Continuing Care

Providing Regulatory Guidance for Continuing Care Communities

The Maryland Department of Aging (MDOA) is charged with administering continuing care laws. The primary continuing care laws are located at Title 10, Subtitle 4, of the Human Services Article (“HSA"), Annotated Code of Maryland, and Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 32.02.01 and 32.02.02.​ 

For any questions concerning continuing care-related matters, please contact the Department's continuing care team at [email protected]. 

What is Continuing Care?

A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) and a Continuing Care at Home (CCAH) Program offer older adults emotional and physical security against unknown future health care needs. They also aim to reduce the burden of home maintenance and allow older adults to have some control over their remaining years without burdening their loved ones. Moving to a CCRC or obtaining CCAH services may prevent the need to make a major decision or move at a time of crisis, when it may be more difficult to determine the right choice.​

Although the legal definition of “continuing care" is complex, in general it exists when all three of the following are present: 

1. The consumer pays an entrance fee that is, at a minimum, three times the average monthly fee;
2. The provider furnishes or makes available shelter (unless a CCAH) and health-related services to persons 60 years of age or older; and
3. The shelter and/or services are offered under a contract that lasts for a period of more than one year, usually for life.

There is financial risk involved in entering a continuing care contract, as large sums of money are paid in advance for future services. The Department urges anyone who is considering moving into a CCRC or obtaining CCAH services to consult with an attorney and a financial advisor familiar with these types of agreements before signing any documents.