Benefits · Long Term Care
How to apply for Family Care & IRIS (Long-Term Care Programs) — Wisconsin
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Who it's for
Family Care and IRIS are Wisconsin's Medicaid long-term care programs. They pay for help at home — personal care, chores, home-delivered meals, equipment, respite — so frail seniors and adults with disabilities can stay out of nursing homes. IRIS is the self-directed option (you manage your own budget and workers). Eligibility takes both a functional screen (nursing-home level of care) and Medicaid financial rules. Enrollment starts at the county Aging & Disability Resource Center.
Requires a functional screen showing a nursing-home level of care plus Medicaid financial eligibility — both determined by the ADRC and income maintenance agency, so this shows as a may-qualify result.
What you'll need
- Long-term care functional screen (arranged by the ADRC)
- Medicaid financial eligibility documentation
Where to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-844-947-2372
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Family Care & IRIS (Long-Term Care Programs) — Wisconsin. 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 long-term care functional screen (arranged by the ADRC), medicaid financial eligibility documentation — 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.
Renewals
annual
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.