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IRIS: How to Apply

IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) is a Medicaid long-term care program for older adults and adults with disabilities in Wisconsin. It is a self-directed program. Self-direction means IRIS participants or their legal decision makers are responsible for choosing supports and services they need within their budget, sticking to their budget, hiring and managing providers, and following program rules.

To enroll in IRIS, you must need long-term care services. You also must be an older adult or an adult with a disability. You’ll need to be functionally and financially eligible. This means you have certain care needs and income limits.

Follow these steps to enroll in the IRIS program.

Step 1: Contact your local aging and disability resource center

To enroll in IRIS, the first step is to contact your local aging and disability resource center (ADRC) or Tribal aging and disability resource specialist (ADRS). These centers serve the public and offer information. They help with issues that affect older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. ADRCs and Tribal ADRSs make it easy to learn about resources near you.

If you are interested in the IRIS program, your ADRC or ADRS will help find out if you are eligible. They can let you know about your role and responsibilities when you are part of the program.

If you decide to apply, you can expect these steps:

  1. Meet with your ADRC or Tribal ADRS to complete the Long-Term Care Functional Screen. This helps figure out your level of need for services. It determines if you qualify for IRIS.
  2. Fill out an application for Medicaid. You can apply online or use the paper form. You’ll submit it to an income maintenance agency. Your ADRC or Tribal ADRS can help you fill out the application and submit it to the agency if needed. The agency confirms if you meet income limits for IRIS. If you already have Medicaid or meet income limits for Medicaid, you also meet them for IRIS.

Contact my local ADRC or Tribal ADRS

Step 2: Choose an IRIS consultant agency and an IRIS consultant

Your ADRC or Tribal ADRS will help you choose an IRIS consultant agency. This agency helps you identify your long-term care needs and outcomes and the supports and services to meet your needs and outcomes. They also handle the day-to-day operations of the IRIS program. The agency will schedule a call with you and help you choose an IRIS consultant.

Your IRIS consultant is a person from the agency who knows about services and supports in your area. They will answer your questions and help you:

  • Understand IRIS requirements.
  • Learn the responsibilities of self-direction.
  • Fill out paperwork.

Step 3: Select a fiscal employer agent

Your ADRC or Tribal ADRS will help you choose a fiscal employer agent. The agent:

  • Does background checks on workers you hire.
  • Processes payroll and pays IRIS providers.
  • Manages the amount of taxes to take out of your workers’ checks.
  • Helps with other employer tasks.
  • Processes any cost share you may owe. This is the amount that you owe to maintain your Medicaid eligibility.

Other program options

If IRIS isn’t the right fit for your needs, other options may include:

Glossary

 
Last revised December 18, 2025