27 Questions and Answers (Q & As) regarding the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (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.

CDPAS stands for “Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services”. CDPAS refers to services provided under the CDPAP program.

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.

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. If you are interested in enrolling, please call us at 888-250-6127 and we will be happy to help you.

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.

No. CDPAP is a Medicaid program and it is not covered by Medicaid?

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.

Most family members, including children, can be hired to provide care as a personal assistant. Please continue reading to learn more about specific situations.

Yes. Consumers can hire their children.

Yes. Consumers can hire their grandchildren.

Consumers can usually hire their grandparent to be their paid caregiver.

No. A spouse cannot get paid as a caregiver under CDPAP.

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.

Yes. Consumers can hire their siblings.

Yes. Consumers can hire their niece or nephew.

Yes. Consumers can hire their friends to be their paid caregivers.

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”..

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.

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 #.

CDPAP-Caregiver-Physical-Form (1)

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.

Caregiver hourly pay rate can depend on a number of factors. Additionally, not all consumers receive the same amount of hours, which can impact your caregiver’s total compensation.

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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.

While Edison Home Health Care is a licensed home care services agency, our CDPAP services are not provided under our home care agency license. Rather, in addition to being a home care agency, Edison Home Health Care is also a Fiscal Intermediary for the CDPAP Program. Meaning, we process the payroll for CDPAP personal assistants. We also handle a number of other responsibilities that CDPAP FI Agencies are required to administer.

CDPAP services are directed by the consumer or their designated representative. However, the payroll and some other responsibilities are handled by an entity called a Fiscal Intermediaries. Fiscal Intermediaries are sometimes referred to as CDPAP Agencies, but that is not their offficial name.

The CDPAP Program is available throughout New York City (NYC) and all of New York (NY) State. If you are interested in enrolling in CDPAP, we would love to help. We have many convenient locations and also can make arrangements for consumers that do not live near one of our offices.

While technically there is a form known as the CDPAP application form, practically speaking there is usually more to applying for services than simply completing a CDPAP application form. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you with all aspects of applying for services. Please contact us and one of specialists will happily explain what forms you will need, provide you with forms, and also assist you with obtaining the forms you will need – 888-250-6127.

We can guide you through the entire process of enrolling in the CDPAP Program. Call us today to speak with a CDPAP specialist who will answer your questions and help you start the enrollment process – 888-250-6127. You can also contact us by filling out the form at the bottom of this page. A CDPAP specialist will contact you promptly. Please Note: Edison Home Health Care is a Fiscal Intermediary for CDPAP. We do not administer the program. We can help you navigate, but application and enrollment for CDPAP must go through your Local Department of Social Services or Medicaid plan.