Iowa
Consumer Directed Attendant Care (CDAC)
Self-directed care programs in Iowa that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Consumer Directed Attendant Care
Open - No WaitlistPA Hourly Rate
$24.08
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$800 - $2,800
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire a family member (not spouse) as your paid attendant
- Choose your own attendant and set the schedule
- Receive personal care including bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility assistance
- Get health-related tasks performed under RN supervision
- Access the program without a waitlist
- Request schedule flexibility to fit your lifestyle
What You Can't Do
- Hire your spouse as a paid attendant
- Use CDAC funds for skilled nursing not approved in your plan
- Exceed your authorized hours without reassessment
- Have your attendant perform tasks outside the care plan
- Receive services in a nursing facility
- Skip the required attendant enrollment process
How to Apply
Verify Iowa Medicaid enrollment
Ensure active Iowa Medicaid through Iowa HHS at (800) 338-8366.
Request CDAC assessment
Contact Iowa Medicaid Member Services or your managed care organization (MCO) for a CDAC referral.
Complete needs assessment
A case manager evaluates your functional care needs in your home.
Receive service authorization
Based on assessment, you receive authorization for specific attendant care hours.
Select your attendant
Choose and interview your preferred attendant care worker.
Complete attendant enrollment
Your attendant completes enrollment paperwork, background check, and Iowa DHS registration.
Begin receiving services
Services start once your attendant is fully enrolled and authorized.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Iowa
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification document
Social Security card
For payroll and tax processing
W-4 tax withholding form
Federal tax withholding elections
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization verification
Iowa DCI background check
Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation background check
Dependent adult abuse registry check
Clearance from Iowa's Dependent Adult Abuse Registry
Direct deposit form
Banking information for electronic payment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDAC in Iowa?
Consumer Directed Attendant Care allows eligible Iowa Medicaid members to hire their own attendant to provide personal care services at home, giving you control over who provides your care and when.
Can a family member be my CDAC attendant in Iowa?
Yes. Family members can serve as paid attendants under CDAC. However, spouses are not eligible to be paid attendants.
What is the CDAC pay rate in Iowa?
Iowa pays a flat rate of $24.08 per hour for CDAC attendants, which is among the higher rates nationally.
How many hours can I receive through CDAC?
Hours are determined through an individual needs assessment. Your case manager authorizes the number of hours based on your care needs and available budget.
Is there a waitlist for CDAC in Iowa?
No. Iowa's CDAC program is generally open enrollment with no waitlist. You can begin services once approved and your attendant is enrolled.
What's the application timeline?
The process typically takes 30-60 days from application to beginning services, including assessment and attendant enrollment.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Iowa's CDAC program.