Free long-term care resources for Maryland families

    Maryland Long-Term Care
    Everything Your Family Needs in One Place.

    Navigating long-term care in Maryland is complicated — Medicaid rules, care costs, and senior services all have their own language, and it's hard to know who to turn to or who you can trust. We've organized everything Maryland families need into one free guide — including connections to vetted providers who can help ease the burden.

    Built around your situation and Maryland's specific programs and rules.

    Always free for familiesNo Hidden FeesSecure and Confidential
    Understanding long-term care in Maryland

    What Maryland families need to know before making care decisions.

    Long-term care in Maryland is more complex than most families expect. With Medicaid waiver programs, home care options, assisted living communities, and skilled nursing facilities across Maryland's 24 jurisdictions — each with different costs, availability, and wait times — navigating the system takes real effort.

    Every family's situation is different. Some are facing a decision right now. Others are planning ahead. Many are already caring for a loved one at home and wondering what help is available. Whatever your situation, knowing what Maryland offers and what fits your family makes every decision clearer.

    We've organized every Maryland-specific resource, tool, and guide in one place so Maryland families can stop searching and start planning. Everything here is free.

    $12,927/mo

    Nursing Home — Semi-Private

    No set cap*

    Medicaid Income Limit

    94

    Senior Service Resources

    Not sure where to start with long-term care in Maryland?

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    Maryland care costs

    What long-term care actually costs in Maryland.

    Maryland's long-term care costs are above national averages, especially for nursing home care. Nursing home care averages $12,927/month — roughly 35% above the U.S. average — while assisted living averages $7,173/month. Costs vary significantly between the Baltimore-Washington corridor and more rural areas of the Eastern Shore and Western Maryland.

    Understanding the full range of care types — from adult day care (the most affordable option) to private-room nursing homes — helps families plan realistically. Most families use multiple types of care as needs change over time.

    Use the calculator below to explore Maryland care costs in detail and project how they'll grow over time with a 3% annual inflation rate.

    Nursing Home — Private

    $14,448/mo

    Nursing Home — Semi-Private

    $12,927/mo

    Assisted Living

    $7,173/mo

    Memory Care

    $9,000/mo

    Estimated (AL × 1.25)

    Home Care

    $6,673/mo

    $35/hr (nat'l avg: $35/hr)

    Adult Day Care

    $2,526/mo

    Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (updated March 2026)

    Calculate Your Maryland Costs

    State-specific data · Inflation projection · Total estimate

    Use the sliders below to adjust years, inflation, and projection period

    1 yr15 yrs
    1%7%
    Now30 yrs

    Not sure how long you'll need care? Get full insights into when you may need care, what kind, and for how long — personalized to your health and finances.

    Start Your Full Care Planning Assessment →

    Your Cost Estimate

    Today's Monthly Cost

    $14,448/mo

    NH Private Room · Maryland

    Monthly Cost Today

    $14,448/mo

    3% inflation · 3 years of care

    Monthly cost today$14,448
    Care begins2026 (now)
    Years of care3 years
    Inflation rate3% annually
    Total estimated cost$535,888
    🏠

    Don't rush to sell the home

    Bridge loans, HELOCs, and reverse mortgages can fund care without selling.

    📈

    Care costs rise 3–5% annually

    Factor long-term inflation into all planning models.

    ⚖️

    Medicaid lookback is 5 years

    Planning must begin well before care is needed to protect assets.

    Source: CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey (updated March 2026)

    * AK NH Private Room: A Place For Mom. ADC — DE: Genworth; DC: PayingForSeniorCare; ID: MedicaidLongTermCare.org; SD: Genworth; VT: VT Adult Services Div.; WV: CareCostIndex.com.

    View Full Maryland Care Cost Breakdown →View National Care Cost Breakdown →

    Understanding costs is the first step. Next, let's explore how Maryland Medicaid can help cover them — and what financial planning options are available.

