What Is CDPAP?
CDPAP, or the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, is a New York State Medicaid program that lets people who need home care choose their own caregiver. Unlike traditional home care through a Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA), where the agency assigns an aide, CDPAP puts the consumer in control. The consumer (or their designated representative) recruits, hires, trains, supervises, and, if necessary, dismisses their own Personal Assistant (PA).
The program is especially popular with families where a trusted person, such as an adult child, sibling, or close friend, is already providing unpaid care and wants to be compensated for that work.
What Can a CDPAP Personal Assistant Do?
One of the biggest differences between CDPAP and traditional PCA services is scope of care. A CDPAP Personal Assistant can perform tasks that go beyond what a certified Personal Care Aide typically handles, including nursing-level tasks like medication administration, injections, wound care, and oxygen management. The consumer or their designated representative provides on-site training for these tasks. No formal healthcare certification is required to become a PA.
Who Can Be a CDPAP Personal Assistant?
Most adults who are legally authorized to work can serve as a CDPAP Personal Assistant. This includes adult children, siblings, other relatives, and friends. However, there are a few restrictions:
Spouses cannot serve as a CDPAP Personal Assistant.
The consumer’s designated representative cannot also be their PA.
Parents of a consumer under 21 years old cannot serve as their PA. Parents of consumers 21 and older may qualify.
What Changed with CDPAP in 2025 and 2026
In April 2024, Governor Hochul signed a budget amendment that consolidated all CDPAP fiscal intermediary services under a single statewide entity. Previously, more than 600 fiscal intermediaries operated across the state, each handling payroll, timesheets, and administrative support for CDPAP consumers and their Personal Assistants.
Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), a Georgia-based company, was selected as the sole fiscal intermediary. As of April 1, 2025, PPL is the only organization authorized to provide fiscal intermediary services for CDPAP in New York.
What the PPL Transition Means for Families
If you are currently enrolled in CDPAP, you must register with PPL to continue receiving services. Your previous fiscal intermediary no longer handles CDPAP payroll or administration.
The transition has been difficult for many families. Registration deadlines have been extended multiple times, and some consumers have experienced delays in payments, confusion around new timekeeping systems, and difficulty reaching customer service. For families who want more stability and direct support, FreedomCare offers an alternative path. As a Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA), FreedomCare provides PCA home care with hands-on agency support, instant pay after every shift, and a dedicated team that handles scheduling, compliance, and coordination so you do not have to manage it on your own.
If you are already in CDPAP and want to stay, you will need to complete your registration with PPL. But if the transition has left you frustrated or uncertain about your care, FreedomCare can help you explore whether PCA through a LHCSA is a better fit. We provide free caregiver certification, and for many families, the switch can happen without any gap in care.
2026 CDPAP Updates
Effective January 1, 2026, all CDPAP Personal Assistants received a $0.55 per hour wage increase. PAs who started working in CDPAP in 2025 were required to complete training by March 31, 2026. PAs who began in 2026 must complete training within 90 days of their start date.
PPL now offers benefits including paid time off (1 hour per 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours per year), holiday pay, overtime, a health benefits plan for full-time workers, and a 401(k) plan. PAs in certain counties also receive a flex card for medical and dental expenses.
CDPAP Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for CDPAP in New York, the consumer must meet three conditions:
- Active Medicaid coverage in New York State.
- An assessed need for home care services, including help with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, mobility, and personal hygiene.
- The ability to self-direct their care, or a designated representative who can direct care on their behalf.
A nurse assessment, coordinated through the New York Independent Assessor Program (NYIAP), determines the level of care needed and the number of authorized weekly hours.
As of September 2025, New York introduced Minimum Needs Requirements for PCS and CDPAP assessments. Consumers must be assessed as needing at least limited assistance with physical maneuvering in more than two ADLs, or for individuals with a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis, at least supervision with more than one ADL.
CDPAP vs. PCA Through a Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA)
With the changes to CDPAP, many families are weighing their options. PCA delivered through a Licensed Home Care Services Agency like FreedomCare is the most common alternative. Both programs are Medicaid-funded and help people receive care at home, but they work differently.
