CDPAP Home Care Agency FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a Medicaid program in New York State that allows consumers to choose and direct their own caregivers, including family members and friends, instead of working with traditional home care agencies.

With CDPAP, you can hire someone you know and trust, including family members (with some exceptions like spouses), to provide your care. You control the hiring, training, and scheduling of your caregiver, while a fiscal intermediary handles payroll and administration

Yes, you can hire most family members except:
->Your spouse
->Your designated representative
->Parent of a minor child (if you’re under 21)
->Legal guardian

To qualify, you must:
->Be eligible for Medicaid
->Need home care, personal care, or skilled nursing services
->Be self-directing or have a designated representative
->Have a stable medical condition
->Have a physician’s order

You can designate a representative (usually a family member or friend) to handle the responsibilities of directing care on your behalf

Yes, CDPAP is a Medicaid program, and you must be eligible for Medicaid to participate.

CDPAP caregivers can provide:
->Personal care
->Home health services
->Skilled nursing tasks (with proper training)
->Assistance with daily activities
->Help with medications
->Support for medical appointments

Caregivers are paid competitive rates set by Medicaid. The exact amount varies by location and experience. Payment is processed through the fiscal intermediary.

Caregivers must:
->Pass a health assessment
->Complete required paperwork
->Provide employment eligibility documentation
->Pass background checks
->Complete required orientation

->Verify your Medicaid eligibility
->Get a physician’s order
->Complete a nurse assessment
->Choose a fiscal intermediary
->Select your caregiver
->Complete enrollment paperwork
->Begin receiving services

The approval process typically takes 2-6 weeks, depending on your situation and how quickly documentation is completed.

Yes, you can switch fiscal intermediaries if you’re unhappy with your current one. However, proper notice must be given, and paperwork must be completed with the new agency.

The fiscal intermediary (CDPAP agency) handles all payments, including:
->Processing payroll
->Managing benefits
->Handling tax withholding
->Processing timesheets
->Managing insurance

If you’re Medicaid eligible, there are typically no out-of-pocket costs for CDPAP services.

CDPAP agencies serve as fiscal intermediaries, handling:
->Payroll processing
->Benefits administration
->Tax compliance
->Insurance coverage
->Compliance oversight
->Required documentation
->Timesheet processing

->Experience with CDPAP
->Payment processing efficiency
->Communication quality
->Support services
->Compliance history
->Reputation

You should have a backup caregiver identified. Your CDPAP agency can help you understand how to manage backup care situations.

Yes, service hours can be adjusted based on changing needs, but changes must be approved through proper channels.

As the consumer, you have the right to choose a different caregiver at any time. This is one of the key benefits of the CDPAP program.