    Maryland's care costs vary dramatically by region. The Baltimore-Washington corridor (Montgomery, Howard, Prince George's, Anne Arundel counties) has some of the highest costs in the state — nursing homes can exceed $14,000/month and assisted living $8,500/month. Rural areas like the Eastern Shore (Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico counties) and Western Maryland (Allegany, Garrett) tend to run 15–25% lower but have fewer available facilities. The statewide average is $12,927/month for nursing home and $7,173/month for assisted living. Use the calculator above to explore costs by care type.

    Yes — adult day care in Maryland averages approximately $2,526/month, making it the most affordable supervised care option by a wide margin. Maryland has a strong network of adult day programs, particularly in the Baltimore and DC suburbs, offering medical monitoring, therapeutic activities, meals, and socialization. Many programs operate Monday through Friday during business hours, making them ideal for working family caregivers. Maryland Medicaid's Community Options waiver can cover adult day care costs for eligible participants. The calculator above helps you compare adult day care to other options.

    In Maryland, non-medical home care (help with bathing, meals, companionship) averages $6,673/month for full-time care. Skilled home health care — which includes nursing visits, physical therapy, and wound care — is typically covered by Medicare when medically necessary and is not a direct out-of-pocket cost for most families. The key distinction: Medicare covers short-term home health after a hospital stay, but it does NOT cover the long-term personal care most aging families need. That's where Medicaid waivers, private pay, or long-term care insurance come in. Use the calculator above to model your family's scenario.

    See your care options and costs based on your situation

    Maryland Medicaid

    Understanding Maryland Medicaid long-term care coverage — and whether your family qualifies.

    Maryland Medicaid — also called Medical Assistance — is administered by the Department of Health. Maryland has no hard income cap for Nursing Home Medicaid; income must simply be less than the cost of nursing home care. The state provides Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) through both institutional and community-based programs.

    Maryland has a 5-year look-back period and an asset limit of $2,500 for individuals. The state offers HCBS waivers that can cover care in assisted living, adult foster care, and at home. Early Medicaid planning is essential for Maryland families.

    Use the Medicaid tool below to check eligibility, understand Maryland's specific rules, and explore planning strategies.

    Income Limit — Single

    Cannot exceed cost of nursing home care*

    Income Limit — Married (one applying)

    Cannot exceed cost of nursing home care*

    Asset Limit — Single

    $2,500

    Asset Limit — Married (one applying)

    $2,500 for applicant & $162,660 for non-applicant

    Look-Back Period

    60 months (5 years)

    Estate Recovery

    Yes — Maryland seeks reimbursement after death

    Medicaid programs available in Maryland

    Community Options (CO) Medicaid Waiver

    Wait list may apply

    Also called the Home and Community Based Options Waiver (HCBOW), this program provides services to help persons live independently at home or in assisted living. Applications from nursing home residents wishing to transition to the community are prioritized; community residents can join a registry (waiting list).

    Community Personal Assistance Services (CPAS)

    Personal care assistance and nurse monitoring via Regular State Plan Medicaid — no waiting lists. Participants can self-direct care, hiring the caregiver of their choosing, including a spouse or adult child.

    Community First Choice Program (CFC)

    A state plan option providing personal assistance, meal delivery, home modifications, assistive technology, and personal emergency response systems. Participants can self-direct care, hiring, training, and supervising the care provider of their choice. No waiting lists as part of Regular State Plan Medicaid.

    Medical Day Care Services Waiver (MDCSW)

    Wait list may apply

    Medical day care, such as skilled nursing services and physical therapy, in adult day centers for seniors and adults with disabilities who require a nursing home level of care.

    Increased Community Services (ICS)

    Wait list may apply

    Transitional services for institutionalized adults with physical disabilities and frail seniors wishing to return home or to assisted living. Benefits include home modifications, personal care assistance, meal delivery, and assistive technology. Limited to 100 participant slots.

    Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

    Combines Medicaid (including long-term care) and Medicare benefits into one program. Additional benefits such as dental and eye care may be available.

    Money Follows the Person

    A federal program that helps institutionalized Medicaid-eligible persons transition back home or into the community.

