By Director Dana Corwin
Recently we received a request for information and a request for advocacy around the Consumer directed care program in New York state. The consumer directed program (CDPAP) is available in NY state and is typically funded by State Medicaid dollars for clients receiving Medicaid health insurance coverage. The NY State Department of Health website notes this definition of the program:
“CDPAP services empower Medicaid-eligible recipients to stay independent and receive care at home from someone they choose and train. The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, or "CDPAP", is a New York State Medicaid program that allows Medicaid members who are eligible for home care services to choose and hire their own personal caregiver, or "personal assistant". This can include a friend or family member, as long as they are not the Medicaid member's spouse, their designated representative or the parent of a CDPAP consumer under the age of 21.”
CDPAP provides services to chronically ill or physically disabled individuals who have a medical need for help with daily activities or who require skilled nursing services. The CDPAP services provided by a personal assistant can include any of the services normally provided by a personal care aide (home attendant), home health aide, or nurse. CDPAP offers recipients the flexibility and freedom in choosing their caregivers. The state has mandated that there be one company—a fiscal intermediary—to serve the clients and workers in this program. This allows PPL to continue as the sole New York statewide fiscal intermediary (SFI).
CDPAP Overview – NYS Department of Health
There is a need for advocacy and help for these clients and workers during the transition to the one appointed fiscal intermediary. There are situations that have made it difficult, challenging, and frustrating for clients in the program and workers needing to sign on with the company. There is much in the news on many levels—we wanted to share information about what you can do if you are involved in this program.
Information is available on the internet and here are some resources for you:
- How to Register with PPL (PDF)
- Workers must register with PPL. If you need help, you can get assistance by phone in many languages or via TTY:
- English: 1-833-247-5346
- Spanish: 1-833-282-0927
- TTY: 1-833-204-9042
- Online registration and information: CDPAP Program Page
- You can access a CDPAP facilitator for one-on-one help at multiple agencies. Please use this link to find those that serve Chautauqua County:
Find a CDPAP Facilitator
There are also websites you can sign up with to get the latest information or tips on registering:
- CDPAP Water Cooler Hour – Action Network (by Action Network, CDPAANYS, Caring Majority, and NYS Association of Independent Living)
- Worker Payment Tracking Form – for workers who have not been paid since the transition
- CDPAANYS – State Advocacy and Information
Please use these resources to find information and direction for this community program and this transition time.
