State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Wisconsin
Program Overview
Overview
Wisconsin has the Family Care and IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) programs as primary Medicaid managed long-term care options. These serve both elderly and adults and children with disabilities. Family Care is a managed care model for those who need oversight; IRIS is a fully self-directed option for those who want to direct their own care.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Wisconsin has a dedicated Katie Beckett Medicaid program for children under age 19 with disabilities, chronic illness, or mental health needs who live at home or in the community. Children can qualify even if their parents have too much income or assets for other Medicaid programs, or if the child is already on private insurance. Applications are made through ACCESS (access.wi.gov) or the MyACCESS app.
Child-relevant waivers
Family Care and IRIS are the primary long-term care programs and serve both adults with physical disabilities and older adults alongside individuals with developmental disabilities. The Children's Long Term Support (CLTS) Waiver specifically serves children. Family Care is a managed care model with care coordination and oversight; IRIS is a fully self-directed option where participants direct their own services and budget. Both cover personal care, home health, day services, supported employment, and residential supports for adults who need nursing-facility level of care but choose to live in the community.
Eligibility
Getting Started
Practical next step
Contact your local ADRC and ask about CLTS Waiver intake, eligibility, and available services.
Services & Support
Parent caregiver pay
Parents and guardians of adult participants over age 18 may be paid for some personal care and respite services. Parents of minors may be paid for transportation only through the Children's Waiver, and only in extraordinary circumstances.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
WisTech / Wisconsin Assistive Technology Program (dhs.wisconsin.gov/wistech) — free device demonstrations, short-term loans, reuse programs, and low-interest AT financing statewide.
Additional notes
Wisconsin offers two distinct pathways: Family Care for those who need care coordination and oversight, and IRIS for those who can self-direct and want full control over their service choices and workers. IRIS is one of the most fully developed self-directed care programs in the country and is open to adults with physical disabilities, not just those with developmental disabilities. Ask your local ADRC which option fits your situation.
Sources
Recent news for Wisconsin
The Post-Crescent on MSN · October 3, 2026 · Housing & Employment, Caregiving
Local Aging and Disability Resource Centers are available to help seniors find appropriate housing and community support services.
WPR · October 2, 2026 · Rights & Law
Theater companies across Wisconsin are implementing new accessibility measures to ensure their productions are inclusive for audience members with disabilities.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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