Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program

Providing Fiscal Intermediary Services for CDPA Consumers in New York State

Since December 2001, CDChoices has been an enrolled provider within the New York State Medicaid- funded program called Consumer Directed Personal Assistance (CDPA). CDPA serves Medicaid recipients who choose to participate in this model, either as a self-directing consumer capable of managing their own care or having chosen a designated representative to act on their behalf. These recipients have a medical need for home care services, including skilled nursing tasks.

The CDPA program empowers consumers to enjoy a greater level of autonomy and independence in deciding their own course of care. Once completing the required eligibility assessments, the consumer has an increased level of flexibility to determine what kind of personal care they wish to receive as well as the frequency of appointments.

Consumer as Employer

With CDPA, eligible consumers directly employ and supervise personal assistants to help them with medical and personal care. Instead of being dependent upon decisions made by strangers, consumers using CDPA have complete control over recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and terminating their personal assistants, allowing for a level of freedom and independence unheard of under traditional home care models.

What is a Fiscal Intermediary?

CDChoices facilitates the process by acting as a fiscal intermediary(FI). In this role, we provide payroll and program administration services for consumers who employ personal assistants. There is no employer/employee relationship between the personal assistant and CDChoices.

On behalf of the employing consumer, and by contract with the county Local Department of Social Services (LDSS) and/or Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MMCO, CDChoices is responsible for:

– Processing Payroll for Each Personal Assistant

We ensure that your personal assistants continue to receive regularly scheduled pay for their services. This allows you to focus more time on your long-term care and ensures that your care provider receives their compensation on time. In fact, CDChoices is one of the only fiscal intermediaries that process payroll on a weekly basis!

– Monitoring Assessment and Employment

Acting as an employer, the consumer is responsible for hiring, onboarding, and training their chosen personal assistant. Our team will help guide you through the employment process to ensure compliance with New York State program eligibility requirements. The New York State Department of Health also requires that all personal assistants complete a health assessment upon hire and annually thereafter. CDChoices will assist you in keeping track of these due dates and notify you when your personal assistant is clear to work.

– Benefits Administration

Compensation for personal care assistants can extend beyond a paycheck for their services. Many are also eligible for other benefits, such as medical and dental insurance, unemployment, worker’s compensation, and paid time off. Our team will assist you and your personal assistant with the necessary and often complex paperwork required to obtain the benefits they are entitled to.

– Monitoring Consumer Agreement

The CDChoices team will assist CDPA consumers and employers in the completion of the consumer agreement to ensure compliance with the New York State program eligibility requirements. This agreement outlines the responsibilities that the consumer or designated representative accepts as the employer.

– Corporate Compliance Assistance

As employers, CDPA consumers are required to adhere to relevant corporate compliance regulations. We offer assistance with maintaining corporate compliance and provide informational support for training, supervision, advocacy, and personnel management.

Get Fiscal Intermediary Assistance Today

CDChoices assists CDPA consumers with managing the program’s financial obligations and program compliance within New York State’s regulations. By providing you with a complete fiscal solution, you are able to spend less time on the administrative responsibilities of your care and instead focus more on enjoying your empowered independence.

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Frequently Asked Questions About CDPAP

A consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) is a type of home and community-based care program that allows individuals to choose their own caregivers and manage their own care. Through a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP), individuals can receive a range of services, such as personal care, companionship, and homemaking, in their own homes or in a community setting.

In a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP), individuals have control over the selection, training, and supervision of their own caregiver, as well as the development and implementation of their care plan. The individual may choose a caregiver from their own family, friends, or others or work with a provider to identify and hire a caregiver. The individual is responsible for managing the finances and paperwork associated with the program, including paying the caregiver and tracking expenses.

Eligibility for a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) may vary by state and program. Individuals who are eligible for home and community-based care programs and who can make their own care decisions may be eligible for a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP).

Enrollment in a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) typically involves completing an application and participating in an assessment to determine eligibility and care needs. The application process may vary by state and program and may include completing paperwork, and providing proof of identity and income.

Yes, one of the main features of a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) is the ability to choose your own caregiver. You may select a caregiver on your own network of family, friends, or others, or you may work with a provider to identify and hire a caregiver. It is important to carefully consider your caregiver selection, as you will be responsible for managing their training, supervision, and performance.

The payment for a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) may vary depending on the specific program and your individual circumstances. Consumer-directed personal assistance (CDPA) through CDChoices is funded through Medicaid.

The types of services covered under a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) may vary by state and program. In general, consumer-directed personal assistance programs (CDPAPs) may cover a range of services, including personal care, such as bathing and dressing; companionship and socialization; homemaking, such as light housekeeping and meal preparation; and transportation. Some programs may also cover specialized services, such as nursing care, physical therapy, or occupational therapy, depending on the needs of the individual.

As a participant in a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP), you will be responsible for managing the finances and paperwork associated with the program. This may include tracking expenses and completing required reports or documentation. You may work with a fiscal intermediary, like CDChoices, to assist with these tasks. It is important to carefully manage the finances and paperwork associated with the program to ensure that you receive the appropriate level of care and that all necessary documentation is completed accurately.

Yes, a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) can be useful for aging in place or remaining in your home as you age. Through a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP), you can receive the support you need to maintain your independence and continue living in your own home rather than moving to a care facility.

As a participant in a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP), it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of your caregiver. This may involve properly training your caregiver on how to perform their duties safely, conducting background checks, and having policies and procedures to address any concerns or issues that may arise. You should also ensure that your home is safe and accessible for your caregiver and that any necessary safety equipment, such as grab bars or wheelchair ramps, is in place.

Yes, a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) can be used to receive care in your home. In-home care can be a convenient and cost-effective option, allowing you to receive the support you need while remaining in the familiar surroundings of your own home.

No, to use consumer-directed personal assistance (CDPA) services, you cannot be in a nursing home or assisted living facility funded by a state or community based program, such as Medicaid.

To find a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) in your area, you can start by contacting your state’s Department of Health or Aging or by searching online for programs in your state. You can also speak with your healthcare provider or case manager for recommendations or referrals.

Consumer-directed personal assistance programs (CDPAPs) are available in many states but may not be available in all areas. Availability may vary by state and may depend on funding and other factors.

Depending on the specific program and your eligibility for home and community-based care services, it may be possible to use a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) if you have Medicaid and Medicare, but you must have Medicaid. You can speak with a healthcare provider or case manager or contact your state’s Department of Health or Aging for more information.

To compare different consumer-directed personal assistance programs (CDPAPs) and determine the best option for you, it can be helpful to consider factors such as the types of services offered, the qualifications and experience of the caregivers, and the level of control and flexibility you have over your care. You can also ask for references or speak with other individuals who have used the program to get a sense of their experience.

Yes, a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) can be helpful for individuals with a disability or chronic health condition. Through a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP), you can receive the support you need to manage your condition and maintain your independence.

Yes, a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) can be a useful option for caregivers who are looking for additional support for the person they are caring for. Through a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP), you can choose a caregiver to assist with the care of your loved one, allowing you to take breaks as needed and care for your own needs.

As a participant in a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP), you are responsible for training your caregiver. This may involve providing them with information about the person they care for, including their medical history, medications, and care preferences. It may also involve providing hands-on training and demonstrating how to perform specific tasks, such as bathing or administering medication. You can also work with a healthcare provider or other resource to provide additional training as needed.

Yes, it is possible to use a consumer-directed personal assistance program (CDPAP) to receive care from multiple caregivers. This may be useful if you have complex care needs or prefer having more than one caregiver to provide support and coverage. You can choose multiple caregivers through the program and manage their training and supervision as needed.