Effects on Self-Directed Services Families using self-direction may see several changes:

▪ Lower wage limits for staff, including family caregivers

▪ New limits on paid family caregiving:

▪ 40 hours per week per individual

▪ 60 hours total per family

▪ These changes may make it harder to find and keep reliable support workers.

Reduced Support for Community Activities

▪ Funding may be removed for unlicensed community providers such as:

▪ Camp counselors

▪ Art instructors

▪ Recreation program staff

▪ This could limit access to inclusive community activities that help individuals build skills and

connections.

Increased Oversight and Monitoring

▪ The state plans to add new financial oversight roles and use AI tools to monitor spending.

▪ While oversight can improve accountability, it may also mean more paperwork, more

reviews, and slower approvals for families and providers.

Maryland’s latest budget proposal includes significant changes to Developmental Disabilities

Administration (DDA) funding. Families, advocates, and providers across the state are speaking

up because these changes may affect the supports people rely on every day. This page provides

a clear, family-friendly explanation of what’s happening and what it may mean for individuals

receiving services.

Major Funding Reductions

▪ The state is moving forward with a $126 million cut to DDA funding.

▪ Because DDA dollars are matched by federal Medicaid funds, the total impact is much larger,

reducing the resources available for essential services.

Important Protections Advocates Secured

▪ A proposed $500,000 cap on personal budgets was removed.

▪ This protects individuals with complex medical or behavioral needs who require higher levels

of support.

Impact on Provider Agencies

▪ Provider agencies may face rate cuts, making it harder to:

▪ Hire and retain qualified staff

▪ Maintain current service levels

▪ Keep programs open without reducing hours or availability

▪ Families may experience longer waitlists or fewer program options.

Changes to 1:1 Staffing

▪ Maryland plans to enforce stricter rules around “dedicated hours” for one-on-one staffing.

▪ This may result in fewer individuals qualifying for 1:1 support, even when safety or

behavioral needs remain.

Why are Families Concerned? Advocates warn that these changes may:

▪ Make staffing shortages worse

▪ Reduce access to essential supports

▪ Increase stress on families already providing significant care

▪ Limit opportunities for independence, safety, and community inclusion

At Mahmyl Supports, we remain committed to helping families navigate these changes with clarity, compassion, and up-to-date information.