About Community First Choice, Community Options, Community Personal Assistance and Increased Community Services

Several programs work hand-in-hand to provide community services and supports. They empower older adults and people with disabilities to live in the community. Each program has different requirements based on financial eligiblity and level of need. 

What do these programs offer and who do they serve?

The programs provide assistance with activities of daily living to Medicaid recipients who have a chronic illness, medical condition or disability. Services are provided in the eligible individual's home or community residence (waiver participants may receive services in an assisted living facility). Other services in each program vary.  Please see each program’s fact sheet for information about the specific services provided through the program.

• Community Personal Assistance Services Fact Sheet
• Community First Choice Fact Sheet
• Community Options Waiver Fact Sheet
• Increased Community Services Fact Sheet
• Resource Guide for Supports Planners and Providers
  

How Do I Apply To Receive These Services?

To apply, please contact the Department at 410-767-1739. Qualified applicants must meet both the Medicaid Program’s financial and medical requirements. An assessment completed by your Local Health Department determines medical eligibility. Financial eligibility is determined by either the local Department of Social Services or by the Department of Health.

Once you are determined eligible, each participant or his or her representative will choose an approved Supports Planning Agency to guide them through developing a plan for services.

What Services Are Provided?

Services provided in the program include assistance, or items that substitute for assistance, with the following activities of daily living:

• Bathing
• Toileting
• Mobility, including transferring from place to place
• Eating
• Dressing

Individuals who need help with activities of daily living may also receive help with:

• Household services related to medical needs
• Escort services to a medical appointment
• Personal hygiene and grooming
  

Current Participants

Visit MyLTSS, an interactive online tool, available to​ recipients of Personal Assistance Services. 

News and Updates ​

• Renewal ​Application for 1915(c) HCBS Waiver​ - January 1, 2023
• ​1915b(4) CFC Application Self Direction Draft
• 1915k CFC Self Direction Draft
• 1915j CPAS Self Direction Draft 

Community Options Advisory Council

The Community Options Advisory Council meets quarterly to discuss policy, planning and issues with stakeholders. Please visit their website for more information including minutes from previous meetings.

• Agency Only FAQ For Participants
• Archived letters and memos
• CMS Approved Community Options Waiver
• Draft Proposed Community Options Rate Study Methodology (posted 3/22/2016)
• HCBOW 1915(b)4 Application Renewal (Posted 4/11/16)
• Community First Choice Bundled Rate State Plan Amendment Approval (approved March 13, 2017) 

Provider Information

Please visit the provider information webpage for information on:

• Applying to be a provider
• Regulations for each program
  
• Billing instructions and manuals
  
• Provider trainings