23 Questions and Answers (Q & As) regarding the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)
Introduction to CDPAP
The CDPAP Program is a New York State Medicaid program that enables consumers to take control of their home care services. CDPAP consumers recruit, hire, and train their own caregivers. Most family members are allowed. Services provided under CDPAP are sometimes referred to as Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS).
Please Note: Edison Home Health Care does not administer the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Application and enrollment for CDPAP must go through your Local Department of Social Services or Medicaid plan.
Welcome! If you’re interested in CDPAP, you came to the right place. Please scroll through this page for a number of tools and a list of FAQs designed to help consumers.
Click the button below to download a 1 page outline explaining the 3 basic parts of enrolling in CDPAP.
Want to learn if you qualify for the CDPAP Program? Click the button below to get instant feedback on your eligibility!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDPAP?
CDPAP stands for “Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program”. CDPAP is a New York (NY) State Medicaid program that allows home care consumers to recruit, hire, and direct their own personal assistant. Meaning, this program allows people who need home care to choose the caregiver they want – including most family members – and to train them to provide them with home care.
What is CDPAS?
CDPAS stands for “Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services”. CDPAS refers to services provided under the CDPAP program.
What is the difference between CDPAP and CDPAS?
CDPAP stands for “Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program” and is the official name of the program. CDPAS stands for “Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services” and refers to services provided under CDPAP.
Do I qualify? What are the CDPAP eligibility requirements?
There are a number of factors that can affect your eligibility to enroll in CDPAP. There are, however, a few qualifications that can give a good idea regarding meeting the requirements for eligibility.
Ask yourself if you meet the following three qualifications:
1. You have Medicaid or are eligible for Medicaid.
2. Your require home care care.
3. You are capable of directing your care, or you have a representative that can direct your care.
If you answered yes to all of these requirements, it is likely you are eligible to enroll in the CDPAP Program.
Do I need to be in a Medicaid Managed Care plan to enroll in CDPAP?
Most consumers must be enrolled in some form of Medicaid Managed Care to enroll in CDPAP. Many consumers must enroll in what is called a Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plan. There are a few different types of MLTC plans to choose from, each offering the consumer their own unique set of benefits.
Does Medicare cover CDPAP services?
No. CDPAP is a Medicaid program and it is not covered by Medicaid?
What can I do if I do not have Medicaid but would like to enroll in CDPAP?
We have Medicaid specialists who can help you with applying for Medicaid. There is a lot of false information out there with regards to Medicaid, and many people who were told that they are not eligilble can qualify. If you would like to apply for CDPAP but do not have Medicaid, there is a good chance we can help you. Please give us a call at 888-250-6127.
Can a consumer hire a family member to get paid be their caregiver?
Most family members, including children, can be hired to provide care as a personal assistant. Please continue reading to learn more about specific situations.
Can a consumer hire their child to get paid be their caregiver?
Yes. Consumers can hire their children.
Can a consumer hire their grandchild to get paid be their caregiver?
Yes. Consumers can hire their grandchildren.
Can a consumer choose their grandparent to get paid be their caregiver?
Consumers can usually hire their grandparent to be their paid caregiver.
Can a consumer hire their spouse to get paid be their caregiver?
No. A spouse cannot get paid as a caregiver under CDPAP.
Can a child choose their parent to get paid be their caregiver?
It depends. Children that are under 21 cannot choose their parents to be their paid caregiver under CDPAP. Consumers that are 21 and above can choose their parents.
Can a consumer hire their sibling to get paid be their caregiver?
Yes. Consumers can hire their siblings.
Can a consumer hire their niece or nephew to get paid be their caregiver?
Yes. Consumers can hire their niece or nephew.
Can a consumer hire their friend to get paid be their caregiver?
Yes. Consumers can hire their friends to be their paid caregivers.
Can a consumer and their caregiver live at the same address?
It depends on the situation. The official government policy states as follows: “a consumer directed personal assistant may include any other adult relative of the consumer who does not reside with the consumer or any other adult relative who resides with the consumer because the amount of care the consumer requires makes such relative’s presence necessary”..
Do CDPAP caregivers need any special license or certificate?
Caregivers must be legally allowed to work. They do not need a special license or certification to provide care under the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.
What are the requirements for a caregiver to sign up with your agency?
The following are the requirements for documentation for a CDPAP caregiver at our agency:
- UNEXPIRED picture ID such as NYS ID, Driver’s License, Passport, Permanent Resident Card or Work Authorization Card. You might need a second form of identification. We only take original IDs; copies will not be accepted.
- Social Security Card
- Pre-employment Physical (Please see Form below) – No later than 6 months of application date
- Rubella Lab Report – The results must show Immune or high (Lab Report). If results in the lab report are low, proof of 1 vaccine must have date of administration and name and license # of the person who administered the vaccine.
- Rubeola (Measles) Lab Report – The results must show Immune or high (Lab Report). If results in the lab report are low, proof of 2 vaccines must have date of administration and name and license # of the person who administered the vaccines.
- Two step TST (PPD) or IGRA QuantiFERON within previous 12 months and TB Risk Assessment. *For Positive PPD: You MUST have a CHEST X-RAY Report (NOT a Doctor’s note) which contains the Doctor’s signature and license #.
What services can a caregiver provide?
CDPAP caregivers are allowed to provide both custodial and skilled services. This includes many skilled services that a home health aide (HHA) may not provide, such as wound care, giving insulin shots, and suctioning tracheostomies.
What are the maximum number of home care hours available under CDPAP?
There are no limits on the number of care hours that a consumer can receive. In fact, some consumers even receive care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Where in NY is the CDPAP program available?
The CDPAP Program is available throughout New York City (NYC) and all of New York (NY) State.
Where can I get a CDPAP application form?
Practically speaking, there is usually more to applying for services than simply completing an application form.
Got questions about CDPAP?
Call now:
888-250-6127.
Edison helped my mom enroll in CDPAP quickly and smoothly. Your staff was super helpful and answered all my initial questions. Now I’m getting paid to care for mom and could not be happier. I recommend you guys to anyone looking into CDPAP. Thank you!
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I had tried to enroll mom in CDPAP a number of times without success. When I called Edison, it was different from the start. Barry was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He got mom enrolled in CDPAP in less than two weeks. Thank you Edison! Thank you Barry!
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