Public Comment Information

Iowa HHS is proposing two new age-based waivers, while keeping the Elderly waiver. The new waivers are: 

• A Children and Youth waiver to provide extra Medicaid services for children and youth with disabilities, special health care needs, and mental health needs up to age 21. The waiver program is intended to help children to live at home with family instead of in an institution like a hospital or nursing facility.

• An Adults with Disabilities waiver to provide extra Medicaid services for adults with disabilities aged 21 and older. The waiver program is intended to help adults live at home instead of an institution like a hospital or nursing facility.  

Iowa HHS is proposing a phased approach for moving people on current HCBS waivers to the new HOME waivers. People who are on a waiver now will not need to re-apply to move onto the new waiver. People who are not on a waitlist now will not be placed on a waitlist.

Phase 1: Starting later in 2026, all members on the AIDS/HIV, Health and Disability, Physical Disability, and Children’s Mental Health waivers will transition to the new HOME waivers. Members on the Brain Injury and Intellectual Disability waivers will remain on their current waivers but will continue to have access to all current services on those waivers. 

Phase 2: In 2027, all members on the Brain Injury and Intellectual Disability waivers will transition to the new HOME waivers.

See the HOME Public Comment webpage for quick guides with more information on eligibility criteria, waitlists, services, and how current HCBS members will access the new HOME waivers.  

Public comments can suggest changes, point out problems, or highlight things that are good in the proposed new waivers. Comments will be most helpful if the comments are clear and specific. Try to give an example and explain why the change matters to you. Focus on what is most important for you, your family, or your community.

The details you share help Iowa HHS understand your point of view. 

Written comments are to be submitted to the Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) Policy Team. See the address below.

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
Iowa Medicaid
312 East 12th Street
Des Moines, IA 50319

You can also email comments to HCBS_Public_Comment@hhs.iowa.gov.

Please write “HCBS new HOME Waivers” in the subject line of the email.