Request for Public Comment

Last year, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) asked members, family, friends, caregivers, providers, managed care organizations, tribal leaders, advocates, and other partners how we can improve Family Care and Family Care Partnership. We used that input to draft changes to the program waivers. Now, we want your input on the draft waiver renewal application.

The waivers allow Wisconsin to provide services and supports to help Family Care and Family Care Partnership members stay in their homes and communities.

DHS has made the following changes to the existing 1915(c) waiver:

• General updates: Changes to reflect current policies and practices and meet federal requirements.
• Administrative updates: Changes to make Family Care and Family Care Partnership more like other DHS programs. These changes will not impact access to services.
• Service improvements: Combining, adding, renaming, or updating services to increase visibility and improve access to services.
• Provider updates: Changes to expand types of providers and options for providers to be qualified.
• Incident reporting: Describing DHS’ new Adult Incident Reporting System (AIRS).

Public comment is a time to share your thoughts on changes to the 1915(b) and 1915(c) Family Care and Family Care Partnership waivers. Submit your comments by July 5, 2024. You can:

Email your comments to DHS at dhsltcpubliccomment@dhs.wisconsin.gov.Subject: Family Care 1915(b) Waiver Renewal or Family Care 1915(c) Waiver Renewal

Mail your written comments to:Division of Medicaid ServicesBureau of Programs and PolicyAttn: Family Care 1915(b) Waiver Renewal or Family Care/Family Care Partnership 1915(c) Waiver RenewalPO Box 309Madison, WI 53701-0309

You can get paper copies of the 1915(b) or 1915(c) waiver renewal applications mailed to you. To request this, call 855-885-0287.

Find more information about the public comment period, along with the Family Care and Family Care Partnership waiver renewal application, on the Waiver Renewal webpage.

Do you have an idea to make your community a better place for people with disabilities?  Organize your grassroots group and apply for funding to help make it happen! Individuals with developmental disabilities and family members may apply.

We are looking for groups or individuals who want to be more inclusive of people with disabilities but are not sure how to do it. Traditionally underserved groups are especially encouraged to apply. Examples include: 

• Faith-based, civic and nonprofit groups
• School districts
• Municipalities or local governments such as community recreation programs
• Family groups
• Individuals or groups with strong connections to their community

Examples of what you can do with the grant. 

• Make school extracurriculars accessible to students with disabilities and be intentional about inviting them to participate.
• Host a community conversation to talk about ways to meaningfully include people with disabilities in community programs. Work on an idea or tow over the next year.
• Implement innovative ways to make families with children with disabilities feel welcome in their faith community.

Questions?  Contact Jenny Neugart at jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov or at (608) 266-7707.

Wisconsin Partners in Policymaking is a six‐session advocacy and systems change training program that develops future leaders across the state who are able to work with legislators and communities on policies and initiatives that will support the full participation and inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all aspects of life.

Applications are due October 4th 2024.

Who can apply?

• Individuals who are highly motivated to create more inclusive communities AND are:
• Parents or primary caregivers of children under the age of 21 who have developmental disabilities
• Adults with developmental disabilities
• Adult siblings or family members of individuals with developmental disabilities

We are seeking cultural and geographic diversity within the guidelines above. The selection of participants is made by a team of parents, self‐advocates, and professionals. 

 If you have questions, please contact Jenny Neugart at jennifer.neugart@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266‐7707.