CDPAP Frequently Asked Questions
How does CDPAP work?
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program allows a Medicaid eligible homecare recipient to choose their own caregivers, schedule (within defined limits), supervise, train and replace the caregivers according to their own needs.
Can Medicaid recipients get CDPAP?
Yes, CDPAP is a program provided to Medicaid consumers. If you do not have Medicaid, but may be eligible, Caring Assistants can help you through the application process.
Can Medicare recipients get CDPAP?
No, CDPAP is only available to Medicaid consumers. If you have Medicare, you may be eligible for Medicaid. Caring Assistants can help you through the application process.
Do I have to be enrolled with a Medicaid Managed Care plan (Medicaid insurance) to receive CDPAP?
Only if s/he is over 21 years of age and qualifies for the program. If you are unsure if you qualify, please Contact us
How do I qualify for CDPAP?
You qualify if: Have Medicaid, require Home care, are self-directing or have a designated representative that is willing and able to direct your care.
If the consumer cannot direct their own care, can they still qualify for CDPAP?
Yes, if there is an approved Designated Representative who is ready, willing and able to accept all the responsibilities instead of the consumer.
Caregivers
Who can be a caregiver?
Anyone who the consumer chooses except for their spouse, legal guardian, designated representative or if they were excluded from providing Medicaid services.
Can a spouse take care of their husband or wife?
No, taking care of a spouse is prohibited under the CDPAP program.
Can a parent care of their son or daughter?
Yes, but only if the child is over 21 years of age.
If I am the consumer’s power of attorney (POA) or health care proxy can I be their personal assistant?
Sometimes. Please contact Caring Assistants to see if you can qualify.
Can the personal assistant live with the consumer?
Yes, this arrangement is allowed.
Is special training or certifications needed to be a personal assistant?
No specific training or certificate is required. The consumer hires qualified personal assistants and and train them to complete the tasks on their plan of care to their own standards and liking.
What are the requirements to become a Personal Assistant?
You will need a medical exam, with a TB test and labs for Rubella & Rubeola to verify your immunity. You will also need your original state ID, original Social Security Card and Direct Deposit information.
How many personal assistants do I need to hire? Enough personal assistants to provide all the care you qualify for. We always encourage consumers to hire backup personal assistants in case the primary ones become temporarily unavailable.
Payments/Benefits
How often is my personal assistant paid? Every Week.
How do personal assistants get paid from CDPAP? Personal Assistants can be paid using direct deposit to a bank account or a paycard provided by Caring Assistants.
How much do employees get paid? Personal assistants can earn up to $18/hour depending on the location and the consumer’s insurance provider.
Are there any employee benefits for personal assistants? Caring Assistants offers several benefits to personal assistants:
- Paid Time Off- up to seventy hours per year. Hours are calculated based on the number of hours worked,
- Up to twenty four hours of paid time off for those who qualify for the Domestic Worker’s Bill of rights,
- Life insurance to qualified PAs
Hours and Scheduling
How many hours of CDPAP do I qualify for? The nurse from your insurance plan (MCO/MLTC) determines how many hours you can be authorized for per week based on your needs.
Can I as the consumer decide my own schedule? Yes, as long as it is consistent with the authorization that your insurance provides.
Is there a maximum number of hours given for CDPAP? The consumer’s insurance will authorize the number of work hours available.
Caring Assistants Service Area
What areas do you service?
New York City area: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau and Westchester Counties.
Upstate New York: Albany, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Warren, Washington.
What is CDPAP? Find out more about CDPAP from our CDPAP Articles and CDPAP Guides
- Apply for CDPAP here
- Read Stress Less with CDPAP Home Care
- Read Seven Tips to Improve Communication with Your Parent’s Caregivers
- Learn more – A QUICK GUIDE to joining the CDPAP Program in New York
- What are the The Realities of CDPAP?
- So, You Want to be a Paid Caregiver in the CDPAP Program?
- How does CDPAP help my family?
- Would you like to find out Will I Qualify for CDPAP?
