What Is Changing With CDPAP in New York?
New York State is making a major change to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Starting April 1, 2025, there will be only one Fiscal Intermediary (FI) for the entire state: Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL).
This means many of the current 600+ FIs will no longer operate in CDPAP. Only approved facilitators and PPL will continue providing services. As a result, some CDPAP consumers may be considering a transition to Personal Care Services (PCS) through a Licensed Home Care Services Agency (LHCSA).
The New York State Department of Health (DOH) has provided clear guidelines for what this means. Their guidance confirms that: ✔️ CDPAP is still available after April 1, 2025
✔️ Switching to PCS is a choice, not a requirement
✔️ CDPAP and PCS have different rules and requirements
This article will explain the key differences between CDPAP and PCS, so you can make the best choice for your care.
What Is the Difference Between CDPAP and PCS?
CDPAP and PCS are both Medicaid-funded home care programs, but they work very differently.
Feature | CDPAP | PCS |
Who hires/fires the caregiver? | You hire, train, and schedule your caregiver | The agency assigns a caregiver to you |
Can family members provide care? | Yes, including adult children, siblings, and other relatives (except spouses) | No, unless there is special approval. Parents, children, in-laws, and other relatives who live with you cannot be caregivers |
Caregiver training requirements | No formal training required. You train your caregiver based on your needs | Personal Care Aides (PCAs) must complete 40 hours of training with 6 hours of annual training. Home Health Aides (HHAs) must complete 75 hours of training with 12 hours of annual training |
Background checks? | No background check required | Yes, a criminal background check is required before a caregiver can start work |
Allowed to do certain medical tasks? | Yes, some medical tasks are allowed as long as the caregiver is trained by you | No, unless a nurse is involved. Some health-related tasks are not allowed under PCS |
How is care managed? | You manage your caregiver's schedule and responsibilities | The agency manages the caregiver's schedule and responsibilities |
Key Takeaway
If you want more control over your caregiver selection, training, and schedule, CDPAP may be the better choice. If you prefer an agency to handle everything, PCS may work better for you.
Full Details
The DOH provides a comprehensive matrix of permissible and non-permissible activities for HHA and rules and regulations for PCS.
Do You Have to Switch From CDPAP to PCS?
CDPAP Is Still Available
Even though many FIs are no longer offering CDPAP services, CDPAP is not ending. Instead, it is being centralized under one statewide FI, PPL including around 30 facilitators.
DOH Guidance: Switching Must Be a Choice
According to the DOH, moving from CDPAP to PCS must be the consumer’s choice and must involve:
The consumer’s Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MMCO) or Local Department of Social Services (LDSS)
A new assessment and prior authorization if switching to PCS
This means CDPAP consumers do not have to switch unless they choose to.
How to Stay in CDPAP
If you want to stay in CDPAP, you can:
Transfer to PPL as your new FI
Work with a facilitator that supports CDPAP under the new FI
Your care will continue without interruption as long as the transition is properly handled by the March 28, 2025 transition deadline.
If you would like to get started with your transition please give BURD Home Health a call at (585) 326-2880 or do it on your own with PPL@Home.
What Happens to Your Caregiver If You Switch to PCS?
CDPAP Lets You Choose Your Caregiver
You pick your caregiver
You train your caregiver
You set their schedule
PCS Assigns Caregivers Through an Agency
The agency selects your caregiver
You do not have the ability to hire/fire the caregiver
You cannot train or manage your caregiver directly
Some family members cannot be paid caregivers under PCS
Family Members as Caregivers: CDPAP vs. PCS
Under CDPAP, caregivers can be:
✔️ Adult children
✔️ Siblings
✔️ Other relatives
Spouses are not allowed to be paid caregivers under CDPAP.
Under PCS, caregivers cannot be:
❌ Parents
❌ Children
❌ Son-in-law or daughter-in-law
❌ Most relatives who live with the consumer
Background Checks and Training Requirements
CDPAP caregivers do not need a background check
PCS caregivers must pass a background check before starting work
PCS caregivers must pass state-approved training
If keeping your family as a caregiver is important, staying in CDPAP may be the best option.
How to Stay in CDPAP and Keep Your Caregiver
You Do Not Have to Switch to PCS
PCS is an option, not a requirement. If you are already enrolled in CDPAP and want to choose your caregiver and manage your care, you can stay in CDPAP.
Steps to Stay in CDPAP
If you want to stay in CDPAP, here’s what you should do:
Learn about the transition process on the PPL website
Complete the requirements on your own using PPL@Home
Work with a facilitator that supports CDPAP under the new FI: (585) 326-2880
What to Expect With the New FI
If you switch to PPL CDPAP will still work the same way. You will still:
Choose your own caregiver
Train them based on your needs
Have control over your care
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Freedom of Choice with CDPAP
CDPAP is not ending, but the way caregivers get paid is changing. If you prefer choosing your caregiver, training them yourself, and managing your schedule, you can stay in CDPAP.
If you want an agency to handle your care and caregiver, PCS may be an option.
📢 Want to Stay in CDPAP? Contact BURD Home Health Today: (585) 326-2880!