State Medicaid Waiver Directory
Find your state's Katie Beckett waiver, TEFRA pathway, HCBS programs, and Medicaid eligibility rules for children and adults with disabilities. Each guide covers waitlists, application steps, income limits, and parent caregiver pay options.
For informational purposes only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. Medicaid rules, eligibility, and waitlists change frequently. Always verify with your state's official Medicaid agency before making decisions. Cross-check with Medicaid.gov's official waiver page.
Maryland
Program Overview
Overview
Maryland has a clearly organized system including the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) and Maryland Medicaid. There is no Katie Beckett/TEFRA route, but several 1915(c) waivers count only the child's income — the Model Waiver for Fragile Children, the Autism Waiver, and the Community Pathways Waiver (which merged the former Family Supports and Community Supports Waivers in October 2025).al disabilities.
Katie Beckett or similar pathway
Maryland does not have a Katie Beckett or TEFRA pathway. Children qualify through 1915(c) waivers that count only the child's income: the Model Waiver for Fragile Children (medically fragile/technology dependent), the Waiver for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ages 1-21), and the Community Pathways Waiver for developmental disabilities.
Child-relevant waivers
The key child routes are the Model Waiver for Fragile Children, the Autism Waiver, and the Community Pathways Waiver (DDA). Maryland also offers a 1915(i) behavioral health program for children and a Community First Choice/Community Personal Assistance option.
Eligibility
Who qualifies
DDA waivers serve individuals with intellectual disabilities or related conditions who meet level-of-care standards.
Financial and income rules
Maryland Medicaid financial eligibility applies. DDA waiver programs use specific financial criteria.
Level of care
Level-of-care determination is conducted through DDA intake and eligibility review.
Age rules
DDA serves individuals of various ages. Early supports begin in childhood.
Getting Started
How to apply
Contact Maryland DDA for intake. Contact Maryland Medicaid for CPAS and other waiver applications.
Documents needed
Disability documentation, DDA eligibility determination, and financial information are typically required.
Waitlist information
Maryland has significant waiting lists statewide (more than 23,000 people with physical disabilities and thousands with developmental disabilities), and the Autism Waiver is currently full. Contact the Coordinating Center (Model Waiver) or DDA for current status.
Practical next step
Contact Maryland DDA for Community Pathways Waiver intake, the Coordinating Center for the Model Waiver for Fragile Children, and Maryland Medicaid for the Autism Waiver. Ask about current waitlist timelines.
Services & Support
Services available
DDA waivers can cover residential supports, day programs, employment support, community development, and family support services.
Parent caregiver pay
In the Community Pathways Waiver, legally responsible individuals including parents can be paid for up to 40 hours per week of Community Development Services or Personal Supports. Under the Autism Waiver, parents employed by a provider agency can be paid for extraordinary care.
Equipment exchange & assistive technology
Maryland Technology Assistance Program (MDTAP — mdtap.org) — free device demonstrations, short-term equipment loans, reuse programs, and low-interest AT financing statewide.
Mental health and Medicaid coverage
Maryland Medicaid covers behavioral health services through HealthChoice managed care organizations and the Public Mental Health System (PMHS). Covered services include outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluations, medication management, crisis services, and community support. The Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) within MDH oversees the public behavioral health system. The PMHS provides services to Medicaid enrollees through local behavioral health authorities. Children can access mental health services through the EPSDT benefit and school-based programs.
Additional notes
DDA waitlists can be very long. Beginning the eligibility determination process as soon as possible — even when the child is young — helps avoid gaps in service later.
Sources
Recent news for Maryland
The Transmitter · October 16, 2026 · Research
Four research studies regarding neural tube defects have been retracted by the University of Maryland due to data integrity concerns.
The Baltimore Banner · October 5, 2026 · Education, Rights & Law
A judge has criticized a local school district for attempting to circumvent laws designed to protect the rights of disabled students.
Washington Jewish Week · October 2, 2026 · Rights & Law
A community member in Rockville is leading local efforts to promote disability inclusion by integrating specific cultural and community values into his work.
Community Tips & Experience
Comments reflect the personal experiences and opinions of individual community members only. They do not represent the views, positions, or endorsements of National Disability Resource Project or any of its staff, volunteers, or affiliated members. Always verify information with official agencies and qualified professionals before making decisions.
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