    Long-term care Medicaid guide

    Eligibility · Caregiver pay · How to apply · 2026 data

    Important: Rates vary — contact your state Medicaid office for current figures. This tool provides general guidance, not legal or financial advice.

    Compare Medicaid Programs — Maryland

    How the main LTC programs available in Maryland compare side by side.

    Maryland does not have a general Structured Family Caregiving program. Consumer-directed hourly pay is the primary Medicaid option for family caregivers.
    ProgramPayPay typeTax-free?Spouse OK?Waitlist?
    Consumer-directed HCBS$16–19/hrHourly wageNoUsually noOften
    Structured Family Caregiving (SFC)Not in MarylandDaily stipendYesUsually noOften
    Personal Care AgreementMarket rate (from assets)Private payNoYesNo
    VA Aid & AttendanceUp to $2,874/moMonthly pensionYesYesNo

    Maryland Medicaid programs

    1

    MD HCBS Waiver

    2

    Community First Choice (CFC)

    2026 policy warning: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (signed July 4, 2025) cuts federal Medicaid spending by ~$911 billion over 10 years. HCBS waiver waitlists are expected to grow significantly. Apply as early as possible — do not wait for a crisis.

    Sources: KFF (Jan 2026), medicaidplanningassistance.org (Feb 2026). Programs and rates change — verify with your state Medicaid office.

    Sources

    Educational guidance only — not legal or financial advice. Your state Medicaid office determines actual eligibility.

    View Full Maryland Medicaid Guide →Compare Medicaid Eligibility Across All States →

    Medicaid figures: 2026 federal/state guidelines

    Beyond Medicaid, Maryland has a network of senior services and programs that can help your family. Let's explore what's available in your county.

    Maryland has no hard income cap for Nursing Home Medicaid. Instead, the state uses a medically needy pathway where an applicant's income must simply be less than the cost of their nursing home care. All income above a $106/month Personal Needs Allowance (eff. 7/1/25) goes toward the facility. This means even seniors with $8,000/month in retirement income can qualify — they just pay most of it to the nursing home, and Medicaid covers the rest. For HCBS waivers, the income limit is $2,982/month (2026). Use the Medicaid tool above to understand which pathway applies to your family.

    Maryland offers two primary HCBS waiver programs for seniors: the Community Options waiver (for seniors and adults with physical disabilities) covers personal care, adult day care, assisted living services, respite, and home modifications. The Older Adults waiver provides similar services specifically for adults aged 50+. Both programs allow eligible Marylanders to receive long-term care at home or in assisted living instead of a nursing home. Unlike Delaware's managed care model, Maryland still uses traditional waivers — which means enrollment caps and waiting lists may apply. Contact your local AAA or the Maryland Department of Health for current wait times.

    Yes, through several federal and Maryland-specific protections. The home is automatically exempt if a spouse (Community Spouse) lives in it — regardless of value, as long as equity is under $730,000. The Community Spouse Resource Allowance lets the non-applicant spouse keep up to $162,660 in assets (2026). The Minimum Monthly Maintenance Needs Allowance protects $2,643.75/month in income for the non-applicant spouse. Maryland also has an Estate Recovery Program that seeks reimbursement after death, but only from the Medicaid recipient's estate — not the surviving spouse's assets during their lifetime. An elder law attorney can help maximize these protections.
    Maryland senior services

    Community services and aging programs available to Maryland seniors — most families never find all of them.

    Maryland's 19 Area Agencies on Aging serve all 24 jurisdictions (23 counties plus Baltimore City), coordinating free and low-cost community programs — home-delivered meals, transportation assistance, caregiver respite, legal aid, benefits counseling, and home safety modifications.

    Beyond AAAs, Maryland funds programs through the Older Americans Act and state revenue covering adult protective services, ombudsman advocacy, senior center programming, and employment assistance. Use the finder below to see what's near you.

    Use the service finder to discover which programs serve your Maryland county — or browse the full directory for statewide and local listings.

    Home-Delivered Meals & Nutrition

    Programs like Meals on Wheels and congregate dining at senior centers — available to Maryland seniors through local Area Agencies on Aging.

