CDPAP
There is nothing like having a loved one care for you in the comfort of home!
Wouldn’t it be great to receive personalized health care assistance from those who love you and best understand your needs? Enriched Home Care Agency can help you explore the CDPAP option to see if this would be a possibility for you, based on your own personal care situation. Under this program, a loved one, relative, or family friend can get paid to be the personal health caregiver for you or a loved one, offering daily assistance for household tasks and long-term care needs.
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, also referred to as CDPAS, is an alternative to traditional in-home care, allowing Medicaid consumers the freedom to direct their own care. If you meet the qualifications for enrollment, you’ll be able to designate someone you trust as your primary caregiver, and that person will then receive an hourly wage.
Not sure if you qualify for the program? Call Enriched Home Care Agency and we’ll guide you through the eligibility requirements, and can also help you apply for Medicaid.
Although no formal training is required, the designated personal assistant must be legally able to work. With the exception of Spouses and Designated Representatives, most adults can serve as a personal assistant under CDPAP – even your adult children.
CDPAP allows for care at home in the environment where you feel safe and secure, while being cared for by someone you already trust, and who understands the best way to emotionally connect with you and keep you safe.
How To Enroll
To qualify for this program, consumers must:
- Have Medicaid
- Require assistance with personal care tasks
- Have a stable medical condition
- Be eligible for long-term care
- Have the ability to self-direct and fulfill qualification requirements, or have a designated representative who is willing and able to fulfill the aforementioned responsibilities
Ready to get started? Our friendly and experienced Intake Department can guide you every step of the way through the enrollment process.
Enrollment Tips:
- Get Involved – There is paperwork that needs to be completed by the consumer, the personal assistant, and possibly even the consumer’s doctor. It can be burdensome for the consumer, so try to help as much as possible!
- Understand Deadlines – Enrollment deadlines are steadfast, and it is always wise to be mindful of these upcoming dates. If you’re enrolling in a Medicaid plan, communicate with your representative to ensure you’re aware of all evaluation and paperwork completion deadlines. Reach out to a CDPAP specialist at Enriched Home Care Agency if you find yourself confused – we’re always available to answer questions and explain the easy-to-miss details!
- Choose a Fiscal Intermediary (FI) – As you work to complete the enrollment process, you’ll be asked to assign a Fiscal Intermediary to manage the payroll for your personal assistant(s). At Enriched Home Care Agency, we are proud to be an NY State Certified Fiscal Intermediary, and we would be honored to help you in managing the financial aspects that go along with choosing a personal assistant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, with some exceptions. You can choose any of the following as your personal assistant:
- Relatives (including children and parents)
- Friends
- Acquaintances
Most people can qualify to get paid as a personal assistant under CDPAP. However, as each situation is unique, there are certain exceptions which are addressed below.
Yes, although they must be at least 21 years old.
No, this is one of the exceptions under the program.
It depends on the age of the child. Children younger than 21 cannot choose their parents to be their paid caregiver, but children over 21 can choose a parent if they wish.
Yes, this is permissible under the CDPAP.
No, caregivers are not required to have any licenses or certifications.
It is the responsibility of the consumer or their designated representative to train the caregiver.
The range of services that Personal Assistants can provide is much broader than the care that is provided by home health aides (HHAs) and personal care aides (PCAs). Personal Assistants are permitted to administer skilled care services, such as wound care, insulin shots, and suctioning tracheostomies. HHAs and PCAs are limited to custodial care such as dressing, bathing, and grooming, and the expanded services that can be provided by Personal Assistants are often a great benefit to those who require ongoing skilled home medical care.
No, CDPAP is strictly a Medicaid-based program, and you must have Medicaid coverage to enroll. If you currently only have Medicare, the Medicaid specialists at Enriched Home Care Agency may still be able to help by guiding you through the process of applying for Medicaid.
The CDPAP option is available throughout New York State. If you currently reside in a different state, there may be a similar program available to you. We encourage you to contact your local department of social services for further assistance.
