Maryland CPAS Eligibility 2026: Your Essential Guide
Understanding CPAS eligibility is the first step to keeping your loved one at home. We break down the medical requirements, financial criteria, residence rules, and application process into a clear plan for your family.
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Program Overview
Understanding CPAS Eligibility
CPAS is a State Plan entitlement — meaning there is no waitlist. The program serves older adults and individuals with disabilities who need help with daily living activities while remaining in their homes and communities.
Compared to the CO Waiver, CPAS is more accessible because it does not require a nursing facility level of care. If you need assistance with at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL), you may qualify.
A diferencia de muchas opciones complejas de exención de Medicaid, el programa CPAS de Maryland es un derecho del Plan Estatal, lo que significa que las personas elegibles pueden recibir beneficios sin lista de espera.
El programa proporciona servicios basados en el hogar y la comunidad para personas que necesitan asistencia con las actividades de la vida diaria, no solo para quienes requieren nivel de atención de centro de enfermería, ayudando a las personas a permanecer de forma segura en casa mientras reciben el apoyo que necesitan.
Medical Necessity Requirements
CPAS requires a demonstrated medical need for assistance with daily living — but the threshold is more accessible than other Maryland programs
ADL Requirement
CPAS requires assistance with at least one Activity of Daily Living (ADL). This is more accessible than the CO Waiver and CFC, which require a full nursing facility level of care.
Independence Focus
The Maryland Department of Health designed CPAS to help individuals maintain their independence. The program supports those who need moderate assistance without requiring the higher level of care associated with nursing home placement.
Financial Eligibility Criteria
You must qualify for Maryland Medicaid first. Multiple pathways are available depending on your situation.
Medicaid de Maryland tiene múltiples vías de elegibilidad, y los límites de ingresos varían según la edad, el tipo de programa y la situación del hogar. Muchas personas que inicialmente parecen exceder los ingresos aún califican a través de una de las siguientes opciones:
SSI Pathway
SSI recipients automatically qualify for Maryland Medicaid, simplifying the CPAS application process.
Medically Needy (Spend-Down)
If your income exceeds the standard limit, you may still qualify by applying medical expenses toward the income threshold.
Asset Limits
Approximately $2,500 for an individual and $3,000 for married couples. Primary residence is typically excluded from the asset calculation.
Because eligibility rules are complex and updated annually, we strongly recommend contacting Family Love Care for a free eligibility pre-screening before drawing any conclusions about whether you qualify.
Residence Requirements
CPAS services must be delivered in an approved community setting — not in institutional facilities
Approved Settings
- Your own home
- Home of a family member or friend
- Approved community-based environments
Not Available In
Assisted Living Facilities
CPAS is not available for individuals residing in assisted living facilities. If a higher level of care is needed, the CO Waiver may be more appropriate.
El programa está diseñado para brindar servicios de cuidado personal en el hogar mientras permite que las personas permanezcan conectadas con su comunidad y sistema de apoyo.
Supports Planning and Case Management
Personal Plan of Care
After CPAS approval, you begin supports planning and case management. A supports planner is assigned to develop your personal plan of care, outlining the specific services and hours you receive.
This plan is tailored to your unique needs and is regularly reviewed to ensure it continues to serve you effectively.
Nurse Monitoring
Nurse monitoring is included with CPAS. A registered nurse (RN) conducts periodic visits to ensure:
- Care plan is medically appropriate
- Services are meeting current needs
- Changes in condition are identified and addressed
La planificación de apoyos continua y el monitoreo de enfermería ayudan a asegurar que sus servicios y apoyos a largo plazo sigan siendo efectivos, adaptables y alineados con su salud y seguridad en el hogar.
Self-Direction: Choose Your Own Caregiver
One of the most valuable benefits of CPAS is the ability to select who provides your care
Con la autogestión, usted puede:
- Seleccionar a un familiar o amigo de confianza como su cuidador pagado
- Tener mayor control sobre su horario de atención diaria y necesidades de apoyo
Independientemente de quién brinde la atención, todos los cuidadores deben estar empleados a través de una Agencia de Servicios Residenciales (RSA) autorizada como Family Love Care. La agencia maneja la nómina, la retención de impuestos y el cumplimiento en nombre del cuidador, para que usted pueda concentrarse en recibir la atención que necesita.
The Application Process
The CPAS application process takes approximately 3 months. Here are the steps in order.
Initial Contact
Reach out to Family Love Care for a free CPAS eligibility pre-screening. Our team will guide you and connect you with Maryland Access Point (MAP) to begin the official application.
Medicaid Enrollment
You must have active Maryland Medicaid before a CPAS application can move forward. If you are not yet enrolled, apply through Maryland Health Connection or your local Department of Social Services.
Nurse Assessment
After Medicaid approval, a state nurse conducts an in-home assessment to evaluate your functional needs, confirming you require assistance with at least one ADL.
Supports Planning
Once approved, a Support Planning Agency (SPA) develops your personalized Plan of Service, outlining your approved personal care services and hours.
Caregiver Setup
Family Love Care onboards your chosen caregiver and ensures all requirements are met, including training, payroll, and ongoing support.

Expert Guidance
How Family Love Care Helps You Navigate CPAS
Family Love Care specializes in navigating the CPAS eligibility process without confusion. Our team provides end-to-end support so your family can focus on care, not paperwork.
What FLC Helps With:
- Understanding CPAS eligibility for personal care services
- Preparing for functional assessment and supports planning
- Helping families establish paid caregivers
- Coordinating documentation
- Ongoing guidance to maintain and maximize benefits
A medida que programas como CPAS y Community First Choice (CFC) continúan expandiéndose en 2026, el acceso a apoyo confiable en el hogar es más importante que nunca para adultos mayores y personas con discapacidades.
Family Love Care trabaja junto al marco del Departamento de Salud de Maryland para ayudarle a navegar los requisitos y acceder a la atención que necesita, para que pueda permanecer de forma segura en casa y concentrarse en su salud y su familia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Maryland CPAS eligibility
¡Cuide a un ser querido —
y reciba pago!
¡Con Family Love Care, puede recibir pago por cuidar a un familiar o amigo!
¡Pagado por Medicaid!
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