How to apply for Family Care & IRIS (Long-Term Care Programs) — Wisconsin

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.

What you'll need

• Long-term care functional screen (arranged by the ADRC)
• Medicaid financial eligibility documentation

Where to apply

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.

Step by step

1. Contact your local Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) by phone at 1-844-947-2372 or online to start the enrollment process.
2. Complete a long-term care functional screen arranged by the ADRC — this screen checks whether you have a nursing-home level of care need.
3. Gather your Medicaid financial eligibility documentation, such as proof of income and assets, so the income maintenance agency can determine your financial eligibility.
4. Submit your Medicaid financial information to the income maintenance agency as directed by the ADRC.
5. Work with the ADRC to choose between Family Care (a managed care option) and IRIS (the self-directed option, where you manage your own budget and workers).
6. Complete any remaining enrollment steps as guided by the ADRC and the program you select.

What to expect: After submitting your functional screen and financial documentation, both the ADRC and the income maintenance agency will review your eligibility. Processing times vary, so ask the ADRC for an estimate of how long your review may take. If approved, you will be enrolled in either Family Care or IRIS and can begin receiving covered services — such as personal care, home-delivered meals, chores, equipment, or respite — to help you remain at home. Keep in mind that eligibility requires both a qualifying functional screen result and Medicaid financial approval, so both pieces must be confirmed before enrollment is complete. Once enrolled, your eligibility is reviewed annually, so watch for renewal notices and respond promptly to avoid any gap in coverage.

Renewals

annual