    Transportation & Mobility

    Non-emergency medical transport, volunteer driver programs, and reduced-fare transit for Maryland seniors who no longer drive.

    Caregiver Support & Respite

    Respite care, support groups, training, and the National Family Caregiver Support Program — helping Maryland caregivers avoid burnout.

    Benefits Counseling & Legal Aid

    Free SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) Medicare counseling, Medicaid application help, and legal assistance for elder law issues like guardianship and advance directives in Maryland.

    Question 1 of 40% complete
    1Step 1 of 4

    Select your county

    This helps us find your local Area Agency on Aging

    View All Maryland Senior Services →Find Senior Services in a Different State →

    Links verified June 2026 · Always call to confirm current availability

    In addition to government programs, Maryland has a strong network of nonprofit organizations that can help — many offering free services most families never discover.

    Maryland Access Point (MAP) is the state's Aging and Disability Resource Center — a single point of entry for seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers seeking information and services. MAP offices are located in every Maryland jurisdiction and provide free help with benefit screening, program applications, care planning, and referrals to local services. Staff can screen for Medicaid eligibility, connect families with meal programs and transportation, and help navigate the long-term care system. Call 1-844-627-5465 (1-844-MAP-LINK) or visit your local MAP office.

    Yes — Maryland funds senior transportation through multiple channels. Each of the 19 AAAs coordinates local transportation programs including volunteer driver programs, senior shuttle services, and subsidized taxi vouchers. The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) offers reduced fares and ADA paratransit services in the Baltimore metro area. Many counties have their own senior transportation programs — Montgomery County's Ride On program and Anne Arundel's specialized transit are notable examples. For non-emergency medical transportation, Maryland Medicaid also covers rides to medical appointments for eligible beneficiaries.

    Maryland's National Family Caregiver Support Program (administered through AAAs) provides respite care, but the state also offers the Maryland Respite Care Network — a statewide program offering planned and emergency respite, caregiver training, and care coordination. The state's Senior Care Program provides financial assistance for community-based services for seniors who don't qualify for Medicaid but can't afford private pay. Maryland also funds caregiver support groups, individual counseling, and training through local AAAs. Call Maryland Access Point at 1-844-627-5465 to learn about programs in your jurisdiction.
    Maryland nonprofit resources

    Nonprofit and community organizations helping Maryland families — free help most families never find.

    Maryland has a robust network of nonprofit organizations serving seniors and their families — from legal aid societies and caregiver support groups to Alzheimer's Association chapters and community action agencies.

    Many Maryland nonprofits offer free services including benefits counseling, caregiver training, support groups, and emergency assistance. Your zip code determines which organizations serve your area.

    Use the nonprofit finder below to search for organizations that match your family's specific needs.

    Disease-Specific Support

    Nonprofit organizations focused on Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, cancer, and other conditions that require long-term care. Maryland chapters offer helplines, support groups, respite programs, and education to help families navigate diagnosis and care planning.

    Legal Aid for Seniors

    Free legal assistance with Medicaid applications, advance directives, power of attorney, guardianship, and elder abuse cases through Maryland's legal aid societies.

    Caregiver & Family Support

    Nonprofit organizations providing caregiver training, respite coordination, support groups, and counseling for Maryland families — because caregivers need care too.

    Community Action & Emergency Aid

    Community action agencies and charitable organizations offering emergency financial assistance, utility help, food pantries, and crisis intervention for Maryland seniors.

    Question 1 of 5
    1Step 1 of 5

    Who needs help?

    This helps us personalize your results

    Search All Nonprofits in Maryland →Find Nonprofits in a Different State →

    Don't hesitate to contact multiple organizations — many have overlapping services and can refer you to others. Every conversation gets you closer to the help your family needs.

    Maryland Legal Aid provides free legal help to income-eligible seniors across the state — covering Medicaid applications and denials, housing and eviction issues, consumer protection, and advance care planning. The Senior Legal Hotline operated by the Maryland State Bar Association offers free brief legal advice for residents aged 60+. Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland connects seniors with volunteer attorneys for more complex matters. For nursing home and assisted living complaints, contact the Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-243-3425.

