Your Home. Your Care. Your Choice.
Maryland’s Community First Choice (CFC) Program allows seniors and individuals with disabilities to receive nursing-level care at home.Eligible family members can provide care and earn income while supporting their loved ones at home.
To get the service, please fill out the form.
What is Community First Choice?
A Medicaid Program for Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities.
Community First Choice (CFC) helps you stay in your own home and get help with everyday activities. It is part of the Medicaid program (Medical Assistance).
Do I have to be on a Waiver?
No. You do not have to be on a Medicaid Waiver (like the Home and Community-Based Options Waiver) to get CFC services. While waiver recipients can receive CFC, it is not required. There is no waiting list for CFC services. Even if you were told in the past that a registry or waiting list was too long, you should still apply for CFC.
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for the Community First Choice program, you must meet both financial and medical eligibility criteria for Medical Assistance.
Medical Need
You must require significant assistance with at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) to meet the medical necessity criteria:
Bathing
Eating
Dressing
Toileting
Mobility (walking, using stairs, getting in/out of bed)
Eligibility
| Feature | Eligible for CFC |
|---|---|
| Medicaid | |
| Medicaid & Medicare | |
| Medicaid Waiver | |
| Private Insurance Only | |
| Medicare Only | |
| QMB Only | |
| SLMB Only |
Your Rights Under CFC
You have the right to have as much control as possible over the care you receive.
Plan of Service
You have the right to develop a plan so you can get personal assistance with life activities, including:
- Planning and preparing meals
- Light chores & grocery shopping
- Traveling & using the phone
- Managing finances
Choice & Control
You have the right to:
- Choose your Supports Planning Agency.
- Choose the person who provides care for you.
- Decide the schedule for that person.
- Decide you no longer want someone to care for you.
Additional Services
Medical Equipment
Durable medical equipment and disposable medical supplies.
Home Delivered Meals
Nutritious meals delivered to your door.
Accessibility Adaptations
Modifications to your home to improve safety and access.
How is the Plan Determined?
The process for determining your plan of service.
Assessment
A nurse from the local health department evaluates your medical needs. This determines your eligibility and your "personal budget" (how much the State will spend on your care).
Planning
A Supports Planner assists you in determining what help you need. They prepare a written "plan of service" based on your budget and needs.
Approval
Medicaid staff reviews the assessment and plan. Based on this information, Medicaid will either approve or deny your plan of service.
What if I disagree with a decision?
If your plan of service is denied, or if you disagree with ANY decision about your case made by Medicaid, you have a right to appeal.
Current Recipients: Appeal within 10 days of the denial letter to keep current services in place.
New Applicants: Appeal within 90 days of the denial letter.
Submit appeals in writing to:
Maryland Department of Health, Office of Health Services
Attention: Appeals
201 W. Preston St., 1st Floor, Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Fax: 410-333-5154
You may be eligible for Homecare.
To qualify for home care services, please complete the form. A member of our team will reach out to you at a convenient time.