Hope and Opportunity in Many Environments (HOME)

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About HOME 

Through the HOME project, Iowa HHS is working to ensure everyone has access to quality behavioral health, disability, and aging services within their communities. The goal is to make it easier for Iowans to get the help they need and remain close to their loved ones.

This page serves as the central hub for HOME project updates, including information about activities, upcoming changes to the HCBS system, and opportunities to share feedback.

Launched in 2022, the HOME project began when Iowa HHS partnered with Mathematica to evaluate the state’s home and community-based services (HCBS) system. Input from Iowans helped identify key areas for improvement: case management, assessment, and HCBS waivers.

Key Changes to HCBS Assessments

Iowa HHS is improving the assessment process to make it more consistent, simple, and person-centered. Starting in 2025, Telligen will handle all HCBS assessments, and managed care organizations will no longer be be responsible for completing the HCBS assessments. Also, people enrolled in ID waiver began receiving InterRAI assessments since their old assessment tool was discontinued.

Learn more at HCBS Assessments | Health & Human Services

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HOME Milestones 

Iowa HHS is focused on strengthening the state’s HCBS system. Learn more about the HOME project timeline and find recent updates on HOME activities.  

The timeline shows the progress Iowa has made since 2022 to evaluate and begin making improvements to programs and services. It also shows the changes that are coming up in the next few years to build a coordinated system with better access to services. 

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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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Helpful Resources

Get in Touch

For questions, feedback, or to subscribe to our newsletter, please contact us at HOMEwaivers@hhs.iowa.gov.

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