    The Alzheimer's Association Greater Maryland and National Capital Area chapters serve the entire state with a 24/7 helpline (1-800-272-3900), caregiver support groups in every region, and educational programs. Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment Center offers diagnostic evaluations and family education. The Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Research Center at Johns Hopkins conducts clinical trials that some families find beneficial. For in-home respite specifically for dementia caregivers, contact your local AAA or Maryland Access Point at 1-844-627-5465.

    Call Maryland's Adult Protective Services at 1-800-917-7383 (24/7) to report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. For nursing home or assisted living complaints, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-243-3425. In emergencies, call 911. For non-crisis needs — food insecurity, utility shutoffs, sudden caregiver unavailability — Maryland 211 connects callers to local emergency resources. The Maryland Department of Aging also operates a Senior Call Check program providing daily wellness calls to isolated seniors.
    More tools for Maryland families

    Additional resources every Maryland family should know about.

    Medicare, Veterans benefits, caregiver compensation programs, and financial planning tools are available to every Maryland family — and understanding them early can save thousands in long-term care costs.

    Medicare Guide

    • What does Medicare actually cover for long-term care?
    • What happens when Medicare runs out?

    Understand exactly what Medicare covers for long-term care, for how long, and what your Maryland family needs to plan for when coverage ends.

    Veterans Benefits

    • Does my parent qualify for VA long-term care benefits?
    • What is the Aid and Attendance benefit?

    Find every veterans benefit available for long-term care — including programs most Maryland families never know to ask about.

    Caregiver Compensation

    • Can I get paid to care for my own parent in Maryland?
    • How much do caregiver programs pay?

    Find out if you qualify to be paid as a family caregiver in Maryland — and exactly how to apply.

    Financial Planning Tools

    • How do we pay for care without losing everything?
    • What financial strategies protect our assets?

    Explore every financial strategy available to Maryland families — from spend-down planning to long-term care insurance and asset protection.

    Medicare covers short-term skilled nursing care after a qualifying hospital stay — up to 100 days with cost sharing after day 20. Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care — the ongoing personal care most seniors eventually need. Use our Medicare guide to see your complete coverage picture.

    Veterans may qualify for the Aid and Attendance pension — up to $2,874 per month for a veteran with spouse — as well as VA community living centers, home-based primary care, and adult day health care programs. Eligibility depends on service history, discharge status, and financial need. Use our veterans guide to check your family's eligibility.

    Possibly yes. Maryland has Medicaid waiver programs that may allow eligible individuals to hire a family member — including an adult child — as a paid caregiver. The rules vary by program. Use our caregiver compensation tool to check what programs exist in Maryland.

    Most families use a combination of personal savings, Medicaid planning, veterans benefits, long-term care insurance, life insurance conversion, and annuities. The right combination depends on your family's financial situation, timeline, and Maryland's specific rules. Our financial planning tools help you map every option available.
    Care connections — Maryland Coming soon

    Finding the right people to help your Maryland family.

    When it matters most, nothing replaces someone who truly understands your family. Care Connections will match your Maryland family with vetted local professionals based on your zip code and your specific situation. No cold calls. No pressure. Just the right introduction at the right time.

    Tell us what your family needs and we'll notify you the moment Care Connections is available in your Maryland county.

    Helps us match you with professionals in your county

    We'll notify you when Care Connections is available

    No spam. Just a heads up when it's ready for your area.

    Several types of professionals can help — and the right one depends on what your family needs most right now. An elder law attorney helps with Medicaid planning, asset protection, power of attorney, and legal documents — essential if Medicaid is a consideration. A geriatric care manager coordinates care, evaluates facilities, and helps families navigate difficult decisions — especially useful when family members live far apart. A SHIP counselor provides free, unbiased Medicare and insurance counseling — no sales, just answers. A financial planner with elder care expertise helps families understand how to pay for care and protect assets. A life planner (or life care planner) takes a holistic approach — looking beyond finances and medical needs to help families create a long-term roadmap that considers lifestyle goals, housing preferences, social well-being, and future care transitions. Life planning ensures your loved one's values and wishes stay at the center of every decision. Care Connections will match your family with vetted professionals in your area when it launches.

