Wisconsin delivers home health services to Medicaid-eligible seniors through the Family Care and Family Care Partnership programs. While Family Care is more oriented toward assisted living and non-medical caregiver support, many of the program’s participants get medically oriented services through Family Care Partnership, usually just called Partnership.

Family Care Partnership

Seniors in Wisconsin who qualify for Medicaid can get home health services support by enrolling in the Family Care Partnership. Partnership services include inpatient medical services, some medically necessary testing including at-home testing and home health visits from paramedical professionals and home health aides. Seniors can opt into a managed care model, in which home health aides are selected by a registered agency and remotely managed. Seniors who want more independence and control can choose to receive services via the state’s Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) waiver.

Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS)

IRIS is the self-directed option for seniors who need home care services. IRIS services cover all of the in-home care options that seniors might need to age in place at home. Seniors participating in IRIS can get help from home health aides, non-medical caregivers, transportation and home modification assistance, durable medical equipment and other must-have home services that help seniors avoid placement in a nursing home.