The following information was released by the Wisconsin Dept. of Human Services (DHS) on March 31, 2016:

Click here to view the Family Care/IRIS 2.0 Concept Paper

As required by 2015 Act 55, earlier this afternoon the Department submitted the Family Care/IRIS 2.0 Concept Paper to the Joint Committee on Finance. Consistent with the current program, Family Care/IRIS 2.0 will continue to serve adults with physical disabilities, adults with developmental disabilities, and frail elders who meet financial and functional eligibility requirements.

To create this Concept Paper, the Department held 10 public hearing, met with councils, boards, and committees that advise DHS on its long-term care programs; and held additional meetings with a variety of stakeholders to collect input. We received testimony in person and in writing from more than 750 people.

Thank you to everyone who submitted feedback. We value your input and look forward to working with you as we work toward implementing Family Care/IRIS 2.0.

The Family Care/IRIS 2.0 plan outlined in the Concept Paper reflects the Department’s approach that remains centered on the fundamental principles of self-determination, empowerment, member-centeredness, quality, consumer choice, and fiscal stability.

Next Steps for Family Care/IRIS 2.0

Now that the Concept Paper has been submitted to Joint Committee on Finance, it will need to be reviewed and approved by the Legislature. After the Legislature approves the Concept Paper, the Department will begin developing the formal waiver and/or state plan authority documents to submit to federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). DHS will release these documents for public review and will conduct another formal public comment period prior to submission to CMS.