion or transition to community, when no other funding sources are available. Examples of LTSS services include:

• Supported Community Living (SCL)
• Day Services
• Employment Services
• Facility-Based Residential Programs including Residential Care Facilities (RCF), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/ID), Nursing Facilities (NF) and Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)
• Medical Services and Supplies (including consumable supplies)

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services partners with the Statewide Independent Living Council (SILC) and the Centers for Independent Living (CILs) network. This is to promote the expansion of Independent Living Services throughout Iowa. For additional information please visit:     

• Independent Living Program | Health & Human Services
   

The State of Iowa's vision of employment for all is “Employment in the general workforce is the first priority and the expected and preferred outcome in the provision of publicly funded services for all working age Iowans with disabilities.” (Governor's Office, 2012). By “employment” we mean regular or customized employment in the general workforce, where employees with disabilities are earning at least minimum or prevailing wages and benefits, and work alongside people with and without disabilities. 

Iowa HHS is involved in initiatives to increase the number of people with disabilities competitively employed in their communities. These efforts are called Employment First (E1st). E1st recognizes that employment is…

• A typical role for adults in our society
• An essential part of wellbeing
• A cost-effective alternative to day treatment
• And that Most people want to work.

Iowa E1st advisors and partners include people with disabilities, parents and family members, service providers, state agencies such as HHS, IVRS, IWD, Dept. for the Blind, Education, the DD Council, business leaders, the Iowa Olmstead Consumer Task Force (OCTF), the Iowa Association of Community Providers (IACP), Iowa’s University Center on Excellence in DD Services (CDD) and the UCEDD’s Center of Excellence in Behavioral Health (CEBH), Disability Rights Iowa (DRI), and the managed care organizations (MCOs) in contract with Iowa Medicaid. 

HHS has participated in E1st initiatives from federal partners such as the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), the Administration on Community Living (ACL), the National Association of State DD Directors (NASDDDs), the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (US DOL-ODEP). Since 2009 these have included the Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG), the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN), SAMHSA’s Employment Development Initiative (EDI), the Partnership in Integrated Employment (PIE) project by which Iowa created the Iowa Coalition for Integration and Employment (ICIE), the Employment First State Leadership Mentor Project (EFSLMP), the Visionary Opportunities to Increase Competitive Employment (VOICE), the Advancing State Policy Integration for Recovery and Employment (ASPIRE) project, and the National Expansion of Employment Opportunities Network (NEON). 

In 2019 Iowa began a relationship with The IPS Employment Center (Lebanon, New Hampshire and Columbia University) to bring the evidence based practice (EBP) of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment to Iowa. As of 2025 Iowa has two full-time trained IPS State Trainers/Fidelity Reviewers embedded in the UIA CEBH, and three trained adjunct Fidelity Reviewers, serving eight IPS teams across Iowa. These eight teams provide IPS services to people in 38 counties. We strive to grow this service by one to three teams per year, until all Iowa counties have access.

Iowa HHS will continue to apply for federal opportunities as they arise, to help us grow our understanding and implementation of E1st especially as it relates to students and adults with disabilities living fully integrated lives in their communities. 

When people with disabilities are employed and living independently, they’re less reliant on government payments and they contribute to the economy.  Research shows they also use fewer healthcare resources, are better integrated into their communities, and experience far greater wellbeing. 

Targeted Case Management is a service available through the Medicaid Fee for Service (FFS) program to help facilitate the community-based service planning process. Case Managers work with individuals and their families, service providers, and other agencies to integrate services from multiple providers and funding streams into an integrated plan of care.

• Targeted Case Management webpage
• Targeted Case Management is also available through Managed Care Organizations (MCOs).

The Autism Support Program (ASP) provides state funding for applied behavior analysis (ABA) services to children who are not eligible to receive ABA service funding through Medicaid or private health insurers and who meet diagnostic and financial eligibility criteria. A child is eligible to receive assistance through ASP if:          

• the child is under the age of fourteen (14) at the time of application.
• the child has a diagnosis on the Autism spectrum made by a child psychiatrist, developmental pediatrician, or a clinical psychologist within 24 months of the date of application.
• the child does not qualify for Medicaid.
• the child does not have coverage available for ABA services through any private insurance carrier.
• the child’s family meets the income guidelines for the program (household income at or below 500% of the federal poverty level (FPL).

For more information and how to apply for ASP:

• Contact the ASP administrator by email at:
  • AutismSupport@hhs.iowa.gov (preferred method of communication) or call 515-725-3350.
• The administrator will provide the following documents:
  • Parent Information Packet
  • Application
• Review the Parent Information Packet. If you believe your child will meet the eligibility requirements, fill out the application along with gathering the required documentation and email the documents to AutismSupport@hhs.iowa.gov.

An Olmstead plan is a public entity’s plan for implementing its obligation to provide individuals with disabilities opportunities to live, work, and be served in integrated settings.  

The State of Iowa is firmly committed to ensuring that people with disabilities experience lives of inclusion and integration in the community. We envision an Iowa where people with disabilities have the opportunity, both now and in the future, to live close to their families and friends and as independently as possible, to work in competitive integrated employment, to be educated in integrated settings, and to participate in community life. This Olmstead Plan is a groundbreaking, comprehensive plan to provide people with disabilities opportunities to live, learn, work, and enjoy life in integrated settings. This Plan is both a resounding proclamation of our commitment to inclusion and a vital, dynamic roadmap to making our vision a reality for present and future generations of Iowans.

Iowa is currently in the process of updating and drafting its Olmstead Plan with a publication date of January 1, 2026.

• Olmstead Framework

• Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council (DD Council): Iowa’s DD Council was made by a federal law called the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act. This law ensures that people with developmental disabilities get the help they need. It says they should choose their services and be in control.
  • The DD Council is a group in Iowa that gets money from the federal government. It advocates for Iowans with disabilities so they can live and be part of their community. The Council is made up of volunteers appointed by the Governor. This includes people with disabilities, family members, state government leaders, and other groups that advocate for people with disabilities.  www.iowaddcouncil.org
• Conner Training Connection: The Conner Training Connection’s mission is to support Iowans with disabilities to live as fully participating members of their communities through the provision of training resources and technical assistance to individuals, their family members and service providers, and other disability advocates.
  • Conner Training Connection |
• The Center for Disabilities and Development at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital delivers evidence-based clinical services, statewide community programs, interdisciplinary education and training, and state-of-the-art research for Iowans with disabilities, and their families and providers.
  • UCEDD Home | Center for Disabilities and Development

Iowa’s redefined Behavioral Health Service System which combines mental health and substance use services into one system takes effect on July 1, 2025. The new system will make it easier for mental health and substance use providers to help Iowans get the care they need, no matter where they go for help. Information regarding BH-ASO. 

• 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

September 2025

• Member 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
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June 2025

• Provider Recording
  • Passcode: R+@DO1iA
• Member Recording
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July 2025

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

September 2025

• Member Recording
  • Passcode: x+8X&rd1

• 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