You have the right to make your own decisions! These include:
- To be treated with dignity and respect
- Where to live
- Who your roommates will be
- What to eat and when to eat
- When to go to sleep and when to wake up
- To have visitors and the hobbies of your choice
- Where to work or volunteer
- To have privacy and alone time
- To go out into the community and participate in community activities
What if my providers are not respecting my rights?
- You can file a grievance. A grievance is a complaint, expressing why you are dissatisfied with your services or believe your rights have been violated.
- Your provider agency will have a grievance process-it will be included in the member handbook you received.
- You can also file a grievance with your managed care organization if your complaint is about how your services are administered.
Tips for Filing a Grievance
- Always put your grievance in writing.
- Be specific about your complaint and concerns. Include the dates of any incidents and the names of anyone involved.
- Make sure to include the action you would like the decision maker to take.
- Keep a copy of any documents you provide during the grievance process and keep a copy of any response you get.
- Always be respectful, but do not hesitate to share why you are upset.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my rights or services?
- Your Medicaid case manager should always be your first call. It is their job to help you achieve your goals and answer questions. They should give you their contact information during your care planning meeting.
- You can also contact Iowa Medicaid Member Services at (800) 338-8366.
