Hope and Opportunity in Many Environments (HOME)

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About the HOME Project

Through the HOME project, Iowa HHS is working to make sure people can get good behavioral health, disability, and aging services in their own communities. The goal is to help Iowans get the support they need while staying close to family and friends.

This webpage is the main place to find updates about the HOME project. Here, you can learn about what’s happening, what changes may be coming to the HCBS system, and how you can share your feedback.

The HOME project started in 2022 when Iowa HHS partnered with Mathematica to study the state’s home and community-based services (HCBS) system. Iowans shared their thoughts, which helped highlight three important areas to improve: case management, assessments, and HCBS waivers.

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HOME Project Resources

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HOME Project Informational Sessions

Iowa HHS held three (3) public informational sessions describing the key updates underway and instructions on how to submit public comments.
The sessions are scheduled for the following dates:

HOME Project - December 2025

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Stakeholder Engagement

Iowa HHS is partnering with Iowans who use HCBS, family caregivers, advocates and providers throughout the HOME project. HHS shares regular updates about HOME project activities on this website, in the HOME newsletter, and in Medicaid Town Hall meetings. You can find more information about how the HOME project is engaging with invested Iowans here.  

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Key Changes to HCBS Assessments

Iowa HHS is updating the assessment process to make it more consistent, easier to understand, and focused on each person’s needs. Beginning in 2025, Telligen will complete all HCBS assessments instead of the managed care organizations. In addition, people in the ID waiver are now receiving InterRAI assessments because the previous assessment tool is no longer in use.

Learn more at HCBS Assessments | Health & Human Services

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