Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS) Maryland
For many Maryland residents, maintaining independence while managing physical disabilities or age-related health concerns is a top priority. The CPAS program helps seniors and adults with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities by providing essential personal assistance — without moving to a nursing facility.
CPAS is a Medicaid state plan option that offers a variety of home and community-based services. Unlike the CO Waiver, which may have a waiting list, CPAS is generally available to all eligible Maryland residents who meet the eligibility requirements.
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Program Overview
Understanding Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS)
The CPAS program helps individuals with daily living tasks so they can remain at home instead of entering an institutional setting. Participants receive a personalized care plan that supports needs such as hygiene, mobility, and other personal care activities.
Administered by the Maryland Department of Health, CPAS combines medical oversight with community-based services to support long-term care. These person-centered services are available in private homes, the home of a family member or friend, and adult foster care settings.
Key Services and Support Included
When you access personal assistance services through CPAS, the core services included are
Personal Assistance
Hands-on help with daily living activities like bathing and dressing.
Nurse Monitoring
Registered nurses provide regular visits to ensure your health status is stable and your care plan remains appropriate.
Supports Planning
Dedicated professionals assist with supports planning to coordinate your medical and community needs.
CPAS does not cover broader medical services or equipment. Services such as doctor visits, laboratory testing, home health care, durable medical equipment (DME), and Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are typically covered separately through Maryland Medicaid or Medicare, when medically necessary.
CPAS Caregiver Pay Rates
CPAS caregivers in Maryland earn competitive hourly wages, with all payments processed through a licensed Residential Services Agency (RSA).
$15–$18/hr
Varies by agency, care complexity, and approved hours
Benefits Package
Family Love Care caregivers receive medical, dental, and vision coverage plus paid sick leave
Eligibility Requirements for Maryland Residents
A Note on Medicaid
Active Maryland Medicaid is a prerequisite for CPAS. You must be enrolled in and approved for Maryland Medicaid before a CPAS application or clinical assessment can move forward. If you are not yet enrolled, you can apply online through Maryland Health Connection.
Clinical Criteria
For the Maryland CPAS program, applicants do not need to meet a full nursing facility level of care. Eligibility typically requires assistance with at least one activity of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, dressing, or mobility, due to a medical or functional need.
This allows individuals who need moderate support at home to qualify without requiring the higher level of care associated with nursing home placement.
Financial Criteria
Medicaid eligibility is based on both income and assets. Maryland Medicaid has multiple eligibility pathways and income limits vary depending on age, disability status, and household situation.
- Assets: The asset limit for a single applicant is approximately $2,500. A primary residence, household furnishings and appliances, personal effects, and one vehicle are not counted toward this limit.
- Spend-Down: If your income exceeds the standard limit, you may still qualify by spending down excess income on qualifying medical expenses.
- Married Couples: The asset limit for married couples is $3,000. Unlike some waiver programs, CPAS typically does not apply Spousal Impoverishment rules for income.
- SSI Recipients: Maryland residents who receive SSI automatically qualify for Maryland Medicaid.
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.
The Application Process
Because Medicaid must be in place before a CPAS application can move forward, the process follows these steps in order
Initial Contact
Start by contacting Family Love Care for a quick CPAS eligibility pre-screening. Our team will guide you and, if appropriate, connect you with Maryland Access Point (MAP) to begin the official application.
Medicaid Enrollment
This must be completed first. If you are not already enrolled in Maryland Medicaid, apply online through Maryland Health Connection or through your local Department of Social Services. CPAS services cannot begin until Medicaid is approved.
Nurse Assessment
After Medicaid approval, a state nurse will conduct an in-home assessment to evaluate your functional and medical needs, confirming you require assistance with at least one ADL.
Supports Planning
Once approved, you will be assigned a Support Planning Agency (SPA) to develop your personalized Plan of Service, outlining approved personal care services and hours.
Caregiver Setup and Service Start
Family Love Care, a licensed Residential Services Agency (RSA), will help you onboard your chosen caregiver and ensure all requirements are met, including training, payroll, and ongoing support.
Self-Direction and Community Integration
Choose Your Own Caregiver
A key feature of the CPAS program is the self-directed care option, which allows participants to choose their own caregiver, including family members or trusted friends.
The caregiver cannot be the participant’s legal guardian or legal representative, and parents cannot be paid to care for their own minor children.
Regardless of who provides the care, all caregivers must be employed through a licensed Residential Services Agency (RSA) such as Family Love Care. The agency manages payroll, tax withholding, and all employment responsibilities, while also providing RN oversight, patient safety monitoring, and caregiver training so caregivers can focus on providing quality care.
Professional Support and Case Management
Every individual in the CPAS program receives ongoing case management through supports planning. Your supports planning professional will consult with you to adjust your services and supports as your needs change over time, helping ensure your care remains aligned with your health and safety at home.
Start Your Journey Today
If you or a loved one requires personal care assistance, contact Family Love Care today. Our team can help you navigate the eligibility process, prepare your documentation, and ensure everything is set up correctly so care can begin without unnecessary delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Maryland CPAS
Care for a Loved one —
And get paid!
With Family Love Care, you can get paid to care for a family member or friend!
Paid by Medicaid!
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