How CDPAP and PCA Compare: Program Structure
| Feature | CDPAP | PCA Through a LHCSA |
|---|---|---|
| Who chooses the caregiver | The consumer or their designated representative | The LHCSA assigns or matches a caregiver; some agencies allow requests |
| Who employs the caregiver | PPL, the statewide fiscal intermediary | The Licensed Home Care Services Agency directly |
| Who trains the caregiver | The consumer or designated representative | The LHCSA provides required training and certification |
| Certification required | No formal certification needed | Yes. PCA or HHA certification through a state-approved program. FreedomCare covers the training program cost. |
| Scope of tasks | Personal care, home health aide tasks, and nursing-level tasks including medication, injections, and wound care | Personal care tasks including bathing, dressing, grooming, meal prep, light housekeeping, mobility assistance, and more |
| Scheduling | Consumer sets the schedule | Coordinated between the LHCSA, caregiver, and consumer |
| Administrative support | PPL handles payroll; consumer manages most coordination | The LHCSA handles payroll, compliance, scheduling, and ongoing support |
Who Can Be a Paid Caregiver: CDPAP vs. PCA
| Relationship | CDPAP | PCA Through a LHCSA |
|---|---|---|
| Adult child caring for a parent | Yes | No. Son, daughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law are excluded under PCA |
| Spouse | No | No |
| Parent of adult child, 21+ | Yes | No. Parents are excluded under PCA |
| Parent of child under 21 | No | No |
| Sibling | Yes | May be allowed if they do not reside with the consumer, or if residency is required due to the level of care needed, per 18 NYCRR § 505.14 |
| Friend or non-relative | Yes | Yes, if certified as a PCA or HHA |
Benefits and Support: CDPAP vs. PCA Through FreedomCare
| Benefit | CDPAP Through PPL | PCA Through FreedomCare LHCSA |
|---|---|---|
| Instant pay after shifts | No. Biweekly payroll through PPL | Yes. FreedomCare offers instant pay |
| Free caregiver training and certification | Training through PPL's Nevvon portal is required | Yes. FreedomCare provides free PCA certification |
| Agency-level support and care coordination | Limited. Consumer manages most coordination; facilitators are available | Yes. FreedomCare's team handles compliance, scheduling, and ongoing support |
| Health benefits | Available through PPL for full-time PAs | Available through FreedomCare for eligible caregivers |
| Paid time off | Yes | Yes |
How FreedomCare Connects You to Paid Care at Home
FreedomCare is a Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) that helps New York Medicaid members find stable, reliable care at home. Whether you are looking for a caregiver, already have someone in mind, or are a certified aide looking for work, FreedomCare can help.
Three Ways FreedomCare Helps You Get Paid Care at Home
Looking for a home aide? FreedomCare can match you with a trusted, certified home aide so you can get the care you need at home. Our team works with you to understand your situation and find someone who is the right fit.
Are you a certified aide looking for patients? FreedomCare will help match you with a patient in need of care. We also provide free training and certification for caregivers who need it.
Already have a home aide in mind? If you already have someone you trust who is providing care, FreedomCare will help you enroll together so your aide can get paid for the work they are already doing.
Transitioning from CDPAP to PCA Through FreedomCare
If you are currently in CDPAP and considering a move to PCA, FreedomCare makes the transition straightforward. Your caregiver can complete a free, one-day certification course through FreedomCare to become a certified PCA or HHA. Once certified, they are employed directly by FreedomCare’s LHCSA, which means agency-level support, consistent pay, and no disruption in care.
FreedomCare also offers a sign-on bonus for caregivers transitioning from CDPAP, along with separate vacation and sick leave, opportunities to take on additional cases, and paid annual training.
Common Misconceptions About CDPAP and PCA in New York
“CDPAP is ending.” CDPAP is not ending. The program still exists and is still available to eligible Medicaid recipients in all 62 New York counties. What changed is the administrative structure: PPL is now the sole fiscal intermediary, replacing the 600+ FIs that previously operated across the state. If you are enrolled in CDPAP and registered with PPL, your services continue.
“I have to switch from CDPAP to PCA.” Switching from CDPAP to PCA is a choice, not a requirement. The New York State Department of Health has confirmed that consumers can stay in CDPAP as long as they register with PPL. However, some families find that PCA through a LHCSA like FreedomCare offers more stability and hands-on support, especially during a period of program transition.
“If I switch to PCA, my family member can still be my caregiver.” This depends on their relationship to you. Under PCA regulations (18 NYCRR § 505.14), spouses, parents, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law cannot serve as a PCA. Other relatives, such as siblings, nieces, nephews, or cousins, may be eligible under certain conditions. CDPAP allows a broader range of family caregivers. This is an important factor when deciding between programs.
“PCA caregivers need years of training.” PCA certification in New York can be completed in as little as one day through an approved competency evaluation. FreedomCare offers free certification for caregivers, including those transitioning from CDPAP. No prior healthcare education is required to begin the process.
“CDPAP and PCA cost the consumer money.” Both CDPAP and PCA are Medicaid-funded programs. There is no cost to the consumer for either program. Caregivers are paid through Medicaid, either via PPL (for CDPAP) or through the LHCSA (for PCA).
How to Apply for CDPAP or PCA in New York
Applying for CDPAP
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1
Confirm that you have active Medicaid coverage in New York.
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2
Contact your Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plan, Medicaid managed care organization, or your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) to request a CDPAP assessment.
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3
Complete an assessment through the New York Independent Assessor Program (NYIAP) to determine your care needs and authorized hours.
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4
Once approved, register with PPL as the statewide fiscal intermediary. Your chosen Personal Assistant must also register with PPL.
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5
Your Personal Assistant completes required health screenings and any mandatory training through PPL's portal.
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6
Begin receiving care. Your Personal Assistant logs hours through PPL's Time4Care system.
Applying for PCA Through FreedomCare (LHCSA)
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1
Confirm that you have active Medicaid coverage in New York.
