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
At Family Love Care, we believe that everyone deserves the dignity of aging in place. Navigating state-funded programs can be complex, but we are here to simplify the process.
For Maryland residents, the Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS) program provides a pathway for older adults and individuals with disabilities to receive care at home and remain safely in their communities.
Unlike many complex Medicaid waiver options, the Maryland CPAS program is a State Plan entitlement, meaning eligible individuals can receive benefits without a waitlist.
The program provides home and community-based services for individuals who need assistance with daily living activities, not just those who require nursing facility-level care, helping people remain safely at home while receiving the support they need.
Medical Necessity Requirements
CPAS requires a demonstrated medical need for assistance with daily living — but the threshold is more accessible than other Maryland programs
Activities of Daily Living
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are everyday personal care tasks. If a Maryland resident needs hands-on assistance with any ADL, the CPAS program can provide in-home personal care and support. Common ADLs include:
Maintaining Independence
By making these services available at home, the Maryland Department of Health helps individuals maintain independence and avoid unnecessary institutional care.
Financial Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Maryland CPAS program, individuals must first meet Medicaid eligibility requirements, which are based on both income and assets.
Maryland Medicaid has multiple eligibility pathways, and income limits vary depending on age, program type, and household situation. Many individuals who initially appear over income still qualify through one of the following:
SSI Pathway
Maryland residents who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for Maryland Medicaid, which simplifies the application process for CPAS.
Medically Needy (Spend-Down)
If your income exceeds the standard limit, you may still qualify by applying medical expenses toward your countable income until you reach the eligibility threshold.
Asset Limits
In most cases, countable assets are limited to approximately $2,500 for an individual and $3,000 for a married couple. Certain assets such as a primary residence are typically excluded from this 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.
Understanding the Community Residence Requirements
To qualify for the Maryland CPAS program, services must be provided in a community setting. This includes:
Approved Settings
- Your own home
- Home of a family member or friend
- Certain approved community-based living environments, including adult foster care homes
Not Available In
Assisted Living Facilities
CPAS services are not available in assisted living facilities. If you require a higher level of care in a structured setting, programs like the Community Options (CO) Waiver may be more appropriate.
The program is designed to deliver in-home personal care services while allowing individuals to remain connected to their community and support system.
Supports Planning and Case Management
Personal Plan of Care
Once you are approved for the Maryland CPAS program, you will begin the supports planning and case management process. This step focuses on identifying the specific in-home personal care services you need to remain safe and independent at home.
A supports planner or care coordinator will work with you to develop a personal plan of care, outlining the types of assistance and level of support required based on your daily needs. This is a collaborative process, ensuring your preferences and goals are central to your care plan.
Nurse Monitoring
As part of CPAS benefits, you will also receive nurse monitoring services. A registered nurse conducts periodic visits to ensure that:
- Your care plan remains medically appropriate
- Services are meeting your current needs
- Any changes in condition are identified and addressed
Ongoing supports planning and nurse monitoring help ensure your long-term services and supports remain effective, adaptable, and aligned with your health and safety at home.
Self-Direction: Choose Your Own Caregiver
One of the key benefits of the Maryland CPAS program is the option for self-directed care, which allows you to choose who provides your in-home personal care services.
With self-direction, you may be able to:
- Select a trusted family member or friend as your paid caregiver
- Have greater control over your daily care schedule and support needs
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 handles payroll, tax withholding, and compliance on behalf of the caregiver, while also providing RN oversight, patient safety monitoring, and caregiver training — so you can focus on receiving the care you need.
Navigating the CPAS Application Process
The process to enroll in CPAS typically takes about three months. Here is how it works:
Initial Contact
Start by reaching out to Family Love Care for a quick Maryland CPAS eligibility pre-screening. Our team will guide you and, if appropriate, connect you with Maryland Access Point (MAP) to complete the required state screening.
Medicaid Enrollment
Before anything else, the participant must have active Maryland Medicaid. If not yet enrolled, apply online through Maryland Health Connection or through the Department of Social Services. CPAS services cannot begin until Medicaid is approved.
Nurse Assessment
After Medicaid approval, the Maryland Department of Health will schedule an in-home nurse assessment to confirm you meet the clinical criteria for CPAS services, specifically that you require assistance with at least one Activity of Daily Living.
Supports Planning and Care Plan Development
Once approved, you will be assigned a Support Planning Agency (SPA), which will conduct a more detailed assessment and develop your Plan of Service, outlining your approved personal care services and hours.
Caregiver Setup and Service Start
Once your care plan is approved, 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.
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.
We provide hands-on support with:
- Understanding your CPAS eligibility for personal care services
- Preparing for and navigating the functional assessment and supports planning process
- Helping families establish paid caregivers, including family members or friends
- Coordinating documentation and ensuring services are set up correctly
- Ongoing guidance to help you maintain and maximize your home care benefits
As programs like CPAS and Community First Choice (CFC) continue to expand in 2026, access to reliable, in-home support is more important than ever for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
Family Love Care works alongside the Maryland Department of Health framework to help you navigate requirements and access the care you need, so you can remain safely at home and focus on your health and family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Maryland CPAS eligibility
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