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For families is new to the adult long-term support system, you may not be familiar with Fiscal Employer Agents (FEAs). This resource explains the role a Fiscal Employer Agent (FEA) plays while you* look for the supports and services you need to live your best life.

     *In this document “you” means the IRIS or Family Care participant.

The Include, Respect, I Self-direct (IRIS) Program, requires you to select a Wisconsin FEA. Your IRIS consultant (IC) can assist you in this choice and answer your questions about the role of the FEA. If you’re enrolled in Family Care, you may need a FEA if you decide to self-direct your supports.

To find a listing of available FEAs go to dhs.wisconsin.gov/iris/fea.htm.

What to Expect from a Fiscal Employer Agent

Your FEA works with you as you hire and maintain direct care workers. The FEA is the fiscal intermediary, or go-between, for your paid caregivers. Their responsibilities include:

• • • Completing background checks for the workers you want to hire
    • Processing payroll for your direct care workers
    • Managing the amount of federal and state taxes taken out of the worker’s checks
    • Processing any cost share you owe. This is the amount that you may owe to maintain your Medicaid eligibility.
    • Paying vendors or product suppliers for services provided to you
    • Reimbursing you, or your family, for goods or supplies included and authorized in your care plan

FEAs Working with Family Care Participants

Family Care Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) work with a limited number of FEAs. Unless you plan to hire your own direct care workers, you likely will not need an FEA. Your MCO will take care of paying your workers and doing background checks. When you create your plan, your care manager will let you know if you need an FEA and can help you find FEAs in your area.

Where to Learn More

Contact your FEA’s customer services department or go to dhs.wisconsin.gov/iris/fea.htm.

If you are enrolled in IRIS, contact your IRIS consultant or the IRIS Call Center at (888) 515-4747.

To learn about the role of your FEA read The IRIS Participant Handbook.  

Your county’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is a good source of information about programs and services for adults in your community.

INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

Wisconsin Wayfinder: Children’s Resource Network, 877-WiscWay (877-947-2929): Wisconsin Wayfinder offers families one name and phone number to find services for children with special health care needs. Wayfinder connects you to a resource guide at one of the five Children’s Resource Centers in your area.

If you need this fact sheet as a pdf or other format contact Lynn at lynn@fvofwi.org.