Wisconsin
Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS)
Self-directed care programs in Wisconsin that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Include, Respect, I Self-Direct
Open - No WaitlistPA Hourly Rate
$12.00 - $17.29
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,000 - $5,000
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire your spouse or family members as paid caregivers
- Manage your own individualized budget
- Use funds for personal care, home modifications, and adaptive equipment
- Enroll without a waitlist
- Work with an IRIS Consultant to plan your services
- Use budget for community activities and transportation
What You Can't Do
- Use IRIS funds for room, board, or rent
- Exceed your annual approved budget
- Purchase items not in your approved support plan
- Receive IRIS while in a nursing facility
- Hire a caregiver who fails Wisconsin's caregiver background check
- Skip the required IRIS Consultant Agency relationship
How to Apply
Apply for Wisconsin Medicaid
Ensure Medicaid enrollment through your county or tribal agency, or call (888) 515-4747.
Contact your ADRC
Reach your local Aging and Disability Resource Center for a long-term care functional screening.
Complete functional screen
A screener evaluates your care needs using the Long-Term Care Functional Screen.
Choose IRIS
Elect IRIS as your long-term care program (alternative: Family Care managed care).
Select an IRIS Consultant Agency
Choose an ICA to help you plan and manage your services.
Develop support plan
Work with your IRIS consultant to create your individual support and service plan with budget.
Hire and enroll workers
Recruit workers and enroll them through the fiscal employer agent with required background checks.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Wisconsin
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification
Social Security card
For payroll
W-4 tax withholding form
Tax withholding
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization
Wisconsin caregiver background check
Required under Wisconsin's caregiver law — includes criminal, abuse registry, and licensing checks
Direct deposit form
Banking details for electronic payroll
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IRIS in Wisconsin?
Include, Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) is Wisconsin's self-directed long-term care program. You receive an individualized budget and decide how to spend it on services and supports.
Can my spouse be my caregiver?
Yes. Wisconsin's IRIS program allows spouses and other family members to be paid caregivers.
How is my IRIS budget determined?
Your budget is based on a functional assessment using the Long-Term Care Functional Screen. The assessment determines your level of care and corresponding annual budget.
Is there a waitlist?
No. IRIS is generally open enrollment. Eligible individuals can enroll when they apply.
What is an IRIS Consultant?
An IRIS Consultant Agency (ICA) helps you develop your individual support and service plan, manage your budget, and navigate the program.
What can I use my IRIS budget for?
Supportive home care, personal care, respite, community activities, adaptive equipment, home modifications, transportation, and other approved services.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Wisconsin's IRIS program.