Disability advocates warn of funding cuts jeopardizing support for Maryland's developmental services

The B&T Committee Session held on January 23, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding funding and support for individuals with developmental disabilities in Maryland. Key concerns were raised about proposed changes to funding policies that could significantly impact service delivery and financial stability for providers.

One of the main topics was the rejection of a recommendation to tie funding levels to the support needs of individuals, which advocates argued would ensure that those with higher needs receive adequate resources. Instead, a new policy centered on dedicated hours of support was proposed, which some stakeholders believe only partially addresses the complexities of individual acuity needs. The removal of this policy was highlighted as a potential threat to the stability of funding for services.

A certified actuary involved in the rate-setting process warned that the proposed changes could introduce volatility into the system, which is detrimental to individuals relying on these services. The actuary's analogy compared the funding structure to a Jenga tower, suggesting that removing foundational elements could lead to a collapse of the entire system.

The meeting also addressed the budget growth of the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) over the past two years, particularly in light of minimum wage increases. It was noted that while the DDA's budget has seen significant growth, much of this increase was tied to legislative changes regarding minimum wage, which disproportionately affected funding for developmental disability services compared to other Medicaid provider systems.

Advocates expressed frustration over the perception that the DDA's funding growth was unexpected, emphasizing that prior legislation had mandated a review of rate-setting due to chronic underfunding of services. They argued that the current discussions should prioritize the needs of real individuals and families rather than merely focusing on budget containment.

The session concluded with a call for more inclusive dialogue, as some stakeholders felt excluded from discussions that directly affect the disability community. The need for meaningful engagement in the rate advisory process was underscored, highlighting the importance of ensuring that the voices of individuals with disabilities and their families are heard in future policy decisions.