Simply put, yes, it is possible for you to get paid to care for to care your adult child with autism in New York. Home care services for adults with autism (and for anyone living with developmental disabilities or special needs) can be difficult to find and can be costly. For those living in New York State and qualify for Medicaid, it is possible for you to be paid as your autistic child’s full-time caregiver through the CDPAP program.

What is CDPAP?

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a New York State Medicaid program that allows consumers to recruit, hire, and direct their own home care workers. One of the highlights of the program is that it allows consumers to hire family members and friends to be their home health aide. A fiscal intermediary handles payroll, benefits administration, and compliance with local laws and regulations. The CDPAP program focuses on individuals living with chronic medical conditions, disabilities, or physical limitations and have trouble with daily living activities or require skilled nursing assistance.

What Are the Requirements?

Beneficiaries of CDPAP must be residents of New York State, qualify for New York State Medicaid, and currently be receiving (or be qualified to receive) long-term home care services, as determined by the Department of Social Services.

To be eligible for the Medicaid program in New York State, you must either meet certain low-income requirements or fall under certain eligible populations with resources below certain levels. Eligible populations include children, pregnant people, single individuals, families, and individuals certified as blind or disabled.

To qualify for CDPAP, you must also meet the following criteria:

• Any person 18 years of age and older can receive services following a community health assessment and a clinical appointment completed by the New York Independent Assessor (NYIA) to determine if the consumer can participate in CDPAP.
• Consumers under 18 years of age can receive services if their doctor submits a completed Physician’s Order for Services to the local social services district, which then completes the community health assessment to determine the consumers eligibility to participate in CDPAP.

What Are the Benefits of CDPAP?

The CDPAP program allows your child to receive personal assistance tailored to your needs, to hire whomever you choose as your caregiver, and to receive as many caregivers as authorized by your service provider. 

You’ll have a fiscal intermediary to handle paperwork and payroll needs, but will still be able to oversee the caregiver’s time sheets and number of hours and make decisions about the nature of your child’s care.

If you would like to be hired as your autistic child’s official paid caregiver through CDPAP, there are steps you can take to do so. Read more about how to become a paid caregiver for a family member in New York.

Caregiver Duties and Responsibilities vary but can include:

• Providing personal care to the CDPAP consumer
• Planning and providing meal prep
• Medication management
• Light housekeeping work around the consumers home
• Transportation
• Maintain client safety
• Provide company and companionship
• Provide home health aide services, such as administering injections
• Provide skilled nursing tasks under the instruction, supervision and direction of a consumer or their designated representative
• Other health care duties as needed

Find a Fiscal Intermediary That’s Right for You

Once you’re enrolled in CDPAP, it’s a good idea to work with a fiscal intermediary to handle payroll and benefits administration and to ensure that you’re compliant with local laws and regulations. 

You can work with a fiscal intermediary through an agency that offers CDPAP-related services. When choosing who to hire, look for an established provider with experience, who does business in your language and operates from a location that’s accessible to you, such as Eagle Eye Home Care.

Summary

If you live in New York State and qualify for Medicaid, it is possible for you to be paid as your autistic child’s full-time caregiver through the CDPAP program. Once your child is enrolled in CDPAP, you may be able to serve as their paid caregiver, provided you meet the program’s requirements and are willing to perform the necessary caregiving tasks. The specific process for enrolling your child in CDPAP and becoming their paid caregiver can vary, so it’s recommended to contact the New York State Department of Health or a local Medicaid office for more information and guidance on eligibility and the application process. They can provide you with the most up-to-date information and assist you with the enrollment process.