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Maryland · checked September 2026
How Maryland helps pay for long-term care, who to call when you need help or something's wrong, and how to check a facility before you sign.
The first question
We couldn't confirm it on an official page.Call your local aging office below and ask; it's the first thing they'll know.
Maryland's Medicaid rules for long-term care, and the programs that pay for care outside a nursing home.
$2,982
2026
This is the income limit for the Medicaid home and community-based waiver; confirm the current limit with the state Medicaid office. For nursing home care, Maryland does not use a hard income cap: the person pays nearly all income toward the nursing home and Medicaid covers the rest. Apply for nursing home Medicaid through your local Department of Social Services.
$2,500
2026
$2,500 for an individual age 65+, blind or disabled; $3,000 for a couple (effective February 1, 2026). A spouse still living at home can keep much more under spousal rules.
Maryland doesn't use a hard cap. People over the limit can qualify by paying most of their income toward their care (a spend-down).
Apply for Maryland Medicaid (Medical Assistance)
Maryland Department of Health, Medicaid (Medical Care Programs)
Maryland Medicaid's main waiver for older adults who need nursing-home-level care but want to stay at home or in an assisted living program. Call Maryland Access Point to ask about getting on the registry.
Waitlist: Ask whether there's a registry (waitlist) when you call. The state's SOAR program is open to people on Medicaid waitlists.
Medicaid in-home personal assistance for people who need a nursing home level of care, listed by Maryland Medicaid alongside Community Options and Community Personal Assistance Services.
Free, and on your side. Start with the aging office if you don't know where to begin.
The state's aging office and its local agencies explain your options, screen for programs and help with applications.
A free, independent advocate for residents of nursing homes and assisted living. Call about any problem with care, rights, billing or a discharge.
You don't need proof to report. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Statewide hotline 1-800-91Prevent; call to confirm hours. Call local police or 911 in immediate danger.
Unbiased Medicare help from counselors who don't sell anything: plans, bills, appeals, and programs that lower costs.
Help spotting and reporting Medicare fraud, billing errors and scams.
In Maryland, assisted living is licensed as: Assisted Living Program. Read inspection reports before you sign anything.
Confirm a community's license here, and ask the agency how to see its inspection reports.
File a complaint
Medicare rates every nursing home on staffing, inspections and quality, with full inspection reports.
State veterans homes are often far cheaper than private care for eligible veterans and, in many states, their spouses.
Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families
Free legal help for older adults on issues like benefits, housing, powers of attorney and elder abuse.
Can a family member be paid to provide care?
Ask the Medicaid office or your local aging office whether a family member can be paid to provide care in your parent's program.
Support for family members and friends caring for an older adult, run through local Area Agencies on Aging. Start with Maryland Access Point.
Free daily automated check-in call or text for Marylanders 60 and older; if there is no answer, someone is sent to check on them.
State program that funds local dementia programs and caregiver training. Maryland Access Point is the starting point for dementia services near you.
State program for people 62 and older with limited income and assets who need help with daily activities but are not on Medicaid or are on a Medicaid waiting list. It can pay part of the monthly fee in an assisted living program, or pay for in-home help such as personal care, meals and respite.
For adults 65 and older who can no longer make decisions and have no family or friend able to serve, the state can act as guardian as a last resort.
$2,500 for a single person (2026). $2,500 for an individual age 65+, blind or disabled; $3,000 for a couple (effective February 1, 2026). A spouse still living at home can keep much more under spousal rules.
The Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: 800-243-3425. It's free and independent.
Researched from 37 sources, official pages first. Last checked .