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In-Home Care in Maryland

Maryland is an attractive location for older adults who are considering in-home care. Residents can enjoy a high quality of life with easy access to beaches, historic sites, major East Coast cities and the nation’s capital. Seniors benefit from world-class medical facilities, including Johns Hopkins Hospital the University of Maryland Medical Center. Plus, health care costs are slightly lower than the national average. The state also has several licensed home care and home health agencies. The median cost of in-home care is $5,148 per month, which is slightly higher than the national average. Agencies that provide medical care and skilled therapy in addition to help with chores and personal care may charge slightly more.

If you want a location that’s well-connected and offers plenty of amenities, look no further than Maryland. The Old Line State provides everything that its almost 1 million seniors need to thrive. In this guide, you’ll find information about long-term care prices in Maryland and the state’s Medicaid benefits for home care. We’ve also included information about the latest regulations for home care providers and a directory of statewide resources to help you age in place.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Maryland

In-home chore assistance and personal care costs $5,148 per month in Maryland, according to Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This study estimates that seniors require 44 hours of care per week. Prices in Maryland are typical for the mid-Atlantic region. Seniors in Delaware and Washington, D.C., pay several hundred dollars more at $5,339 and $5,577, respectively. West Virginia is the cheapest option at $3,527. With a median of $4,767, Virginia is $381 cheaper than Maryland. Home care prices in Pennsylvania are on par with the national average, which could save you $191 per month.

Maryland

$5148

The United States

$4957

Pennsylvania

$4957

Virginia

$4767

Washington, D.C.

$5577

West Virginia

$3527

Delaware

$5339

Home care prices in Maryland’s largest cities are all even with or lower than the state median. California is the most affordable location, with an average of $4,576. Prices rose to $4,957 in Baltimore, Cumberland and Salisbury. Prices are even with the state median in Hagerstown at $5,148.

Baltimore

$4957

Hagerstown

$5148

California

$4576

Salisbury

$4957

Cumberland

$4957

In-home care provides maximum flexibility when it comes to the level of support that you receive. You might request help a few hours a week or have someone come in every day. The median cost for 44 hours of weekly home care or home health care is $5,148. Adult day health care costs less than $2,000 per month. Programs may include meals, recreational activities and physical therapy. Assisted living costs $4,900 per month, including room, board and personal assistance. The cost for nursing home care jumps considerably to $10,342.

In-Home Care

$5148

Home Health Care

$5148

Nursing Home Care

$10342

Assisted Living

$4900

Adult Day Health Care

$1928

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Maryland?

Maryland provides State Plan home health care services to certain seniors and low-income adults. The state also provides home- and community-based waiver services. These programs have higher income limits in some cases, but applicants must be disabled or require a specific level of care.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Maryland

Maryland’s Medical Assistance program provides a group of community-based waivers that are available to individuals who meet financial criteria and require help with daily activities due to a medical or functional need.

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Maryland

Medicaid is an income-based program, so there are strict limits on how much income you can have and how much property you may own. Maryland caps applicants’ yearly income at $4,200 for individuals or $4,704 for couples for regular Medicaid and some Aged, Blind and Disabled programs. Other ABD programs have income limits of 200% or 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. Assets are limited to $2,500 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. 

The government offers spousal income allowances and property exemptions, in some cases. Additionally, there are medically needy qualification pathways for seniors who spend the majority of their income on medical or long-term care.

To qualify for Medicaid home care, you must: 

How to Apply for Medicaid in Maryland

If you want to apply for Medicaid, you can complete the process online at MDTHink, a public benefits portal operated by the Department of Human Services. You can also apply in person or by mail. You’ll need to locate your county’s Department of Social Services or Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Individuals in Baltimore and several counties may visit the Bureau of Long Term Care for assistance.

What Information You Will Need

According to the state government, it takes most individuals 20 to 45 minutes to apply for Medicaid. You can save time if you have the following documents on hand. If you’re required to provide documentation, send copies as originals can’t be returned.

  • Name and date of birth
  • Social Security number
  • Residency information
  • Any other government benefits you receive
  • Address or place of residence
  • Medical and financial needs
  • Assets sold or transferred in the past find years
  • Monthly expenses
  • Financial obligations
  • All sources of income
  • Federal Tax returns
  • Financial statements
  • Legal documents, such as power of attorney
  • Health insurance information
  • Life insurance policies

