Maryland Receives Federal Approval for New Developmental Disabilities Support Waiver
The Maryland Department of Health, which includes the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) announced that Maryland has received federal approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand services for individuals with developmental disabilities through the Community Supports Waiver. Services offered through the waiver will be available by February 2018.
“Our administration is proud to provide additional support for individuals with developmental disabilities, their families, and caregivers,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Combined with the recently approved Family Supports Waiver, these programs will enable 800 additional Marylanders to access these vital services.”
The waiver program will operate through the DDA through a variety of community-based service options to individuals with developmental disabilities who are currently on the DDA waiting list.
The program’s specific goals include providing innovative service options that support DDA’s Community of Practices for Employment and Supporting Families; community-based service options offered under the current Community Pathways Waiver (e.g. Supported Employment, Employment Discovery & Customization, Personal Supports, Respite, Assistive Technology, Behavioral Supports, etc.) with the exception of residential services; self-direction opportunities; flexibility to move dollar amounts among line items within the approved person-centered plan to meet emerging and changing needs; and short-term exceptions to the overall budget caps of $25,000 based on exceptional needs.
“This waiver offers Meaningful Day Services, which allows individuals to explore employment opportunities, learn socialization skills and develop daily living skills such as performing household chores and self-care tasks,” said Bernard Simons, Deputy Secretary Developmental Disabilities Administration. “Our goal is to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities, so they can have full lives, be active and be included in the communities of their choice.”