​October 6, 2025 

Media Contact:
Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected]​

Maryland Department of Health streamlines Medicaid waiver programs to enhance service delivery for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities​

Baltimore, MD — The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) today announced that it is consolidating its three Medicaid waiver programs managed by the Developmental Disabilities Administration into a single Medicaid waiver program called Community Pathways. The change will make services faster and easier to access, offer more consistent, person-centered support, and enhance the overall system. The waiver consolidation takes effect today, October 6, 2025.

"Each Marylander has unique needs and experiences that we appreciate and value in this work," said Maryland Secretary of Health Dr. Meena Seshamani. "The consolidation of the waivers into a single program demonstrates our commitment to making it easier for the intellectual and developmental disabilities community to access services that empower their growth and improve their well-being and quality of life."

This announcement follows extensive community engagement conducted by the Developmental Disabilities Administration to gather input from the community regarding the proposed changes to the Medicaid waiver programs. MDH continues to hold community meetings and informational webinars for individuals receiving services, families, providers (including case management entities), and community partners to raise awareness about the changes, address questions, and solicit feedback.

The waiver program allows children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to access Medicaid home and community-based services instead of institutional care. These services cover a range of supports, including assistance with meaningful day services, support services, and residential services, all tailored to the individual’s unique needs. Marylanders receiving services through a waiver do not need to take any action, as they will be automatically transitioned to the Community Pathways Waiver program.

"Our administration appreciates the collaboration and input we have received from the community throughout this process," said Deputy Secretary for the Developmental Disabilities Administration Marlana R. Hutchinson. “We are confident these changes will help improve access and service delivery for individuals receiving DDA services and those who support them." 

To learn more about the newly combined Community Pathways waiver program, visit bit.ly/MarylandDDAWaiverChanges.

The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement. 

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