Calls to privatize the Family Care and the Include Respect, I Self-Direct (IRIS) programs in Wisconsin came in the 2015-2017 budget. But eventually, those calls went unanswered by the voices of the people and thousands of Wisconsin families who depend on these programs. And now, more welcome news is happening with the programs.
Tom Engels, Interim Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced today that the programs will be offered statewide by the first quarter of 2018.
“By offering these programs statewide, and eliminating the wait list, we are ensuring our state’s most vulnerable citizens have access to high quality services, the Family Care and IRIS programs offer people the support they need to remain in their homes, where they prefer to be, as opposed to the more costly nursing home option. This expansion means members all across the state can take advantage of services that offer dignity and independence, and allow them to make their own care decisions.”
