HCBS Waiver Service Code Updates 1/1/2026

Join Iowa Compass for a quarterly webinar to learn more about Iowa Compass and how to search the resource database to connect older adults, people with disabilities and complex health-related needs of all ages, and caregivers with services and supports. This webinar will be recorded. The target audience includes Managed Care Organization (MCO) Case Managers, Targeted Case Managers, Money Follows the Person (MFP) Transition Specialists, community-based service providers, and other professionals who support older adults, people with disabilities and complex health-related needs of all ages, and caregivers. Check the Iowa Compass website for more information and to register: Webinars – Iowa Compass

Exciting changes for Iowa Compass! The Iowa Compass Resource Database got a much-needed refresh and a brand new look. Iowa Compass made the transition to a new database software provider to create a more user-friendly experience for online searches and make it easier to find aging and disability information and resources.

Need help finding resources during this transition? As always, the Iowa Compass team will be ready to help:

1. Reach out to them by email at information@iowacompass.org
2. Call them at 800-779-2001
3. Use the Contact Us page on the Iowa Compass website to start a chat

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has released the updated Iowa Olmstead Plan, which provides a strategic framework to expand opportunities, improve service access, and enhance the quality of life for Iowans with disabilities.

The updated plan outlines how state agencies, local governments, and community organizations can work together to build a more coordinated and inclusive system of support. Through an emphasis on collaboration, the Olmstead Plan reaffirms Iowa’s commitment to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the ability to live, work, and participate fully in their communities.

The plan identifies several Olmstead Progress Areas that guide this work, including strengthening community-based services, expanding independent living opportunities, improving access to housing and transportation, and supporting employment and wellness initiatives. These priorities reinforce Iowa’s dedication to advancing integration and promoting meaningful choice for individuals with disabilities.

You may access the plan and related materials using the links below:

2026 Iowa Olmstead Full Plan   

2026 Olmstead Plan Summary & Resource Documents

Olmstead Plan and Stakeholder Engagement | Health & Human Services

This is a reminder that the contract with Boston University to provide ADRC No Wrong Door training through CADER will end 9/30/2026. There is still time to complete the 22-hour training! This training is designed to build foundational knowledge and applied skills in supporting older adults and people with disabilities. Topics include person-centered practices, behavioral health, long-term services and supports, and systems navigation. Please contact your supervisor on how to enroll in this training.

Iowa HHS recently refreshed the HOME website with a new look and a simpler layout. These changes will make it easier to find important information, stay up to date on HOME progress, and access new HOME resources as they become available. Take a look! View HOME Website

LivingWorks Start – Enroll Today for Free Begin the Conversation On behalf of Iowa’s Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health, we are pleased to offer enrollment to LivingWorks Start at no cost to you. LivingWorks Start is a 90-minute online training that helps learners develop foundational skills to recognize when someone may be thinking of suicide and connect them to further help. Once you enroll, you have 60 days to complete, so we encourage you to get started with your learning as soon as you can! Steps to Enroll: 1. Click “Enroll Now” below to begin 2. Create LivingWorks Learn account 3. Proceed to the learning catalog via “Our Training” 4. Launce the course by clicking “LivingWorks Start” 5. Complete the course within 60 days   Enroll Now

Please contact iowa-cebh@uiowa.edu with any questions. To learn more about LivingWorks, Visit Living Works                          If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.