How to apply for Iowa Medicaid HCBS Elderly Waiver (in-home care for people 65 and older)

Who it's for

The Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Elderly Waiver is an Iowa Medicaid program that helps people 65 and older get care at home or in their community instead of a nursing home. Services can include adult day care, assisted living service, case management, chore help, attendant care, home and vehicle changes, home-delivered meals, home health aide, homemaker, nursing, a personal emergency response system, respite for family caregivers, senior companions, and transportation. You must need a nursing-home or skilled level of care and be eligible for Medicaid. Waiver members also get regular Medicaid services. Apply for Medicaid through Iowa HHS, or call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 for help.

What you'll need

• Call to ask what to bring

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Iowa Medicaid HCBS Elderly Waiver (in-home care for people 65 and older). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need call to ask what to bring — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Confirm that you are age 65 or older and want care at home or in your community instead of a nursing home.
2. Check that you may qualify. You must need a nursing-home or skilled level of care, and you must be eligible for Medicaid. Iowa Medicaid decides the level of care, and Iowa HHS makes the final decision.
3. Call Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 to ask what documents to bring or have ready before you apply.
4. Apply for Iowa Medicaid online or by phone at 1-800-338-8366.
5. Complete any follow-up steps Iowa HHS or Iowa Medicaid asks for. Ask about the Elderly Waiver, since a waiting list may apply.
6. If you are under age 65 and have a disability, ask about other Iowa waivers instead.

What to expect: After you apply, Iowa HHS and Iowa Medicaid review your Medicaid eligibility and decide whether you meet the required nursing-home or skilled level of care for the Elderly Waiver. Processing times vary, so ask for an estimate when you apply. If you are approved, you can get regular Medicaid services and waiver services. Renew coverage each year.

Renewals

annual