Wisconsin's Self-Directed Supports Program
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started in IRIS?
You can start the process by contacting your local Aging and Disability Resource Center. They will give you information about IRIS as well as other programs that are available. You will also learn about the funding available to you as an IRIS Participant. If you are interested in IRIS, the Aging and Disability Resource Center will make sure that you meet all the qualifications. If you meet the requirements, they will send your request and your information (known as a referral) to the IRIS program.
How do I get my IRIS start date?
You will receive a start date once IRIS approves your supports and services plan. This process typically takes between 15 to 60 days and follows this timeline:
What Happens
IRIS Receives reference from an
Aging and Disability Resource Center
referral date
IRIS program, and helps you start developing a plan
for the supports and services you need.
provided by your Orientation Consultant. The
IRIS Consultant will work with you to provide support
and assistance while you are in the program. You and
your IRIS Consultant will finalize and submit your
supports and services plan to IRIS.
Your enrollment process is complete. Your supports
and services can begin on this date. Your approved
workers begin work on this date.
Your supports and services plan is reviewed and
approved by IRIS. Your IRIS start date is determined.
Services and supports cannot begin until your plan
is approved. Approved workers cannot begin work
until your start date arrives.
Your start date arrives.
Your enrollment process is complete. Your supports
and services can begin on this date. Your approved
workers begin work on this date.
Your workers cannot start working until they have
completed the required employee paperwork and
pass the background checks.
We understand that life does not always go according to plan. While the chart above may be a typical path for many IRIS participants, there may be changes to your timeline based on your own personal needs. You have flexibility if you need additional time to interview workers, schedule services, or consider options.
If you have any questions on the timeline or any part of the enrollment process, please contact the IRIS Information Center by phone at 1-888-515-4747 or email info@Wisconsin-IRIS.com.
I received a letter that says I need a Long-Term Care Functional Screen. What is this?
The Long Term Care Functional Screen determines if you meet a required level of care to be eligible for the IRIS program. While you are in IRIS, you are required to have an annual functional screen completed to maintain your eligibility for the program or when you have a change in condition.
The Long-Term Care Functional Screen measures how much help you need for activities such as bathing, preparing meals, taking medication, driving, etc. A certified long-term care functional screener will visit you once per year to perform this screen.
If you have experienced a stroke; you have newly diagnosed or worsening dementia; a rapidly progressing illness or other significant change in your health or functional ability during the year, please contact the IRIS Information Center. You may need an additional functional screen.
I noticed a mistake on my supports and services plan. What do I do?
Contact your IRIS Consultant right away if you notice any errors on your supports and services plan. If you have any questions, you can also contact the IRIS Information Center by phone at 1-888-515-4747 or by email at info@Wisconsin-IRIS.com.
Where can I get copies of the forms I need to hire workers?
You can access these forms under the Resources tab of this website. Your IRIS Consultant may have copies of the forms or you can contact the IRIS Information Center and ask that the forms be sent to you.
Where can I find copies of the forms I need to hire an agency?
You can access these forms under the Resources tab of this website. Your IRIS Consultant may have copies of the forms or you can contact the IRIS Information Center and ask that the forms be sent to you.
What is a cost share? Why do I have one?
You must meet certain financial eligibility requirements to be eligible for IRIS. Some people in the IRIS program can meet these financial requirements by paying a portion of the supports and services they need. Your county's Income Maintenance Office may determine a set amount you must pay each month in order to keep receiving services. This amount is called a cost share.
If you have a cost share, you will receive a letter from IRIS that explains what a cost share is and when the payments are due. You must keep up these payments in order to continue to be financially eligible.
Cost share payments are due by the fifth of each month and should be sent to:
IRIS
2020 W. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
If you have any questions about your cost share, please contact the IRIS Information Center by phone at1-888-515-4747 or by email at info@Wisconsin-IRIS.com.
When can my workers start working?
You must submit a caregiver and criminal background check form to the Financial Services Agency before hiring a worker. The background check determines if this person can be hired as a caregiver. Do not hire your worker before receiving approval from the Financial Services Agency. They will not process timesheets for workers who have not cleared the background check process.
You may hire your worker once you receive a letter from the Financial Services Agency stating that your worker has a clean background check. They can begin working for you on your IRIS start date.
For any questions regarding caregiver and criminal background checks, please contact the IRIS Information Center by phone at 1-888-515-4747 or by email at info@Wisconsin-IRIS.com.
What is IRIS Self-Directed Personal Care?
IRIS Self Directed Personal Care is an option available to you to hire your own personal care workers instead of receiving those services from a Medicaid Personal Care agency. This option allows you to receive personal care services funded through Medicaid (ForwardHealth) and do not come out of your IRIS budget. If interested, please check with your IRIS Consultant to see if you qualify for this service.
How do I get IRIS Self-Directed Personal Care?
Contact your IRIS Consultant or the IRIS Information Center and let them know you are interested in self-directing your personal care services. If you are eligible, an IRIS nurse will contact you and schedule a home visit to complete an assessment. The Personal Care Screening Tool assesses how much assistance you need from other people with bathing, grooming, dressing and getting around. Within a week of that visit, the IRIS nurse will notify you and your IRIS Consultant of your self-directed personal care amount. You can typically start self-directed personal care two weeks after being notified of your personal care allocation.
How much do I pay my IRIS Self-Directed Personal Care workers?
You decide how much to pay your workers and how many hours they work, but the maximum amount you can pay your Self-Directed Personal Care workers is $12.05 per hour. You may pay different workers different wages. Remember, you must stay within your IRIS Self-Directed Personal Care allocation.
What are home modifications?
Home modifications are adaptations to a home that make it safer, more accessible, and increase a person's independence.
Can IRIS pay to modify my home?
IRIS funds could pay for parts of a home modification that relate to your personal needs, including building ramps, making a doorway wheelchair accessible, making a bathroom easier to use, changing the height of light switches, or installing electrical or plumbing systems to allow for specialized medical equipment.
IRIS does not pay for general utility costs, carpeting, roof repair, central air conditioning, added square footage to a home, or anything that Medicaid covers.
IRIS-funded home modifications may not be done to add value to your home. IRIS funds can be used to purchase standard items. For example, IRIS might pay for a lowered ceramic sink, however, if someone wants a marble sink, he or she would have to pay for the difference for that high-end option.
All IRIS funded home modifications must be on your approved plan before you adapt your home.
How do I request a home modification?
Your IRIS Consultant can help you put together a home modification request. You will need three written, itemized estimates from qualified professionals and the additional paperwork if your request exceeds $1000.
Who can tell me more about home modifications?
You can learn more by contacting your IRIS Consultant or the IRIS Information Center. They will answer your questions about home modifications, help you learn about local building rules and link you with other resources.
What is an Allocation Adjustment?
An allocation adjustment (AA) is a request to increase the ongoing monthly IRIS allocation. This request may be made for various health and/or safety reasons.
What is an Exceptional Expense?
An exceptional expense (EE) is a request for a one-time increase in an IRIS allocation. This request may be made for various health and/or safety reasons.
What is the Allocation Adjustment/Exceptional Expense Process?
All requests should begin with a discussion with your IRIS Consultant. Your IRIS Consultant will help begin the process and submit a formal request. Once your request is received, it will be reviewed by an AA/EE Specialist. After review, your request will be sent to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for final approval or denial; the IRIS Consultant Agency will notify you of this decision.
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