If you’re caring for a loved one in Maryland and exploring Medicaid-funded home care options, you may need to know the role of Support Planning Agencies (SPAs). These agencies are pivotal in helping families navigate programs like Community First Choice (CFC) and the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver.
Let’s break down what they do and how to choose one.
What Is a Support Planning Agency (SPA)?
In Maryland, SPAs assist Medicaid-eligible individuals in accessing long-term services and supports. Their responsibilities include:
- Assessing individual needs
- Developing a person-centered plan of care
- Coordinating with home care agencies and other providers
- Monitoring ongoing services and adjusting plans as needed
Support planners are not the direct care providers—they serve as serve as advocates. They help getting services approved and in place, and ensure that services align with the individual’s goals and preferences.
What Are Some of Maryland Support Planning Agencies?
Several SPAs operate across Maryland, each offering unique services:
- Medical Management and Rehabilitation Services (MMARS): Provides case management for CFC participants, focusing on personalized support to maintain independence.
- Total Care Services, Inc.: Offers supports planning across Maryland, assisting individuals in accessing both Medicaid and non-Medicaid home and community-based services.
- Southern Maryland Center for Independent Living (SMCIL): Serves individuals with disabilities in Southern Maryland, promoting self-directed decision-making and person-centered planning.
- Independence Now: Provides supports planning in Montgomery County, helping individuals remain in community settings and coordinating care.
- The Coordinating Center: Offers supports planning services to older adults and individuals with disabilities who wish to remain in the community or transition from nursing facilities.
How the Support Planning Process Works
Here’s what families can generally expect:
- Referral or Assignment: After Medicaid approval, you’ll be assigned or referred to a Support Planning Agency based on your county or preference.
- Initial Assessment: A support planner will meet with you and your loved one to evaluate their needs, environment, and goals.
- Care Plan Development: Together, you’ll create a Plan of Service (POS), outlining what types of help are needed—such as personal care, mobility assistance, help with meals, or caregiver respite.
- Agency Selection: Once your plan is approved, the SPA helps you choose a home care agency (like Concierge Home Care of Maryland) to deliver those services.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Your support planner stays involved, checking in periodically to ensure services are delivered and adjusting the care plan if needs change.
How Concierge Home Care of Maryland Collaborates with SPAs
At Concierge Home Care of Maryland, we work closely with SPAs to ensure:
- Timely implementation of approved services
- Seamless communication between caregivers, families, and support planners
- Ongoing support and adjustments to care plans as needed
Our collaboration ensures that individuals receive comprehensive, coordinated care tailored to their unique needs.
Choosing the Right Support Planning Agency
You have the right to choose your SPA—and the one you select can make a big difference in how smoothly things go.
When deciding, consider:
- Responsiveness: Do they return calls promptly?
- Clarity: Are they good at explaining paperwork, timelines, and next steps?
- Flexibility: Do they work with your schedule and communication preferences?
- Knowledge: Are they familiar with the needs of aging adults, people with disabilities, or TBI/stroke survivors?
Some families are assigned by default but don’t realize they can request a change if the agency isn’t a good fit. You are allowed to change support planners or agencies if needed—just ask your case manager or Medicaid representative how.
Need Help Starting the Process?
If your loved one is eligible for Medicaid or the Community First Choice Program (CFC), we’re happy to guide you—even if you haven’t chosen a support planner yet.
📞 Call Concierge Home Care of Maryland today to learn how we can help you get started, find the right Support Planning Agency, and get the home care services or the family or friend caregiver services you need.
