Maryland Medicaid for Senior Care
Complete guide to Medicaid eligibility, coverage, and application process for nursing homes, assisted living, and home care in Maryland.
7.6 million Medicaid long-term care recipients nationwide
Maryland Department of Health - Medicaid Office
Processing Time
45 days for straightforward applications, up to 90 days for disability determinations, 7-10 days for expedited cases
Maryland Medicaid Eligibility Requirements (2026)
To qualify for Medicaid long-term care in Maryland, applicants must meet both financial eligibility criteria (income and assets) and medical criteria (level of care needs). Maryland follows federal Medicaid guidelines with some state-specific variations.
Income Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,982/month (HCBS waiver)
Married Couple (One Applying)
$5,964/month (both applying)
Income includes Social Security, pensions, annuities, interest, dividends, and rental income.
Asset Limits
Individual Applicant
$2,500
Community Spouse (At-Home Spouse)
$162,660 (community spouse)
Primary residence, one vehicle, personal belongings, and prepaid burial arrangements are exempt from asset limits.
5-Year Look-Back Period
Maryland Medicaid reviews all financial transactions for the 60 months prior to application. Asset transfers or gifts during this period can result in a penalty period of Medicaid ineligibility. The penalty is calculated by dividing the transferred amount by $11,900/month average (the average monthly nursing home cost in Maryland).
Medical Eligibility
Applicants must demonstrate need for nursing facility level of care through a state assessment. This typically requires assistance with 2-3 Activities of Daily Living (bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, eating) or cognitive impairment requiring supervision.
Assessments are performed by state-designated evaluators (nurses or social workers) and typically take 45-90 minutes. The assessment can occur at home, in a hospital, or at the care facility.
What Medicaid Covers in Maryland
Nursing Home Care
Medicaid pays 100% of nursing home costs in Maryland once eligibility is established. The average monthly cost is $11,900/month average. Recipients contribute most of their monthly income toward care costs, keeping only $50-75 for personal needs.
Coverage includes room, board, 24-hour nursing care, meals, medications, therapy services, and all medical care provided at the facility.
Assisted Living Coverage
Community Options Waiver - Assisted Living Services: Maryland's Community Options Waiver provides services in assisted living facilities. The waiver itself does not pay for room and board, but Maryland residents on the waiver may receive additional assistance for room and board costs. Providers can receive up to $2,054 for Level 2 care or $2,482 for Level 3 care. Residents keep $71/month for personal needs, with remaining income going to the provider.
Note: This program covers personal care services but does not cover room and board costs. Residents need approximately $1,500-$2,500/month from Social Security or other income to cover housing expenses.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers
Maryland offers 3 HCBS waiver programs that provide in-home care and community services as an alternative to nursing facility placement.
Community Options Waiver
Serves elderly (65+) and physically disabled adults (18+) at risk of nursing home placement. Provides adult day health care, respite care, personal care assistance, and homemaker services. As of January 2025, approximately 24,015 persons on registry with 700 invited to apply monthly.
Program Details →Model Waiver
Provides comprehensive services for adults with developmental disabilities who require intermediate care facility level of care but choose to live in the community.
Program Details →Community Pathways Waiver
Serves individuals with physical disabilities, including those transitioning from nursing facilities, with services such as assistive technology, environmental modifications, and personal assistance.
Program Details →How to Apply for Medicaid in Maryland
Maryland Medicaid applications typically take 45 days for straightforward applications, up to 90 days for disability determinations, 7-10 days for expedited cases. Starting the process early and submitting complete documentation helps avoid delays.
Application Methods
You can apply for Medicaid in Maryland through:
- Online at MarylandHealthConnection.gov
- Phone: 1-855-642-8572 (Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)
- Mail to local Department of Social Services
- In-person at local Medicaid office
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect:
- •Birth certificate and Social Security card
- •Proof of citizenship (passport, naturalization)
- •5 years of bank statements
- •Investment and retirement account statements
- •Property deeds and mortgage statements
- •Life insurance policies
- •Social Security award letter
- •Pension benefit statements
- •Medicare card
- •Doctor's statement of care needs
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Complete and submit your application through one of the methods listed above. If applying online or by mail, keep copies of all submitted documents.
Step 3: Medical Assessment
A state assessor will evaluate level of care needs. This assessment typically takes 45-90 minutes and covers functional abilities, medical needs, cognitive status, and safety concerns.
Step 4: Financial Review
Medicaid staff review all financial documents and investigate any transfers or gifts made in the past 60 months. They may request additional documentation during this process.
Step 5: Receive Determination
You'll receive written notification of approval or denial. Approved applications include the effective date of coverage (often retroactive up to 3 months), patient responsibility amount, and covered services.
Get Free Application Help
Free Medicaid application assistance is available in Maryland from:
- •Area Agency on Aging: Call 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to find your local office
- •SHIP counselors: Free Medicare/Medicaid counseling
- •Nursing facility social workers: In-facility application support
- •Elder law attorneys: Paid help for complex financial situations ($2,000-$5,000)
Maryland-Specific Programs and Resources
Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB)
QMB pays Medicare Part A and B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. SLMB pays Part B premiums. Maryland offers these programs to help low-income Medicare beneficiaries with coverage costs.
Learn MoreABD Spenddown Program
Maryland's Aged, Blind, and Disabled Spenddown Program allows individuals over income limits to become eligible by spending excess income on medical expenses. Medically needy income limit is $350/month (individual) or $392/month (couple) in 2026.
Learn MoreSpousal Impoverishment Protections
Community spouse can retain up to $162,660 in assets and receive income allowance up to $4,066.50/month (Maximum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance). Additional allowances available if housing costs exceed $793/month.
Learn MoreNeed Help with Maryland Medicaid?
Contact Maryland Department of Health - Medicaid Office for specific questions about eligibility, application status, or covered services.
Main Office Phone
1-855-642-8572Application Helpline
1-855-642-8572