Funded by Medicaid, FreedomCare allows New Yorkers to choose who provides their care – the caregiver gets paid instantly after their shift.

What is the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) in New York?

CDPAP is a healthcare program established by the New York State Department of Health that allows individuals eligible for Medicaid and in need of home care services to hire, train, supervise, and even terminate their personal assistant (caregiver).

Who is eligible for CDPAP?

To qualify for CDPAP, an individual must be a resident of New York State, be eligible for Medicaid, require assistance with activities of daily living due to physical or cognitive impairments, and be self-directing or have a designated representative who can make decisions on their behalf.

How does CDPAP work?

The process of enrolling in CDPAP starts with a visit from a registered nurse, who evaluates the applicant’s medical needs and determines the number of hours of care required. The patient then selects and hires a personal assistant, who must undergo a health screening, and complete necessary paperwork. Upon approval, the personal assistant begins providing services under the patient’s supervision.

Can family members be hired as personal assistants?

Yes, one of the unique features of CDPAP is that consumers can hire a family member, friend, or neighbor as their personal assistant, provided the assistant meets the program’s eligibility criteria.

How are CDPAP personal assistants paid?

CDPAP personal assistants are paid directly through the Medicaid program. The hourly wage depends on the region and is usually competitive with other home care options.

Trust FreedomCare with Your CDPAP NY Needs

FreedomCare is a CDPAP agency in New York that specializes in providing Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) services. As a fiscal intermediary for CDPAP, FreedomCare assists eligible Medicaid recipients in New York with managing their home care needs by hiring and paying for a personal caregiver of their choice, including family members, friends, or neighbors.

FreedomCare offers a range of services to help consumers and their caregivers navigate the CDPAP program, including:

• Guidance and Support
• Payroll Management
• Compliance
• Training Resources

FreedomCare is known for its user-friendly approach and dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals in need of home care services.

Can I use CDPAP and Medicare for a family caregiver in NY?

CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program) is a Medicaid-funded program, and Medicare does not cover this program. However, if you are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, you can use your Medicaid benefits for CDPAP and your Medicare benefits for other services.

Here’s a breakdown of how you can use both:

• CDPAP (Medicaid Funded): If you qualify for Medicaid, you can use the CDPAP program to hire a family caregiver who can assist you with activities of daily living or other healthcare needs. The family caregiver can be compensated for their work through the CDPAP program.
• Medicare: Medicare can be used to cover a wide range of healthcare services, including hospital stays, physician services, and prescription drugs. It does not cover long-term home care services like CDPAP.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible), you can use your Medicaid benefits for the CDPAP program and your Medicare benefits for other healthcare services.

The New York Independent Assessor Program, also known as NYIA, conducts assessments of New York Medicaid members who wish to receive home health care services including Consumer Directed Personal Care Services (CDPAP). These services allow adults that require help at home and those with disabilities or illnesses to safely stay at home instead of in a health facility. 

If you have at least Medicaid, are 18 years or older, and wish to request home health care services, you will need a NYIA assessment. 

Learn more about NYIA.