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Family Care in Wisconsin: who qualifies and how to enroll

Family Care is a Wisconsin Medicaid long-term care program where a managed care organization arranges your services. DHS says you start with your local ADRC and the Long-Term Care Functional Screen.

Carevo editorial team Updated October 27, 2026 Source checked by Carevo editorial team, October 27, 2026

Family Care is a Wisconsin Medicaid long-term care program for older adults and adults with disabilities. A managed care organization (MCO) arranges your services. DHS says you start by contacting your local aging and disability resource center (ADRC), which completes the Long-Term Care Functional Screen with you.

What Family Care is

DHS's Family Care page, last revised September 3, 2026, says Family Care helps members get the services they need to live at home when possible. Services range from help with daily tasks at home to mental health care. DHS pays MCOs a monthly amount for each member. The MCO arranges services based on your needs, situation and preferences and works with a network of long-term care providers, so the choice of provider is made inside the MCO's network.

If you would rather choose and manage your own workers, DHS lists a different program, IRIS.

Who is eligible

DHS says applicants must:

  • be at least 18;
  • be a frail elder or an adult with a disability;
  • qualify for Medicaid;
  • pass the Long-Term Care Functional Screen; and
  • have a long-term care need expected to last more than 90 days.

People with dementia and a terminal condition may also qualify. The page we read does not give income or asset limits. DHS's apply page says the income maintenance agency checks income limits, and that if you already have Medicaid or meet its income limits, you also meet them for these programs.

How to apply

DHS's apply page, last revised March 31, 2026, gives three steps for Family Care, Family Care Partnership and PACE.

  1. Meet with your ADRC or Tribal ADRS to complete the Long-Term Care Functional Screen, which determines your level of need.
  2. Submit a Medicaid application online or on paper to an income maintenance agency, which checks income limits.
  3. Hear from the ADRC whether you can enroll. If you proceed, the ADRC helps you choose a program, choose an MCO and sign a form confirming your choices and start date.

The page lists no processing times and no phone numbers. It links to a page for contacting your local ADRC. DHS lists Medicaid Member Services at 800-362-3002 on the Family Care page, the same number Medicaid.gov lists for DHS.

The My Choice Wisconsin notice

DHS's page says DHS has ordered My Choice Wisconsin, the contractor for Family Care and Family Care Partnership, to fix problems, and that My Choice Wisconsin will be under corrective action until it meets all requirements. We did not read a DHS page that explains the problems or says what members should do. If you are in a My Choice Wisconsin MCO, or choosing one, ask your ADRC what the notice means for you and which other MCOs serve your county.

Can a relative be paid

The DHS Family Care pages we read do not say whether an MCO can pay a relative to give you care. Ask the MCO. In IRIS Self-Directed Personal Care, DHS says you may hire family members. See paid family caregiver in Wisconsin.

Questions to ask the ADRC

  • Which MCOs serve my county, and is any under corrective action?
  • Would Family Care or IRIS suit me better if I want to pick my own workers?
  • What happens to my current providers if I enroll?

See also the Wisconsin program overview, home care in Wisconsin, home health in Wisconsin, nursing homes in Wisconsin and developmental disability services in Wisconsin.

Carevo is a connection platform and directory. We do not run Family Care, decide eligibility or choose an MCO for anyone.

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Common questions

What is Family Care?

DHS says Family Care is a Medicaid long-term care program for older adults and adults with disabilities. It aims to help members get the services they need to live at home when possible. Services range from help with daily tasks at home to mental health care.

Who is eligible?

DHS says applicants must be at least 18, be a frail elder or an adult with a disability, and qualify for Medicaid. They must also pass the Long-Term Care Functional Screen and have a long-term care need expected to last more than 90 days. People with dementia and a terminal condition may also qualify.

How does it work?

DHS pays a managed care organization (MCO) a monthly amount for each member. The MCO arranges services based on the member's needs, situation and preferences, and works with a network of long-term care providers.

How do I apply?

DHS says to meet your ADRC or Tribal ADRS for the functional screen, apply for Medicaid with an income maintenance agency, then let the ADRC tell you whether you can enroll and help you pick a program and MCO.

What is the My Choice Wisconsin notice?

DHS's Family Care page, last revised September 3, 2026, says DHS has ordered My Choice Wisconsin, the contractor for Family Care and Family Care Partnership, to fix problems, and that it will be under corrective action until it meets all requirements. The page does not describe the problems.

What if I would rather choose my own workers?

DHS lists IRIS as another option. In IRIS you choose supports within a budget and manage your own workers. See our IRIS page.

Does Carevo enroll people in Family Care?

No. Carevo is a connection platform and directory. Your ADRC and DHS handle screening and enrollment.

Sources

Review status: Carevo checked this page against the primary sources listed above. It has not been professionally reviewed by a registered nurse, licensed social worker, benefits counselor or attorney. See our editorial standards.

This page is general information, not financial, legal or medical advice. Rules and services vary by state and by individual circumstances. Use the official sources and decision-maker named on the page. Carevo is a connection platform, not a care provider.