Developmental Disability Administration’s Role in Funding Long-Term Care Options

Maryland’s Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) provides funds and services for those who are developmentally disabled but are able to live in group homes. It’s part of the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DHMH). The DDA works with Maryland residents who have developmental disabilities, helping their families obtain resources to help them live as independently as possible. This is in keeping with the belief of the DDA that those with developmental disabilities have the right to direct their lives and services. Maryland State Law defines a developmental disability as a severe chronic disability that: Is due to a physical or mental impairment (not a mental illness) or a combination of mental and physical impairments Shows itself before the person reaches the age of 22 Is not likely to be cured or end Causes an inability to live independently without support or continuing and regular help Causes a need for a combination of special, interdisciplinary or general care, treatment, or other services that are planned and coordinated for that individual. One program the DDA administers is the Community Pathways waiver for Maryland Medicaid. A waiver from the federal Centers on Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) allows the department to waive or modify the usual rules to allow Medicaid funding and other services to be delivered in a different place, to people with different needs or different income levels. There are various federal waiver programs that Maryland uses to pay for community supports. States apply for these waivers and spend matching dollars based on a formula concerning each state’s population and income. The Community Pathways waiver allows individuals to receive services in the community (including group homes) as an alternative to receiving services in an institution. The costs are split between the state and federal governments. Because many

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