Fello's Self-Directed Services Newsletter 

Welcome to our monthly newsletter! Each month we share news, reminders, and helpful information for people who self-direct.   

You've Reached an Incredible Milestone - 10,000 Employees and Growing!

Together, you have built a community of more than 10,000 employees who support over 3,300 people self-directing across Maryland.

This milestone shows the power of self-direction. Thank you for trusting Fello as your FMCS partner.

Monthly Webinar Series

Join us to learn helpful tips for creating your annual budget.

• Topic: Annual Budget Sheets
• When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
• Time: 1:00PM-2:00PM
• How: Zoom (online)

We will send you the Zoom link on November 19. 

Who can join: Anyone! This includes participants, Coordinators of Community Services (CCSs), Support Brokers, advocates, and other team members.

Missed a webinar? Find past webinars on our Forms and Resources page under "Webinars and Presentations." 

Updated Self-Direction Forms

The DDA released a new Self-Directed Services Manual and forms on October 6. These include: 


• Budget Sheet
• Budget Modification Sheet
• Family as Staff (FAS) Form
• Participant Agreement
• Day-to-Day Decision Tree Form

Where to find them: Visit the DDA's Self-Directed Services Guidance and Forms webpage

Health Insurance Reimbursements Updates

Starting October 6, new rules apply for health insurance reimbursements.

What qualifies for reimbursement:

• Only health insurance that covers the employee
• Only policies bought directly by the employee

What does NOT qualify for reimbursement:

• Insurance for spouses, children, or other family members.
• Retirement plan health insurance
• Medicaid
• Medicare
• Insurance from another employer (including union plans)
• Insurance from a past employer, such as COBRA plans

Important: Only employees can be reimbursed for their health insurance. Family members or other workers who are not employees cannot be reimbursed.

Note: If an employee's insurance does not meet the new requirements but had previously been reimbursed, they can keep being reimbursed for now. The DDA will work with participants so their employees can transition to the new standards. 

Join the Maryland Developmental

Disabilities Council!

The Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council is looking for new members.

What is it? A volunteer opportunity for people who want to be leaders and make a difference.

What does the council do? The Council's goal is to help people with and without disabilities in Maryland to live, learn, work, and play together. Members guide the council's work and create positive changes statewide.

Who should apply? The council wants members with many different experiences and backgrounds. They especially need people from the Eastern Shore.

How to apply: Visit the Become a Member page to learn more and find the application form. 

Self-Direction Team Spotlight

This month, we're highlighting Byneiqua Stewart, Senior Stakeholder Relations Specialist!

Byneiqua joined Fello in August 2024. She helps with tickets related to Accounts Payable, Payroll, and Financial Reporting.

"This role has helped me grow my communication skills, adaptability, and attention to detail," says Byneiqua. "I'm thankful for the chance to work with the people we support and their teams. I love building real connections while helping solve their concerns."

Byneiqua's goal is to make sure everyone has a smooth and positive experience with Fello.