DHS Seeks Input on the IRIS Program for Waiver Renewal
Wisconsinites can share ideas to improve the program for older adults and people with disabilities
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) wants to hear from state residents about ways to make the Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) program the best it can be. Serving roughly 26,000 Wisconsinites, the IRIS program empowers adults with disabilities and older adults with long-term care needs to live independently and make their own choices. Participants and others involved with the program can share their ideas in an online survey from now until August 2 in English, Hmong, and Spanish. They can also participate in two online public comment sessions, on July 30 and 31. DHS will use all input gathered to make proposed changes to the IRIS waiver program.
A waiver is a request made to the federal government to design flexible, innovative Medicaid programs like IRIS. DHS can offer the IRIS program thanks to the 1915(c) Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver approved by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). To continue providing IRIS waiver program services, the waiver must be renewed and approved every five years by CMS.
DHS must submit the proposed waiver application to CMS by September 2025. If approved by CMS, the changes will take effect January 2026. Feedback from the following groups is essential to ensure proposed changes are equitable and support participant choice, self-determination, and access to high-quality services:
- IRIS participants
- Families and friends
- Caregivers and providers
- IRIS contract staff
- Advocates
- Other partners
Not every aspect of the IRIS program can change with the waiver renewal. Changes DHS can make include which services are covered, what is included with covered services, and qualifications required by providers. DHS cannot make updates that are not allowed by state or federal law.
Find more information about the waiver renewal, the survey, timeline, and public input session registration on the IRIS Waiver Renewal webpage.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Health Services
DHS Highlights Impact of Federal SNAP Changes on Wisconsinites
May 22nd, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesProposed changes to SNAP will cost taxpayers $314 million per year and put 90,000 people at risk of losing benefits
DHS Campaign Increases Awareness of Wisconsin’s Aging and Disability Resource Centers
May 15th, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesNew toll-free phone hotline and resource directory make finding resources and services easier statewide
Governor’s Interagency Council on Mental Health Seeks Public Input
May 13th, 2025 by Wisconsin Department of Health ServicesCouncil is creating a statewide action plan to improve the mental health of Wisconsinites