Does Maryland Have an IHSS Program? What Maryland Families Should Use Instead

No, Maryland does not have a program called In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) (opens in new tab). IHSS is a California Medicaid program; no state agency here uses that name. If you searched "IHSS Maryland," you're likely looking for the home and community based services that let family members get paid to care for a relative.

Start With MAP

Maryland Access Point (MAP) (opens in new tab) is the state's official resource hub for aging, disability, and health services. MAP staff explain eligibility requirements and eligibility criteria for every program below and connect families to other resources, so call MAP first.

Maryland Programs That Replace IHSS

Community First Choice pays for personal assistance with activities of daily living and has no enrollment cap or waitlist. Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS) covers adults who need help with activities of daily living but don't need nursing facility level of care, so they can remain living at home. The Community Options Waiver (opens in new tab) serves people who do need nursing facility level of care, though it may carry a waitlist. Increased Community Services (opens in new tab) helps people transition from a nursing home back into community living. Families affected by developmental disabilities can also ask MAP about Developmental Disabilities Administration waiver programs (opens in new tab), and adults needing daily task help may qualify for In-Home Aide Services (opens in new tab) through social services.

What Is the Family Caregiver Support Program?

Run by the Maryland Department of Aging (opens in new tab), this program offers respite care, training, case management, and other services for family caregivers, including friend caregivers, of older adults 60 and up.

Can Family Members Get Paid to Be Caregivers?

Yes. Through self-direction, Community First Choice, CPAS, and the Community Options Waiver let many family and friend caregivers, including spouses (as long as the spouse is not also serving as the participant's authorized representative), get hired as the care recipient's paid support worker. Pay depends on the program and the number of approved hours. Adults with disabilities and older adults generally qualify once approved, and most families receive ongoing financial assistance rather than a lump sum. Depending on the program, some of these Maryland Medicaid programs, such as the Community Options Waiver, also cover services like assistive technology and other community supports beyond personal care, while others, like CPAS, focus on personal assistance only.

Get Help Enrolling

Family Love Care helps family caregivers apply for these programs, meet eligibility requirements, and start getting paid to care for their own relative. Contact us for free help finding the right long term services and supports, benefits, and resources.