Do you or a loved one struggle to complete daily tasks or suffer from chronic medical conditions? If you live in New York and qualify for Medicaid, CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program) could provide the assistance you’ve been looking for. This article details what CDPAP is, the requirements for the program, and how we can assist you in applying for CDPAP.

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 caregivers. The CDPAP program focuses on individuals living with chronic medical conditions or physical disabilities who have trouble with daily living activities or require skilled nursing assistance.

Am I eligible for CDPAP in NY?

The Department of Health in New York works hard to ensure those in need of personal care services are able to receive aid. The current eligibility requirements for CDPAP include:

• Medicaid Eligibility: Individuals who are 18 years of age or older who are enrolled or qualify for Medicaid.
• Need for Assistance: Applicants should require personal assistance of home care services due to a medical condition or disability.
• Assessment: Complete an assessment with a healthcare professional to determine the level of care needed.
• Ability to Direct Care: The individual receiving care (the consumer) can hire, train, and manage their own personal assistant.
• Doctor’s Certification: A licensed healthcare provider must certify that you require home care services.
• Ability to Self-Direct: The consumer should have the cognitive and physical ability to direct their own care or designate a trusted representative to help with directing care.
• Resident of New York: CDPAP is a program in New York State, so consumers typically need to be a resident of New York.

Who is eligible to be a CDPAP Caregiver?

This section will detail the criteria for being a CDPAP caregiver, including restrictions, physical requirements, identification, and necessary paperwork:

• The spouse of the care recipient may not be the caregiver.
• The care recipient may not have their caregiver also be their designated representative. This allows for a clear separation of roles and responsibilities when providing care.
• The CDPAP caregiver must pass a physical exam to prove they can provide the necessary care and support.
• If the caregiver needs to drive the care recipient as part of their duties, the CDPAP caregiver must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.
• The CDPAP caregiver must agree to follow the care plan as provided, completing the tasks and responsibilities required to meet the care recipient’s needs.
• Complete a W-4 form for tax withholding and an I-9 form to verify work eligibility.
• There is no specific licensing requirements to be a CDPAP caregiver. However, the caregiver must meet the criteria listed above.

How Eagle Eye Home Care Can Help

We are here to help you get the care you deserve and it’s as simple as 1-2-3. Fill out our short online form and we’ll assist you in navigating the endless paperwork and communicating with all agencies involved. Next, we’ll confirm whether or not you are eligible for CDPAP and the number of hours per week you are entitled to. Finally, you select your personal home caregiver and create a training plan and schedule that meets your needs and lifestyle.

Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in New York?

Eligibility for Medicaid is primarily based on income and family size. Each state sets its own income limits and may have different criteria for eligibility, so the specific rules can vary from one state to another. In some cases, eligibility may also be based on factors like disability, age, and pregnancy. Children and families may be eligible for Child Health Plus or Family Health Plus if they are not eligible for Medicaid.

In New York, the general guidelines for Medicaid eligibility are: You must be a resident of the state of New York, a U.S. national, permanent resident, or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation can be characterized as low income or very low income. You must also be one of the following:

• Be pregnant, or
• Be responsible for a child 18 years of age or younger, or
• Blind, or
• Have a disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or
• Be 65 years of age or older.

Additionally, you must have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:

*For households with more than eight people, add $6,836 per additional person. Always check with the appropriate managing agency to ensure the most accurate guidelines.

Apply for New York Medicaid

If you meet the criteria above, you are eligible and can move forward with your Medicaid application. It’s common for Medicaid applications to get rejected due to incomplete data. Before submitting your application or visiting an office to get assistance with your application, make sure you have all of the necessary documentation:

• Birth certificate
• Proof of citizenship
• Proof of income (Tax return, paystubs, Social Security, or any other form of income source)
• Copies of bank statements for proof of assets/finances.
• Proof of residences
• Proof of other insurance (if applicable)

You can apply for NY Medicaid in the following ways:

• Through NY State of Health
• Through a Managed Care Organization (MCO)
• Call the Medicaid Helpline at (800) 541-2831
• Through your Local Department of Social Services Office