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Disability services in Iowa

295 Confirmed Profiles and 9,201 Registry Listings across 200 counties, plus organizations that serve the whole country.

A smiling woman in a power wheelchair with friends on a train platform.

Search by area in Iowa

Intellectual and Developmental

Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, learning disabilities, and ADHD.

1,533listings, 136 Confirmed Profiles

Mental and Behavioral Health

Mental illness, PTSD and trauma, substance use, and eating disorders.

3,949listings, 123 Confirmed Profiles

Physical and Mobility

Spinal cord injury, amputation and limb loss, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, and speech and language.

2,559listings, 89 Confirmed Profiles

Sensory

Blind and low vision, Deaf and hard of hearing, and DeafBlind.

1,290listings, 94 Confirmed Profiles

Neurological and Chronic Health

Brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, MS, ALS, Parkinson's, dementia, and medically complex needs.

2,907listings, 91 Confirmed Profiles

Veterans and Military Families

VA health, claims and benefits help, veterans service organizations, Vet Centers, housing, jobs, and military family support.

2,420listings, 216 Confirmed Profiles

Everything in Iowa, on a map

Every listing in the state by county and ZIP code, plus 175 organizations that serve the whole country.

9,496listings in all

Key statewide contacts

Agencies and networks that serve people with any disability in Iowa. Each area's Resources and data tab lists the contacts for that area.

Protection and Advocacy (2)

The legal advocacy agency for people with disabilities in your state, set up under federal law. Free help with rights, abuse and neglect, and discrimination.

Vocational Rehabilitation (2)

The state agency that helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job.

Assistive Technology Act program (1)

Try, borrow, or get help paying for assistive technology, from communication devices to mobility equipment.

Centers for Independent Living (5)

Run by and for people with disabilities: peer support, skills training, advocacy, and help moving from an institution to the community.

Statewide Independent Living Council (1)

Plans and monitors independent living services across the state.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (1)

One place to start for long-term services and supports for older adults and people with disabilities.

Area Agencies on Aging (13)

Local agencies that connect older adults and caregivers to in-home services, meals, and support.

Show all 13

Parent Training and Information Centers (1)

Free help for families of children with disabilities, including special education rights and IEPs.

Services by county in Iowa

Each county page shows what serves that county, your local intake offices, and Confirmed Profiles based there. Numbers are listings that serve the county.

Show all 99 counties

How to get services in Iowa

Most long-term supports are paid for by Medicaid, often through a waiver program. Start with Medicaid, then get on the program that fits. Many programs have a waiting list, so apply early.

Start here Iowa Medicaid (IA Health Link) · Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

Apply online (opens in a new tab) · Call (855) 889-7985 · Your local Iowa HHS office

Yes. Iowa gives Medicaid to people who get SSI without a separate application.

Medicaid for people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability covers people with low income and assets. Iowa also has a Medically Needy program for people with high medical bills.

For children: None. Iowa has no TEFRA or Katie Beckett option; children with disabilities may apply for the Health and Disability or Children's Mental Health waivers, which use the child's income.

If you work: Medicaid for Employed People with Disabilities (MEPD): lets working people with disabilities keep Medicaid, with a premium for some people.

Steps

  1. Apply online, by phone at 1-855-889-7985, or with a paper form from your local HHS office.
  2. If you want a waiver, mark the waiver you want in Appendix A of the application.
  3. Return the form to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
  4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
  5. Watch for your Notice of Action. It can take up to 45 days.

Have these ready

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security numbers
  • Proof of income
  • Bank statements and asset records
  • Medical records about the disability

Find a local benefits office (opens in a new tab)

Intellectual and developmental disabilities, and autism

Habilitation Services (state plan HCBS) No waiting list

People with a long-term mental health condition who need help with daily living and have income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

Habilitation is a state plan benefit, so it has no waiting list.

Apply for Medicaid first.

Steps

  1. Apply for Iowa Medicaid.
  2. Ask your health plan care coordinator or case manager about Habilitation services.
  3. Complete the needs-based assessment.
  4. Make a service plan with your case manager.

Have these ready

  • Medicaid number
  • Records of your mental health diagnosis and treatment

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Health and Disability (HD) Waiver Has a waiting list

People ages 0 to 64 with a disability who need hospital or nursing facility level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 13,196 people on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from March 2020.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

  1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
  2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
  3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
  4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
  5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
  6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Intellectual Disability (ID) Waiver Has a waiting list

People of all ages with an intellectual disability who need ICF/IID level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 8,943 people on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from July 2021.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

  1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
  2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
  3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
  4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
  5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
  6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Brain injury, HIV, and complex medical needs

Brain Injury (BI) Waiver Has a waiting list

People of all ages with a brain injury who need hospital, nursing facility or ICF/IID level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 4,412 people on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from August 2017.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

  1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
  2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
  3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
  4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
  5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
  6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Home and Community Based Services - AIDS/HIV Waiver No waiting list

People with HIV or AIDS who need hospital or nursing facility level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 the AIDS/HIV Waiver had no waiting list.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

  1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
  2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
  3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
  4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
  5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
  6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Older adults and people with physical disabilities

Home and Community Based Services - Elderly Waiver No waiting list

Adults 65 and older who need nursing facility level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 the Elderly Waiver had no waiting list.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

  1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
  2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
  3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
  4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
  5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
  6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Home and Community Based Services - Physical Disability Waiver Has a waiting list

Adults ages 18 to 64 with a physical disability who need nursing facility level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 3,292 people on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from July 2024.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

  1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
  2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
  3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
  4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
  5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
  6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Mental health

Children's Mental Health (CMH) Waiver Has a waiting list

Children ages 0 to 17 with a serious emotional disturbance who need hospital level of care.

Start with: Iowa HHS (Medicaid application) · (855) 889-7985 · Website (opens in a new tab)

In October 2026 there were 1,066 children on the waiting list; the oldest application waiting was from June 2025.

Medicaid and this program are applied for together.

Steps

  1. Get the Iowa Medicaid application online, by calling 1-855-889-7985, or at your local HHS office.
  2. Fill it out and mark the waiver you want in Appendix A.
  3. Return it to HHS by mail, email, fax or in person.
  4. Answer any requests for information by the due date.
  5. Wait for your Notice of Action (up to 45 days).
  6. If you are on a waiting list, your case manager or health plan will contact you when a slot opens.

Have these ready

  • Photo ID
  • Social Security number
  • Proof of income and assets
  • Medical records about the disability

About this program (opens in a new tab) · Providers in the Atlas

Rules change. Check with the agency before you rely on this. Checked October 2026.

How Iowa pays for services

Iowa ranks 43 of 51 on Medicaid waiver funding for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. See its spending, waiting list, every named program, service rates, and its vocational rehabilitation agency.

Open the Funding Atlas for Iowa

How Iowa is graded

C+

Rank 25 of 51 on State of Support

ConnectIDD's report card for services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

  • Access to servicesC
  • Community livingD
  • Family supportB-
  • Real workB+
  • Direct support workforceB
  • Quality of lifeB-
  • State investmentC+
  • TransparencyF

Open the full report card

An older woman smiles beside an apple tree in a garden.

A map for every stage of your family's journey in Iowa

Eight stages most families of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities pass through, from the first diagnosis to planning for the years ahead. Each stage shows what to do now, what to start planning, and the services to look for nearby, with a free printable guide.

  1. Diagnosis
  2. Early childhood
  3. School years
  4. Transition
  5. After graduation
  6. A place to live
  7. Work
  8. The future

Open The Family Journey Download the free guide (PDF)