Habilitation Services

About Habilitation Services 

Habilitation Services is a program that helps Iowans with long-term mental health challenges live more independently at home and in their communities. 

Made possible by a 2005 federal law, Iowa started offering these services in 2007. The program was created with help from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to support people in building daily living, social, and coping skills.

Learn more from the Habilitation Services Handout.

Types of Services

Eligibility

Federal law doesn’t allow this program to target a specific group of people. However, it offers services that are often helpful for adults with chronic mental illness. To qualify, a person must be on Medicaid and show a need for these services based on the following:

• Has received or is receiving psychiatric treatment more intense than outpatient care more than once (like emergency care, inpatient hospitalization, or similar services).
• Has a history of mental illness that required ongoing professional support (not including hospitalization).

And they must meet at least two of the following needs, either consistently or off and on, for at least two years:

• Has trouble keeping a job, works in a sheltered setting, or has limited job skills and work history.
• Needs help with money or housing and can’t get it without support.
• Struggles to build or keep a social support system.
• Needs help with daily living skills like self-care, cooking, budgeting, or managing medications.
• Shows behaviors that often require outside intervention.

Children's Eligibility

There is no age limit for receiving Habilitation Services—anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can qualify. However, the needs-based criteria are based on functional abilities and usually don’t apply to most young children, even those with disabilities. Teens moving from children’s services to adult services may benefit from this program and avoid a sudden change when they turn 18.

Income Limits & Guidelines

Federal law restricts eligibility to individuals whose household income does not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level.