    Home care — also called personal care or custodial care — provides help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, meals, and companionship. Home care is generally not covered by Medicare but may be covered by Medicaid waiver programs. Home health — also called skilled home health — provides medical services at home including skilled nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Home health is covered by Medicare when ordered by a doctor after a qualifying event and when the patient is homebound. Most families need both at different stages — home health for short-term medical recovery and home care for ongoing daily support.

    A regular estate attorney focuses on what happens to your assets after you die — wills, trusts, beneficiary designations, and probate. An elder law attorney focuses on what happens to your assets while you are alive but need care — Medicaid planning, asset protection, spend-down planning, guardianship, and long-term care funding. If Medicaid eligibility is a consideration, an elder law attorney is essential. Most families navigating long-term care need an elder law attorney — even if they already have a will and trust in place.

    Finding the right assisted living community is more than comparing prices — it's about matching your loved one's care needs, personality, and preferences with the right environment. A senior living placement specialist (also called an advisor or consultant) helps families identify communities that fit — based on care level, location, budget, and availability. Many placement services are free to families because the communities pay the referral fee. A geriatric care manager can evaluate your loved one's needs, tour communities with you, and coordinate the move-in process — especially valuable when families are managing the transition from a hospital or rehab stay. A good placement professional doesn't just find a bed — they help ensure the transition is smooth, the care plan is right, and your family feels confident on move-in day. Care Connections will match your family with trusted placement professionals in your area when it launches.
    Your free long-term care snapshot

    You've seen what Maryland has to offer. Now see how it all fits your family's specific situation.

    Every section above gives you one piece of your Maryland picture — what care costs near you, whether Medicaid might help, what senior services and nonprofits are available, and what other programs your family might qualify for.

    But each piece only tells part of the story.

    The free personalized care snapshot puts all the pieces together — your health situation, your financial picture, your timeline, and the Maryland-specific options available to your family. It takes about 8 questions and 1 minute.

    Most families who complete the snapshot tell us it's the first time they've felt like they actually understood their situation. That's what it's designed to do.

    Family members supporting each other through care planning

    Who needs help?

    Tell us who you're planning care for.

    The next questions will be about whoever you choose above — answer for them, not yourself (unless this is for you).

    Step 1 of 8
    ✓ Takes about 1 minute✓ Free — no credit card ever

    Your care snapshot is a personalized summary of your family's long-term care situation — built from your answers to 8 questions about health, finances, and timeline. It covers your care level, how long care may be needed, your financial runway, your Medicaid planning timeline, and your health trajectory. It's free, takes about 1 minute, and gives your family a clear picture of where things stand right now.

    Every snapshot is built from your specific answers — your loved one's health and care needs, your family's financial picture, your timeline, and Maryland's specific Medicaid rules and programs. Two Maryland families with different situations will see completely different snapshots. The more accurately you answer, the more useful your snapshot will be.

    A free account — no credit card, ever — saves your snapshot and generates your complete personalized care plan. Your plan includes step-by-step action items specific to your situation, a document checklist tailored to Maryland, all your tool results connected in one place, a shareable summary for family meetings or advisor appointments, and predictions for when care may be needed and how long it may last. Creating an account takes about 60 seconds.

    Everything your Maryland family needs — in one place.

    Free tools, Maryland-specific resources, a personalized care snapshot, and connections to the right people. All organized for Maryland families. All completely free.

    Built around your situation and Maryland's specific programs and rules.

    Maryland Long-Term Care Planning Guide

    Read our in-depth article on elder care demographics, costs, and Medicaid planning in Maryland

    Start planning before you're forced to decide

    Always free • No sales pressure • Built for families

    Long-term care resources for neighboring states

    DelawarePennsylvaniaVirginiaWest Virginia

    Last updated: March 2026