Disability services in Iowa

People with a long-term mental health condition who need help with daily living and have income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Habilitation is a state plan benefit, so it has no waiting list.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

1. Apply for Iowa Medicaid.
2. Ask your health plan care coordinator or case manager about Habilitation services.
3. Complete the needs-based assessment.
4. Make a service plan with your case manager.

Have these ready

• Medicaid number
• Records of your mental health diagnosis and treatment

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

People ages 0 to 64 with a disability who need hospital or nursing facility level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 13,196 people on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from March 2020.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

• Photo ID
• Social Security number
• Proof of income and assets
• Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

People of all ages with an intellectual disability who need ICF/IID level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 8,943 people on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from July 2021.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

• Photo ID
• Social Security number
• Proof of income and assets
• Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

People of all ages with a brain injury who need hospital, nursing facility or ICF/IID level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 4,412 people on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from August 2017.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

• Photo ID
• Social Security number
• Proof of income and assets
• Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

People with HIV or AIDS who need hospital or nursing facility level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 the AIDS/HIV Waiver had no waiting list.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

• Photo ID
• Social Security number
• Proof of income and assets
• Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Adults 65 and older who need nursing facility level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 the Elderly Waiver had no waiting list.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

• Photo ID
• Social Security number
• Proof of income and assets
• Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Adults ages 18 to 64 with a physical disability who need nursing facility level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 3,292 people on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from July 2024.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

• Photo ID
• Social Security number
• Proof of income and assets
• Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Children ages 0 to 17 with a serious emotional disturbance who need hospital level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 1,066 children on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from June 2025.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

• Photo ID
• Social Security number
• Proof of income and assets
• Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas