Maryland Community Options Waiver / Home and Community Based Options Waiver (HCBOW)

The Maryland Home and Community Based Options Waiver (HCBOW), also called the Community Options Waiver, provides Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for Maryland residents who are elderly and disabled, require assistance with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), and are at risk of nursing home admittance. ADLs include bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, mobility, transitioning, and eating. Intended to prevent and / or delay the need for nursing home care, the program provides assistance and supports to promote independent living or to supplement care that is already being provided by informal (unpaid) caregivers. Potential benefits include adult day health care, respite care, and personal care assistance and homemaker services in assisted living residences.