Home and community-based services (HCBS) are medical, social and supportive services for Iowans with functional, cognitive and other physical or mental health needs. These services are meant to help people live and receive services in a home and community-based setting instead of an institution.
HCBS are funded through Iowa Medicaid's HCBS waivers and Habilitation programs. In addition to the services available through an HCBS waiver, waiver-enrolled members have access to Medicaid covered services and benefits.
In Iowa, there are seven programs called Home-and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. These waivers help people stay in their own homes or communities instead of going to a medical institution.
These programs also provide funding and personalized support for individuals who qualify, allowing them to receive the care they need while remaining in a familiar environment.
This waiver offers services for those who have been diagnosed with AIDS or HIV. These are the services you may receive if there is a need for this waiver:
This waiver offers services for those who have been diagnosed with a brain injury due to an accident or illness. You must be at least one month of age for this waiver. These are the services you may receive if there is a need for this waiver:
This waiver offers services for children up to age 18, who have been diagnosed with serious emotional disturbance. These are the services you may receive if there is a need for this waiver:
This waiver provides services for elderly persons. An applicant must be at least 65 years of age. These are the services you may receive if there is a need for this waiver:
This waiver provides services for persons who are blind or disabled. An applicant must be less than 65 years of age for this waiver. These are the services you may receive if there is a need for this waiver:
This waiver provides services for persons who have been diagnosed with an intellectual disability. These are the services you may receive if there is a need for this waiver:
This waiver provides services for persons who are physically disabled. An applicant must be at least 18 years of age, but less than 65 years of age. These are the services you may receive is there is a need for this waiver:
All HCBS programs have some common services. As a member, you can expect:
Service Coordination
A service coordinator is there to help you plan for and receive the services you need. The service coordinator can be a:
Managed Care Organization (MCO) Community-Based Case Manager (CBCM)
Targeted Case Manager
Waiver Case Manager
The service coordinator will be determined by your program. You have a choice of service coordinator.
Individual Planning
All members who receive HCBS services have a Comprehensive Service Plan created through the person-centered planning process. Your plan should have important information about you, your goals, and the steps you and your Support Team need to take to get there. The people on your team are yourself, your case manager, and other people whom you choose.
Person-centered planning is a process directed by you; you will be encouraged and assisted in directing the planning process instead of having others make all decisions related to the supports you may need. The person-centered approach will identify your strengths, goals, preferences, needs and desired outcomes. Your service coordinator will assist you to identify and access services and to provide support during the service planning process.
Quality Assurance
It is important to make sure that you are happy with the services you receive, and that the medical support helps you move toward the goals that are in your Comprehensive Service Plan. Iowa must also be sure that HCBS funds are used appropriately and in a way that meets federal and state requirements. You may be asked about your services. These questions help ensure that HCBS services help you lead a full, happy, and safe life.
