Maryland Department of Health - Developmental Disabilities Administration

07/15/2026

07/01/2026

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) has officially submitted the 2026 waiver amendment application for the Community Pathways Medicaid waiver program to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The proposed waiver changes are necessary to align with the State’s 2027 budget, comply with federal guidelines, and ensure DDA can continue delivering essential services to Marylanders.

Learn more about the waiver amendment application submission, including a summary of the public comments: bit.ly/4cPeQnn

07/01/2026

It’s going to be very hot! Stay cool, drink plenty of water, and take breaks if you're outside. Need help staying cool? Find tips and cooling centers: health.maryland.gov/heat.

06/18/2026

The Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is making several changes to the Community Pathways Medicaid waiver program. These changes are necessary to comply with federal requirements, adhere to the FY27 Budget Bill, and ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

Effective July 1, 2026, most unlicensed vendors who want to continue providing DDA waiver services through the Community Pathways Waiver must become DDA-certified providers. This requirement applies to all unlicensed vendors except Support Brokers and Nursing Support Services providers. (The FY27 Budget Bill specifically exempts these two groups from this requirement).

After June 30, 2026, individuals or agencies who have not obtained DDA provider certification will no longer be able to bill for Community Pathways Waiver services as unlicensed vendors.

Learn more and access resources: bit.ly/4vR0MBT.

Questions? Contact your regional office for support: bit.ly/4l1oVQF.

An official website of the State of Maryland.

05/26/2026

Reminder: Submit Comments on the Proposed Community Pathways waiver amendment by May 28

There is still time for participants, families, and stakeholders to submit comments on the proposed waiver amendment to the Community Pathways Program. The first step in the waiver amendment process is collecting public input for 30 days. The 30-day period began on April 29 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on May 28, 2026.

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 changes require approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services through the waiver amendment process.

Learn about upcoming changes to the Community Pathways Program: bit.ly/4cPeQnn

05/19/2026

On August 15, 2022, by proclamation of the Governor, Maryland became a Technology First state. Join us on August 27, 2026, to celebrate Maryland becoming the 8th state in the country to receive this designation.

The "Technology Solutions: Building My Good Life" event brings together a variety of technology vendors and service providers to show Marylanders with disabilities what is possible through assistive technology and remote support services.

📅 Event Details:
🕒 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
📍 The Meeting House, 5885 Robert Oliver Place, Columbia, MD 21045 (free parking)
🔗 Register: bit.ly/MDTechFirst2026
🔗 Learn more about the Technology First initiative: bit.ly/4lXDtCu

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.