Milwaukee family discussing Wisconsin home care programs with a caregiver

Wisconsin Medicaid Guide

Family Care vs. IRIS: Which Wisconsin Program Is Right for Your Family?

Both programs pay for care at home through Wisconsin Medicaid — but they work very differently. Here's a plain-language comparison so your family can choose with confidence.

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The basics

Two programs, one goal: keeping your loved one at home

Family Care is Wisconsin's managed care program for long-term care. A managed care organization (MCO) builds your care plan and coordinates services through its network of agencies. You choose the agency; the agency handles the rest.

IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) is Wisconsin's self-directed option. Instead of an MCO managing services, you receive a budget and decide how to use it — including hiring your own workers, who can often be family members or friends.

Both programs pay for personal care at home for people who qualify for Wisconsin Medicaid, and both start with a free call to your county's ADRC.

Side by side

Family Care vs. IRIS at a glance

	Family Care	IRIS
Who manages your care	A managed care organization (MCO) coordinates your services and care plan.	You self-direct your own budget with help from an IRIS consultant agency.
Choosing your caregivers	You pick an agency within the MCO's network, and the agency assigns caregivers.	You can hire your own workers — often including a family member or friend.
Flexibility of services	Services follow a care plan set with your care team at the MCO.	You decide how to use your budget within program rules — more control, more paperwork.
Best fit for	Families who want a care team to handle scheduling and coordination.	Families who want maximum choice and are comfortable directing their own care.
Cost to you	No cost if you qualify for Wisconsin Medicaid; some members have a cost share.	No cost if you qualify for Wisconsin Medicaid; some participants have a cost share.

Step by step

How to enroll in either program

Call the ADRC

Start with the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Milwaukee County at (414) 289-6874. It's free, and no referral is needed.

Eligibility screening

The ADRC completes a functional screen and starts the financial eligibility process for Wisconsin Medicaid long-term care.

Compare your options

An options counselor explains Family Care, Partnership, and IRIS in plain language so you can choose the program that fits your family.

Start care at home

Once enrolled, choose your provider. Many Milwaukee families choose Avida — and qualifying family members can get paid to provide the care.

Keeping care in the family

Either program can pay a family member to provide care

The question we hear most: "Can I get paid to care for my mom, dad, or spouse?" Under both Family Care and IRIS, the answer is often yes. Avida Personal Care specializes in helping Milwaukee family members become paid caregivers — with training, nurse support, and a bilingual team.

Get paid up to $2,000/month caring for a loved one
We handle payroll, scheduling, and paperwork for you
Dedicated care coordinator and nurse support
Serving Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, Kenosha, and nearby counties

Get paid to care for family Read the ADRC guide

Not sure which program fits?

Call us before or after you contact the ADRC — we'll explain Family Care and IRIS in plain language, in English or Spanish, and help you avoid common delays.

(414) 348-4600

Already enrolled? You can choose Avida as your care agency at any time.

Family Care vs. IRIS: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Family Care and IRIS in Wisconsin?

Both are Wisconsin Medicaid long-term care programs that pay for help at home. Family Care works through a managed care organization that coordinates your services, while IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) gives you a budget to self-direct — you choose your own workers and decide how funds are used within program rules.

Can a family member get paid as a caregiver under Family Care or IRIS?

Yes, in many cases. Under both programs, qualifying family members can be paid to provide personal care for a loved one. With IRIS you hire your worker directly; with Family Care the family member typically works through an agency like Avida Personal Care — often up to $2,000 per month.

Which program is better for keeping care in the family?

Both can work. IRIS offers the most direct control over who you hire, while Family Care is simpler day-to-day because the agency handles scheduling, training, and payroll. Many Milwaukee families choose Family Care with an agency that supports paid family caregivers, like Avida.

How do I enroll in Family Care or IRIS in Milwaukee County?

Call the ADRC of Milwaukee County at (414) 289-6874. The ADRC provides free options counseling, completes the functional screen, and starts your Medicaid financial eligibility. You never need a doctor's referral to call.

Does Family Care or IRIS cost anything?

If you qualify for Wisconsin Medicaid, there is generally no cost for covered services. Some members have a monthly cost share based on income. The ADRC explains any cost share before you enroll.

Can I switch from Family Care to IRIS, or the other way around?

Yes. Wisconsin allows you to change programs during open enrollment periods or for certain qualifying reasons. The ADRC can walk you through switching if your current program isn't the right fit.

What services do Family Care and IRIS cover at home?

Both can cover personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming), meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, transportation to appointments, and supportive home care. The exact services depend on your care plan or self-directed budget.

What if my loved one doesn't qualify for Medicaid?

Avida offers private-pay home care, and every family receives a clear written quote after a free call — no surprises. Call us at (414) 348-4600 and we'll help you find the option that fits.

Glossary: what these words actually mean

You will hear these words in English on the phone. Here is what each one means in plain language.

ADRC (Aging and Disability Resource Center): The free county office that explains your options and starts you toward long-term care programs. In Milwaukee County: (414) 289-6874.
Medicaid: Government health coverage for people with limited income or a disability. In Wisconsin it can pay for care at home, not just doctor visits.
ForwardHealth: The name Wisconsin uses for its Medicaid programs and the card you get.
Long-Term Care: Ongoing help with daily life — bathing, dressing, meals, medication reminders — rather than short-term medical treatment.
Family Care: A Wisconsin Medicaid long-term care program. A care team manages your services and chooses providers with you.
IRIS: A Wisconsin Medicaid long-term care program where you direct your own services and can choose who cares for you, including a family member.
Partnership: A Wisconsin Medicaid program that combines long-term care with your medical care and prescriptions in one plan.
Functional Screen: The in-person interview that measures how much help you need with daily tasks. It decides whether you qualify for long-term care.
Eligibility: Whether you meet the rules for a program — usually based on income, assets, and how much help you need.
Enrollment: Actually signing up and starting a program after you are found eligible.
Care Manager: The person assigned to you who arranges services, approves hours, and answers questions once you are enrolled.
Personal Care Worker (PCW): The trained caregiver who comes to the home to help with bathing, dressing, meals, and light housekeeping. A family member can be hired as one.
Home Care Agency: The licensed company that employs the caregiver, handles pay, taxes, training, and backup. Avida is a home care agency.
Respite Care: Short breaks for a family caregiver, where someone else covers the care for a few hours or days.
Out-of-Pocket / Copay: Money you pay yourself. Most families on Medicaid pay nothing out of pocket for personal care.
Private Pay: Paying for care yourself instead of through Medicaid — in Milwaukee that is usually $28–$32 per hour.

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