Maryland Department of Health - Developmental Disabilities Administration

05/01/2026

YOUR INPUT NEEDED: Proposed amendment to the Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver.

Some of the Fiscal Year 2027 changes to the Community Pathways program require approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, through the formal Medicaid waiver amendment process.

The first step in the waiver amendment process is collecting public input for 30 days. You can submit comments on the proposed amendment from now until 11:59 p.m. on May 28, 2026.

To learn more:

• Visit bit.ly/4cPeQnn to find:
- All of the documents in our waiver amendment application.
- Changes have been tracked so you can see exactly what has changed.
- We’ve included a black-and-white version for people who use screen readers.
- A plain language overview of the proposed amendment.
- A short overview in Spanish.
- Instructions for submitting comments.

• Join us for a webinar Monday and Tuesday at noon (English) or 3 p.m. (Spanish). Registration links are posted on the website.

04/29/2026

Learn About Upcoming Changes to the Community Pathways Program

Maryland’s FY27 budget includes changes to the Developmental Disabilities Administration Community Pathways Waiver—changes that are necessary to ensure the program can continue providing essential services to thousands of Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Some of these updates also require approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. As part of that process, we encourage participants, families and stakeholders to submit public comment during the 30-day period between April 29 and May 28, 2026.

DDA is hosting the following webinars and meetings to walk through the proposed changes and what they mean. (Links to register are posted on our website: bit.ly/4cPeQnn.)

Webinar: Overview of All Upcoming Changes
We will walk through the changes, including when they will take effect, and show you where to find more information on our website. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Monday, May 4th
• Noon. – English
• 3 p.m. – Spanish

Monday, May 11th
• 6 p.m. – English

Webinar: Proposed Waiver Amendment
We will walk you through the amendment proposal, the materials posted on our website and how you can provide feedback. You’ll have an opportunity to share brief comments or ask questions.

Tuesday, May 5th
• Noon – English
• 3 p.m. – Spanish

Tuesday, May 12th
• 6 p.m. – English

04/09/2026

Help First Responders Help YOU: Are You Emergency Ready?

In an emergency, every second counts. For individuals with disabilities, access and functional needs, or their caregivers, being prepared means ensuring first responders have the right information the moment they arrive.

The "Help Responders Help You" initiative teaches people to create mobile or online emergency health profiles containing vital medical information and specific needs.

Preparation is a partnership. By having your plan in place, you’re giving our local heroes the "head start" they need to provide the best care possible.

Visit the MDReady Resource Center today: https://bit.ly/4sojhvm

03/17/2026

Important Update: Changes to the Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver

Based on legislative actions as part of the budget development process, DDA is pausing the proposed waiver amendment to implement a $500,000 cap on participant plans.

After the FY 2027 budget is finalized, DDA will meet with stakeholders to discuss program changes resulting from the budget and whether waiver amendments are needed to implement its provisions. (If waiver amendments are needed, you will have an opportunity to provide feedback before the amendment request is submitted to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.)

We also want to thank everyone who submitted comments on the proposed amendment. Your input is critical to ensuring that DDA programs meet the needs of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your perspective.

03/02/2026

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, DDA is proud to join Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, our partners across the Moore-Miller Administration and the disability networks, and allies and advocates across the country in celebrating the contributions of people with IDD, recognizing their unlimited potential, and reaffirming our commitment to empowering people with IDD to live, work and thrive in the communities they choose. Read Gov. Moore’s proclamation: bit.ly/4r3kSWA.

03/02/2026

Input needed - proposed changes to the Community Pathways Medicaid Waiver. We are hosting webinars on March 4 and March 11 to provide an overview of changes DDA is requesting to improve the long-term sustainability of the Community Pathways Medicaid waiver program. The webinar will also include a Question and Answer segment. The proposed changes to the current waiver will be considered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. We encourage the community to share feedback. DDA has opened a 30-day public comment period that runs through April 1, 2026. Comments can be submitted to [email protected] or mailed to: DDA Federal Programs Unit, 201 West Preston Street, 4th Floor, Baltimore MD 21201. Register for the March 4th webinar: https://bit.ly/3OTR6WS. More information can be found here: https://bit.ly/4l8haJm.

01/29/2026

Deputy Sec Marlana Hutchinson was honored to join state leaders at the Maryland Association of Community Services 2026 Legislative Breakfast to highlight the valuable partnership with our provider network across Maryland. Working with our community providers is essential to advancing high-quality, inclusive services for the people we serve.

01/28/2026

Coordinators of Community Services (CCS) help DDA participants identify community-based services and supports and assist with developing and updating person-centered plans. Reach out to your CCS for questions about eligibility and guidance on completing the DDA waiver application process. Learn more: bit.ly/4svwcN9

01/28/2026

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) believes that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the right to direct their lives and services. Learn about DDA and its six focus areas: bit.ly/43ZpuDG.

01/27/2026

Participants in the Maryland DDA's Community Pathways Waiver program have the option to choose the services they receive, how they receive them, and who provides them. Learn more about the Self-Directed Service Model: bit.ly/4nkCQSD.

Participants in the Maryland Department of Health - Developmental Disabilities Administration’s Community Pathways Waiver program have the option to choose the services they receive, how they receive them, and who provides them. Learn more about models: bit.ly/3M8oAzI.

*Please note we have updated this post with a link to additional resources. Updates were made on Jan. 30, 2026.

01/26/2026

Find technology that fits your needs and supports your ability to live, work, and play in your community: bit.ly/4pN9KMZ