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Maryland DDA Budget Cuts: What It Means for AT Access in 2026–2027

5 min read · March 2026

Maryland's Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) is facing serious budget pressure. If you or someone you support depends on assistive technology funded through the waiver system, here's what's happening, what it means for you, and what you can do about it.

What's happening

The Maryland General Assembly is working through $126–155 million in proposed cuts to the DDA budget for fiscal year 2027. This comes after roughly $164 million in cuts that already took effect in FY2026.

The reasons are straightforward: DDA's budget grew from about $1 billion to over $3 billion in five years, driven by increasing enrollment and expanded services. The state is now hitting a cost-neutrality ceiling, operating 18% below the federal threshold, with $1.7 billion in federal Medicaid matching funds at risk if that threshold is exceeded.

Here's the part that makes it worse: because Maryland's DDA services are Medicaid-funded, every dollar of state cuts triggers the loss of roughly one dollar in federal matching money. So $126 million in state cuts becomes an effective reduction of about $252 million.

How this could affect AT access

The Community Pathways Waiver currently covers up to $12,000 per year for assistive technology. That has not changed. But the budget cuts create several risks:

  • Slower approvals. With tighter budgets, authorization for AT purchases may take longer as DDA scrutinizes spending more carefully.
  • Fewer available providers. Reimbursement rates are tightening, especially with geographic differential rates being capped at 10% above rest-of-state rates. Providers in the Baltimore-DC corridor (where most people live) may reduce services or leave the market.
  • Longer waiver waitlists. If fewer new waiver slots open up, people waiting for services will wait longer to get AT coverage at all.
  • Possible future cap reductions.While the $12,000 AT cap hasn't been touched yet, it's not protected from future changes. If cuts continue, AT benefits could be on the table.

What has NOT changed (as of March 2026)

It's important to separate what's real right now from what's possible later:

  • The $12,000/year AT cap under the Community Pathways Waiver is still in place.
  • Existing waiver participantskeep their benefits. If you're currently enrolled, your AT coverage hasn't been reduced.
  • The AT assessment threshold(items under $1,000 don't require a formal AT Professional assessment) is unchanged.
  • MDTAP(Maryland's state AT program) continues to operate its lending library, Reuse Center, and loan program regardless of DDA budget decisions.

What to watch for

The situation is still moving. Keep an eye on:

  • Legislative session outcomes.The Maryland General Assembly's budget decisions will determine the final scope of cuts. Hearings are ongoing.
  • DDA budget hearings. Public testimony opportunities let families and providers speak directly about how cuts affect real people.
  • Any changes to waiver benefits. If DDA proposes modifications to the Community Pathways Waiver AT benefit (including the $12,000 cap), there will be a public comment period before changes take effect.
  • Provider network changes.If your AT provider stops accepting DDA clients, you'll need to find an alternative. Ask your CCS (Coordinator of Community Services) about backup options now.

What you can do

Advocacy matters here. Budget decisions are political decisions, and lawmakers pay attention to the people affected.

  1. Contact your state legislators. A short, honest message about how AT helps you or your family member live independently is more powerful than a form letter. Call or email your state senator and delegate.
  2. Attend public hearings. DDA budget hearings allow public testimony. Even written testimony counts. Your CCS or local Arc chapter can tell you when hearings are scheduled.
  3. Connect with advocacy organizations. The Arc Maryland and People On The Go Maryland (a self-advocacy group led by people with IDD) are both tracking the budget situation closely and organizing responses.
  4. Document your AT needs. Write down exactly what AT you use, how it helps, and what would happen without it. This is useful for testimony, for conversations with legislators, and as a record if benefits do change.

Protect your current benefits

While you still have full access to AT funding, take practical steps to make the most of it:

  • Make sure AT is in your Person-Centered Plan.If you use AT or need it, confirm it's documented in your current plan with your CCS.
  • File for anything that's pending.If you've been putting off an AT request, now is the time. Start the process with your CCS, get your assessment (if the item is $1,000 or more), and submit for authorization.
  • Keep records of everything. Save copies of assessments, authorization letters, vendor quotes, and any communication with your CCS about AT. If anything is disputed later, documentation protects you.
  • Know your alternatives.MDTAP's Reuse Center provides free refurbished equipment, and their lending library lets you try devices at no cost. These programs are funded separately from DDA and aren't affected by waiver budget cuts.
Remember

Budget pressure actually strengthens the case for AT. Remote supports, smart home technology, and communication devices reduce per-person staffing costs. When talking to legislators or your CCS, frame AT as something that saves money over time, not an added expense.

Resources

This article reflects information available as of March 2026. Budget negotiations are ongoing. Check with your CCS or the organizations listed above for the latest updates.