Medicaid Home- and Community-Based (HCBS) Children's Mental Health Waiver (CMH)
What is it?
The Children's Mental Health Waiver (CMH) provides funding and support so that eligible children can remain in their own homes or communities who would otherwise require care in a medical institution.
What services are available?
Waiver services are specific to the individual and may include the following:
- Environmental modifications and adaptive devices
- Family and community support services
- In-home family therapy
- Respite
Who is eligible?
A person may be eligible for the waiver if they are under the age of 18; has a diagnosis of serious emotional disturbance as verified by a psychiatrist, psychologist or mental health professional within the past twelve months; meets level of care requirements; and qualifies for Medicaid.
Where can I get more information or help?
- For help with applying for Medicaid or the waiver, contact Iowa Medicaid Member Services at 1-800-338-8366 or locally in the Des Moines area at 515-256-4606, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. For telephone accessibility assistance if you are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking, call Relay Iowa TTY at 1-800-735-2942. Detailed information about waivers can be found here.
- Iowa Legal Aid is a non-profit agency that provides legal assistance to low-income and vulnerable Iowans. Information can be found on the Iowa Legal Aid website and they can be reached by phone at 800-532-1503 or, for Iowans 60 or older, 800-992-8161.