Community Medical Assistance (CMA)

The most widely recognized category of Medicaid is Community Medical Assistance (CMA). This is the category that covers “qualified” individuals between the ages of birth and 65. Depending on a state’s regulations, CMA can be applied for at the state Local Department of Social Services (LDSS), the Local Health Department, or at a District Social Security office under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

While the eligibility rules for Local Assistance Programs may vary by state, the eligibility criteria for Federally Funded Disability Assistance follow Social Security Disability Criteria.

Maryland is unique in that one can apply for Federal Medical Assistance at an LDSS office without having to first apply and be denied for Federal Social Security, this is a big advantage for the population of Maryland.

In Maryland, there are two major categories under which a person, or family, can apply for Medical Assistance at the LDSS. Described below are the technical regulations:

Category 1 – ABD – Aged, Blind, and Disabled.

Aged – a person who is under 21 or over 65

Blind – a person who is legally blind according to Social Security criteria

Disabled – a person who is unable to maintain meaningful and gainful employment for a period of 12 months or more

Category 2 – FAC – Family and Children

A married couple, unmarried parent, or unmarried couple, or pregnant woman, with their child (under the age of 21) living in the same household.

All applicants must also meet the state or federal financial requirements.

In Maryland, if an eligible person incurs medical expenses and does not have Medicaid, they have 90 days from the date of service to apply for possible coverage. There are additional financial allowances for applying for RETRO eligibility.

Please contact Hospital Support Services, Inc. (HSS) for details on how we can help: 410-558-0022.