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2
Contact FreedomCare to check your eligibility and discuss your care needs.
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3
Your MLTC plan or Local Department of Social Services coordinates an assessment to determine the level of care needed and the number of authorized weekly hours.
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4
Once authorized, FreedomCare matches you with a certified caregiver or helps your chosen caregiver complete free PCA certification.
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5
Your caregiver is employed by FreedomCare's Licensed Home Care Services Agency. FreedomCare handles payroll, compliance, and ongoing support.
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6
Care begins. Your caregiver receives pay according to the approved schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About CDPAP in New York
What does CDPAP stand for?
CDPAP stands for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. It is a New York State Medicaid program that allows people who need home care to choose and hire their own caregiver, including family members and friends (with some restrictions). The consumer or their designated representative is responsible for recruiting, training, and supervising their Personal Assistant.
Is CDPAP still available in New York in 2026?
Yes, CDPAP is still available in all 62 New York counties. The program has not been eliminated. However, all fiscal intermediary services are now handled exclusively by Public Partnerships LLC (PPL). If you are enrolled in CDPAP, you must be registered with PPL to continue receiving services and payments.
What is PPL and why did New York switch to a single fiscal intermediary?
PPL (Public Partnerships LLC) is the statewide fiscal intermediary for CDPAP, selected by New York State in 2024. The state consolidated more than 600 fiscal intermediaries into a single entity, citing the need for administrative efficiency and cost savings. PPL handles payroll, timesheets, benefits, and employment records for all CDPAP Personal Assistants in New York.
What is the difference between CDPAP and PCA?
CDPAP and PCA (Personal Care Assistance) are both Medicaid-funded home care programs, but they are structured differently. In CDPAP, the consumer chooses, trains, and manages their own caregiver, and no certification is required. In PCA, the caregiver is a certified Personal Care Aide or Home Health Aide employed by a Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA), which provides training, scheduling, and administrative support. CDPAP allows a broader range of family members to serve as caregivers, while PCA restricts certain family relationships.
What is a Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA)?
A LHCSA is a state-licensed agency authorized to provide home care services in New York. LHCSAs employ certified caregivers (PCAs and HHAs), manage scheduling and payroll, handle compliance requirements, and serve as the main point of contact for families receiving PCA services. FreedomCare is a Licensed Home Care Services Agency that provides PCA home care in New York.
Can my spouse be my caregiver under CDPAP?
No. Spouses cannot serve as CDPAP Personal Assistants. This restriction applies in both CDPAP and PCA programs. Spouses are considered legally responsible individuals under New York Medicaid rules and are excluded from paid caregiver roles in both programs.
Can my adult child be my caregiver under CDPAP?
Yes. Under CDPAP, adult children can serve as their parent’s Personal Assistant and be paid for providing care. This is one of the most common caregiver arrangements in the program. However, under PCA through a LHCSA, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law are not eligible to serve as the PCA for their parent.
Can I switch from CDPAP to PCA?
Yes. Switching from CDPAP to PCA through a Licensed Home Care Services Agency is an option, though it is not required. If you choose to switch, your MLTC plan or LDSS will need to coordinate a new assessment and prior authorization. FreedomCare helps families make this transition and provides free caregiver certification so care is not interrupted.
How much does CDPAP pay per hour in 2026?
CDPAP pay rates vary by county. Effective January 1, 2026, all Personal Assistants received a $0.55 per hour wage increase. New York’s home care minimum wage for 2026 is $19.65 per hour, with additional wage parity benefits in certain counties.
Does CDPAP cost the consumer anything?
No. CDPAP is a Medicaid-funded program, and there is no cost to the consumer. The same is true for PCA services through a LHCSA. Both programs are fully covered by Medicaid for eligible individuals.
What is a CDPAP facilitator?
A CDPAP facilitator is an organization that helps consumers and Personal Assistants with the PPL registration process and provides ongoing support. Some former fiscal intermediaries transitioned into facilitator roles after PPL became the sole FI. Consumers can choose a facilitator or work directly with PPL.
Is FreedomCare a LHCSA?
Yes. FreedomCare is a Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA) in New York. FreedomCare employs certified caregivers, provides free PCA and HHA training, handles payroll and compliance, and offers instant pay after every shift. FreedomCare helps families access PCA services and also supports those transitioning from CDPAP.
What training is required for CDPAP Personal Assistants in 2026?
Personal Assistants who began working in CDPAP in 2025 were required to complete training through PPL’s Nevvon portal by March 31, 2026. PAs who started in 2026 must complete training within 90 days of their start date. All PAs must also complete health screenings through PPL’s designated provider.
What if I do not have Medicaid?
Both CDPAP and PCA require active Medicaid coverage. If you do not currently have Medicaid but believe you may be eligible, FreedomCare can help you understand the enrollment process and connect you with the right resources.
Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. CDPAP and PCA program details, eligibility requirements, pay rates, and regulations change frequently. Always consult with FreedomCare, your MLTC plan, the New York State Department of Health, or a qualified advisor for the most current information. FreedomCare does not guarantee eligibility for any program.