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

If you need help applying for benefits or accessing the services that you’re entitled to, contact the following agencies for assistance.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
Maryland Medical Assistance(800) 456-8900StatewideIf you have questions about your application or the state’s Medicaid benefits, contact the Medical Assistance hotline for help. It can also be used to check the status of your application.
Medicaid NavigatorsSee DirectoryBy CountyFor help understanding your insurance options and which financial assistance programs may be available to you, contact a local Medicaid Navigator who works at Maryland Health Connection, the state’s health insurance marketplace.
Senior Legal Assistance(844) 627-5465StatewideSenior Legal Assistance is a statewide program that provides free assistance to seniors aged 60 and older. Attorneys and law centers are available to help seniors with questions or concerns about Medicaid and other government benefits.
Local Health DepartmentsSee DirectoryBy CountyFor in-person assistance or to speak to a local case manager, contact your county’s Department of Health Department and Mental Hygiene.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Maryland?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Maryland

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Maryland

Seniors in Maryland can get help as well as free information and referrals through the following agencies and programs. Many additional resources are sponsored by the state government and local nonprofits.

ResourceContactAreaServedService
Area Agencies on AgingSee DirectoryStatewideMaryland has 19 Area Agencies on Aging in Baltimore and most counties statewide. Communities on the Eastern Shore are served by one of two regional offices located on the peninsula. If you need in-home assistance or if you’re looking for ways to maintain your independence, your Area Agency on Aging can provide free information and advice, including help accessing government benefits.
Maryland Department of Aging(800) 243-3425StatewideThis state agency is responsible for funding and overseeing all of Maryland’s age-related programs, including the state’s Area Agencies on Aging and its Long-Term Services and Community Supports Division. It funds nutritional programs, legal assistance hotlines, caregiver supports and the state’s long-term care ombudsman.
Homeowners' Property Tax Credit Program(410) 767-5900StatewideIf you’re a Maryland homeowner and have a household income of less than $60,000 with no more than $200,000 in assets, you may qualify for a property tax credit through the Department of Assessments and Taxation. This program provides a tax credit that limits your property taxes to a fixed percentage of your income. Annual applications are due by April 15.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development(301) 429-7409StatewideThe Department of Housing and Community Development offers several home rehabilitation programs to help you get your property up-to-date. Accessible Homes for Seniors provides competitive financing, including grants and loans, to help seniors install ramps, step-in showers and other accessibility modifications. In most cases, loans don’t need to be repaid until the home is sold.
Weatherization Assistance Program(855) 583-8976StatewideLower energy bills could make it more affordable for you to remain in your own home if you depend on a fixed income. This program helps with the cost of energy-efficient home improvements, including insulation, lighting and heating and cooling upgrades. For a two-person household, the income limit is 60% of the state median income or $50,0921 per year.
Maryland Energy Assistance Program(800) 332-6347StatewideThe Office of Home Energy Programs operates several utility bill assistance funds if you’re struggling to pay your water or energy bills or are facing disconnection. You can apply online through the Department of Human Services, or you may request an Application for Energy Assistance by contacting the office.
Maryland Access Point Senior Care Services(844) 627-5465StatewideMaryland Access Point is a statewide service network with offices serving each county. Its Senior Care Services program focuses on case management, personal needs screenings and the coordination of in-home personal care and other supports.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Maryland

Residential service agencies that provide nonmedical in-home care to seniors are licensed through the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Office of Health Care Quality. The OHCQ is also responsible for conducting scheduled and unannounced inspections of RSAs to ensure compliance with state regulations, and investigating complaints made against agencies. The following table offers an overview of the regulations under which Maryland RSAs operate.

TopicRule
Scope of CareRSAs may provide a number of nonmedical in-home services to clients, including assistance with daily living activities and personal care. Noncertified staff may also provide medication reminders, perform light housekeeping duties, prepare meals, shop for groceries and accompany clients on errands and appointments.
Care Plan RequirementsAn RN must assess the care needs of each client, and then help agency staff formulate a personalized care plan and assign appropriate personnel. This plan must detail a client's needs and short- and long-term care goals, the specific services the agency will provide and their frequency.
Medication Management RequirementsNoncertified RSA staff members who provide nonmedical in-home care may assist clients with self-administration of prescribed medications. Only licensed or certified staff may administer medications.
Staff Screening RequirementsDirect care workers must pass a criminal background check, TB screening and skills assessment.
Staff Training RequirementsStaff providing in-home care must receive training in personal care, how to identify changes in clients' physical condition, record keeping, infection control, CPR and abuse and neglect prevention.
Medicaid CoverageMaryland Medicaid pays some or all in-home care costs for eligible seniors through its Community Personal Assistant Services and Community First Choice entitlement programs. Medicaid also covers home care services through the Increased Community Services and Community Options waivers.
Reporting AbuseSuspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable Maryland senior may be reported anonymously by calling the state's Adult Protective Services abuse hotline at 800-917-7383.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Maryland

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

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Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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