Family Care, Family Care Partnership, and PACE: Information for Members and Potential Members
This page has details about programs for older adults and people with disabilities:
- Family Care
- Family Care Partnership (Partnership)
- PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly)
Where to start
If you want to apply for Family Care, Partnership, or PACE, contact your local aging and disability resource center (ADRC). ADRCs serve the public and offer resources. They also help with issues that affect older adults, people with disabilities, and their families. ADRCs make it easy to learn about public benefits and other programs.
Medicaid renewals underway
For the first time since March 2020, some members of Family Care, Family Care Partnership, PACE, and other Wisconsin Medicaid members must complete an annual renewal process If you are a member of Family Care, Family Care Partnership, or PACE, it’s important to complete and submit your renewal as soon as you can after receiving your renewal packet in the mail, And if you plan to send in your information by mail or fax, build in extra time!
Managed care organizations (MCOs)
An MCO helps program members get the services they need. Members work with the ADRC to choose the MCO they want to use. To help, we have MCO scorecards. These are tools that score MCOs for each program. You can find:
- Contact details.
- A link to the MCO’s provider directory.
- The number of MCO staff per member.
- Staff turnover rates.
- Star ratings for how happy other members are with the MCO.
- Star ratings for how well the MCO follows state quality standards.
What Molina and Humana acquisitions mean to members
Molina Health Care, Inc., and iCare (a wholly owned subsidiary of Humana, Inc.) have completed acquisitions of two other providers.
- My Choice Wisconsin was acquired by Molina on Sept. 1, 2023.
- Inclusa, Inc., was acquired by iCare on June 1, 2023.
My Choice Wisconsin and Inclusa will continue routine operations, and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will track the organizations' efforts to ensure a smooth transition for members and providers.
Learn more about the acquisitions.
Grievances and appeals
You have the right to file a grievance (also called a complaint). You can also file an appeal if you don’t agree with a decision.
Grievance
To file a grievance, you can either:
- Contact your care manager or member rights specialist at your MCO.
- Write about your concern and send it to your MCO.
If you do not agree with the decision your MCO made, you can ask DHS to review the decision. DHS oversees MCOs. To request a DHS review, either:
- Call 888-203-8338.
- Email dhsfamcare@wisconsin.gov.
You cannot ask for a DHS review until your MCO decides on your grievance.
Appeal
The first step in the appeals process is filing an appeal with your MCO. To file an appeal, you can either:
- Contact your care manager or member rights specialist at your MCO.
- Complete and submit an Appeal Request, F-00237.
If you do not agree with your MCO’s decision, you can ask for a state fair hearing. This is with the Wisconsin Division of Hearings and Appeals. To ask for a state hearing, you can either:
- Fill out and submit a Request for a State Fair Hearing, F-00236.
- Send a request in writing to:
Division of Hearings and Appeals
Family Care and Partnership Request for a Fair Hearing
PO Box 7875
Madison, WI 53707-7875
Make sure to include:
- Your name.
- Your mailing address.
- A brief description of the problem.
- The name of your MCO.
- Your signature.
Use the Voluntary Withdrawal form (PDF) if you change your mind about your hearing.
Ombudsman services
An Ombudsman (om-budz-man) is an independent advocate or helper. They answer questions about grievances and appeals. They can tell you about your rights. Anyone receiving Family Care, Partnership, or PACE services can get free help from an Ombudsman. The organization to contact depends on your age.
- Disability Rights Wisconsin—Support for Family Care, Partnership, and PACE members and future members between the of ages 18–59.
- Wisconsin Board on Aging & Long Term Care—Support for Family Care, Partnership, and PACE members and future members 60 and older.
Other resources
People who get services for a developmental disability, mental health, or substance abuse have rights under Wisconsin law:
Learn more on the Client Rights Office web page.
Related topics
- Family Care and Family Care Partnership: Being a Full Partner—How Family Care and Partnership work. What it means to be a member.
- Family Care MCO Key Contacts (PDF)
- Disability Benefit Specialists—Expert advice for adults 18–59 with disabilities.
- Elder Benefit Specialists—Expert advice for adults aged 60 and older.
- Independent Living Centers in Wisconsin