Maryland Community Pathways Waiver

If you or a loved one has an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and lives in Maryland, the Community Pathways Waiver (CPW) could be the key to living independently, at home and in the community, with the right supports in place.

This guide explains everything you need to know: what the waiver is, who qualifies, what services it covers, and how to get started.

What Is the Maryland Community Pathways Waiver?

The Community Pathways Waiver (CPW) is a Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver funded through Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) (opens in new tab) under the Maryland Department of Health (MDH). It allows eligible Marylanders with IDD to receive Medicaid-funded care and support services in their own homes and communities, rather than in an institution or intermediate care facility (ICF/IID).

Effective October 6, 2025, Maryland consolidated three separate DDA waiver programs (opens in new tab) (the Family Supports Waiver, Community Supports Waiver, and the original Community Pathways Waiver) into one unified program: the Community Pathways Waiver. This change was designed to make services faster and easier to access, and more consistent and person-centered for everyone served. Existing participants were automatically transitioned with no action required.

Who Is Eligible?

The CPW has no age requirement and serves both children and adults. To qualify, an applicant must:

• Be a Maryland resident
• Have an intellectual disability (ID) or developmental disability (DD)
• Require the level of care equivalent to an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (ICF/IID)
• Be enrolled in or eligible for Maryland Medicaid

Note: This waiver is specifically for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. It is not available to individuals with physical disabilities only or seniors who need nursing home care due to aging alone.

Financial Eligibility (2026)

The following limits apply as of 2026, per Maryland Medicaid long-term care guidelines (opens in new tab):

• Income limit (single applicant): up to $2,982 per month (opens in new tab)
• Income limit (married couple, both applying): $2,982 per month per spouse (opens in new tab)
• Asset limit (single): $2,500 in countable assets (opens in new tab)
• Asset limit (couple, both applying): $3,000 combined (opens in new tab)
• Home exemption: exempt if home equity is $752,000 or under (opens in new tab) and the applicant or spouse resides there
• One vehicle is exempt

Eligibility must be re-evaluated annually.

What Services Does the CPW Cover?

The CPW provides a comprehensive array of Meaningful Day Services, Support Services, and Residential Services tailored to each participant's assessed needs through person-centered planning. A full service list is available on the DDA services page (opens in new tab). Services are available through both a traditional agency-based model and a self-directed model.

Meaningful Day Services

• Day Habilitation (Traditional)
• Community Learning Services
• Employment Discovery and Customization
• Supported Employment
• Medical Day Care

Support Services

• Personal Supports: assistance with daily living activities
• Community Living Supports
• Behavioral Support Services
• Family and Individual Support
• Respite Care
• Support Broker Services
• Assistive Technology and Adaptive Equipment
• Environmental Accessibility Adaptations (home modifications)
• Transportation
• Nursing Support Services
• Housing Support Services
• Transition Services

Residential Services

• Community Residential Habilitation
• Community Supported Living Arrangements (CSLA)
• Shared Living
• Live-In Caregiver Rent Subsidy

Authorized services are based on assessed need and determined through the person-centered planning process in partnership with your Support Coordinator.

Self-Direction: You're in Control

One of the most empowering features of the CPW is the self-directed service model. Under this option, participants or their authorized representatives take on greater responsibility for managing their own services, including choosing, hiring, and directing their support workers.

Support Brokers and Financial Management and Counseling Services (FMCS) providers assist participants who choose this path. Legally responsible individuals, including parents and guardians, may provide up to 40 hours per week of certain services such as Community Development Services or Personal Supports under this model.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through your local DDA Regional Office (opens in new tab). Here is how to get started:

• Contact your local DDA Regional Office or the Maryland Department of Health's Developmental Disabilities Administration
• Complete a DDA eligibility determination, which involves an assessment of disability status and level of care need
• If eligible, your name will be placed on the waiting list if no slot is immediately available
• Once a waiver slot opens, you will work with a Support Coordinator to develop your person-centered plan and access authorized services

Important: There is a waiting list for the CPW. Getting on the list early is strongly recommended. Maryland has established reserved capacity categories for priority populations including individuals in crisis, transitioning youth, and military families.

Why the 2025 Consolidation Matters for Families

The October 2025 merger (opens in new tab) of Maryland's three DDA waivers into a single Community Pathways Waiver brought several key benefits:

• All participants now have access to the full array of support, meaningful day, and residential services
• A more consistent, person-centered approach to supports statewide
• Improved efficiency and equitable access across the system
• Faster access to services through a unified program structure

Families with questions about the transition can attend free webinars offered by the DDA or contact their regional office directly.

How Family Love Care Can Help

At Family Love Care, we understand that navigating Medicaid waivers can feel overwhelming. Our team is experienced in supporting individuals and families through the CPW process, from understanding eligibility and services to connecting with the right providers and support coordinators.

Whether you are just learning about the Community Pathways Waiver or ready to explore your options, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today.