Official State of Iowa Website

Medicaid Home- and Community-Based (HCBS) Brain Injury Waiver (BI)

What is it?

The Brain Injury Waiver (BI) provides funding and support so that eligible persons 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:

  • Adult Day Care
  • Behavioral Programming
  • Career Exploration
  • Case Management
  • Consumer-Directed Attendant Care
  • Family Counseling and Training
  • Home and Vehicle Modifications
  • Interim Medical Monitoring and Treatment
  • Personal Emergency Response System
  • Prevocational Services
  • Respite
  • Specialized Medical Equipment
  • Supported Community Living
  • Supported Employment
  • Transportation
  • Consumer Choices Option 

Who is eligible?

A person may be eligible for the waiver if they have a diagnosis of brain injury and are at least one month old, 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
  • You can also contact your local area agency on aging/aging and disabilities resource center for help with applying for Medicaid or the waiver. Visit Lifelong Links to find the agency in your area.
  • 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.