The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is seeking input from state residents to enhance the Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) program. The IRIS program serves approximately 26,000 Wisconsinites, empowering adults with disabilities and older adults with long-term care needs to live independently and make their own choices.

Participants and stakeholders can share their ideas through an online survey available until August 2 in English, Hmong, and Spanish. Additionally, two online public comment sessions will be held on July 30 and 31. DHS plans to use the gathered input to propose changes to the IRIS waiver program.

"We are eager to hear from the community about how we can enhance the IRIS program to better serve the people who need it and improve their quality of life," said DHS Secretary-designee Kirsten Johnson. "The proposals coming from this survey will ensure we can fund services and supports to help IRIS participants stay in their homes and communities."

A waiver allows states to design flexible Medicaid programs like IRIS. The current IRIS program operates under a 1915(c) Medicaid home and community-based services (HCBS) waiver approved by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This waiver must be renewed every five years for continued operation.

DHS aims to submit the proposed waiver application by September 2025. If CMS approves it, changes will take effect in January 2026. Feedback from various groups is essential for ensuring that proposed changes are equitable and support participant choice, self-determination, and access to high-quality services.

Not all aspects of the IRIS program can be changed through the waiver renewal. Potential changes include which services are covered, what is included with covered services, and provider qualifications. Updates not permitted by state or federal law cannot be made.

For more information about the waiver renewal process, survey details, timeline, and public input session registration, visit the IRIS Waiver Renewal webpage.

Members of the media can direct questions to DHSMedia@dhs.wisconsin.gov.

###