Maryland is strengthening access for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers through a coordinated No Wrong Door approach. By aligning governance, care transitions, technology, and caregiver supports, the state is building a more connected system of access to services and supports. 

Leadership is central to Maryland’s No Wrong Door strategy. The state is integrating its multisector plan for aging, Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM), into the core of its service delivery infrastructure. At the center of this approach is Maryland Access Point (MAP), the state’s No Wrong Door system, which serves as a streamlined gateway for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers seeking services and supports. Following the Governor’s executive action launching LRM and the release of the official plan, Maryland codified the initiative into state law, reinforcing the Maryland Department of Aging’s (MDOA) role across state government. The state is also coordinating federal, state, local, philanthropic, business, and health care resources to advance this work.

A key part of this strategy is improving care transitions through the MAP Hospital Transition Program. This evidence-based model provides person-centered assessments and up to 120 days of follow-up support to help people successfully return home after a hospital stay. Program findings highlight a strong return on investment, with substantial reductions in hospital-related costs relative to service spending. To expand this impact, the MDOA is strengthening partnerships with major health systems and implementing technology platforms that support closed-loop hospital referrals.

Maryland is also leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen access and improve the client experience. AI helps triage incoming inquiries so that people with complex needs are connected quickly to live staff for person-centered support. AI-powered tools are also expanding self-service options on the MAP website, allowing people to find information and resources independently. This approach helps to free staff capacity for in-depth screening, assessment, and counseling.

Maryland has also strengthened coordination between MAP and 211 by integrating the two entry systems. In the past, people who contacted 211 were not consistently connected to MAP. Now, technology-enabled coordination supports warm handoffs between the systems, ensuring people are seamlessly directed to the most appropriate services and supports without unnecessary duplication or delay.

Maryland is further strengthening its No Wrong Door system by elevating caregiver supports within the LRM framework. Recognizing the central role of family caregivers in the state’s care system, Maryland partnered with Johns Hopkins to develop an innovative resource for families affected by cognitive decline. The Johns Hopkins Memory Care Family Checklist helps families identify essential needs, access reliable information, and connect to tailored supports as part of a broader care plan. The checklist also integrates with 211’s Community Resource Database, allowing users to find up-to-date, location-specific supports based on their circumstances.

Maryland is also advancing efforts to streamline access through a unified public benefits application for Medicaid, SNAP and other benefits.  Local MAP sites have access to the system to support people through the application process, check the status of applications, and review documentation. MDOA is also working to connect aging related service applications to this system.

By applying a longevity lens across these efforts, Maryland is breaking down traditional silos among state agencies, community organizations, and health care providers. This integrated approach ensures that care transitions, access points, and caregiver resources function as connected components of a broader support system, helping Marylanders age with dignity in their homes and communities.