The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is undergoing significant changes, leaving many consumers and caregivers uncertain about what lies ahead. With the transition to a single, state-wide Fiscal Intermediary (FI) chosen by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), there are growing concerns about potential delays, disruptions in services, and financial hardships for caregivers who rely on the program for their income.
As the deadline for the transition quickly approaches, CDPAP consumers are urged to understand these changes, their potential impact, and what steps they can take to avoid service interruptions.
What Are the Proposed Changes to CDPAP?
On April 20, 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul approved a state budget proposal that introduces a major structural shift in the CDPAP program. The most notable change is the consolidation of Fiscal Intermediary (FI) services under a single, state-appointed FI.
Previously, multiple FIs operated across New York, assisting CDPAP consumers by managing administrative tasks such as payroll processing for caregivers. However, under the new system, only one FI will be responsible for overseeing all CDPAP services statewide.
This change raises significant concerns, as it means that thousands of CDPAP consumers and their caregivers will have to transition from their current FI to the newly appointed provider. The transition process, which must be completed in just a few weeks, has sparked fears of widespread delays and administrative backlogs that could disrupt services.
Why Were These Changes Proposed?
CDPAP has experienced tremendous growth in recent years, making it one of the fastest-expanding home care programs in New York. Over the past five years, the program’s Medicaid costs have surged from $2.5 billion to over $9 billion. In just the past year alone, more than 328 million hours of home care were provided through CDPAP—an astonishing 262% increase.
The rapid growth of the program has raised concerns about sustainability and cost management. The state argues that consolidating FIs under a single provider will improve efficiency, reduce administrative redundancy, and help control the rising costs of the program.
However, many caregivers, consumers, and advocates fear that the transition may create more challenges than solutions. With only one FI handling such a vast number of cases, there is a high risk of delays, mismanagement, and a decrease in the quality of services that CDPAP consumers currently receive.
What Is the Potential Impact for CDPAP Consumers and Caregivers?
With over 200,000 CDPAP consumers set to be transitioned to the new system, the upcoming changes could have significant consequences. Some of the major concerns include:
1. Delays in Services
One of the most immediate concerns is the potential for delays in processing new enrollments and caregiver payroll. The transition of such a large-scale program to a single FI could lead to administrative bottlenecks, leaving consumers without caregivers and caregivers without pay for extended periods.
2. Caregivers Facing Paycheck Interruptions
Since caregivers are paid through their respective Fiscal Intermediaries, the transition to a single FI could cause delays in paycheck processing. Many caregivers, including family members who rely on this income, are concerned about whether they will be paid on time or if they will face extended waiting periods.
3. Lack of Clarity on the Transition Process
With only a few weeks remaining before the changes take effect, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding how the transition will be handled. CDPAP consumers and caregivers have not received clear guidance on how they will be transferred to the new system, what paperwork will be required, or what they need to do to ensure continuity of care.
4. Risk of Being Stranded Without Care
If there are delays in transferring cases from existing FIs to the new state-appointed provider, there is a real risk that some CDPAP consumers may be left without caregivers for an extended period. This could be particularly dangerous for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions who rely on daily assistance for essential tasks.
What Can CDPAP Consumers and Caregivers Do?
With the transition deadline approaching, CDPAP participants should take proactive steps to minimize potential disruptions:
1. Stay Updated on Official Announcements
Since the transition is happening quickly, it is crucial for consumers and caregivers to stay informed about any updates from the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) regarding how the change will be implemented.
2. Communicate With Your Current FI
If you are currently enrolled in CDPAP, reach out to your existing Fiscal Intermediary as soon as possible. Ask them:
- What steps you need to take to prepare for the transition.
- Whether there will be any disruptions in services or caregiver payments.
- If they have any guidance on how to ensure a smooth transition.
3. Seek Alternative Support if Needed
If you are worried about potential service disruptions, consider reaching out to organizations that can assist with ensuring a seamless transition. Harbor Care is one such provider that can help CDPAP consumers navigate the changes and maintain uninterrupted care.
4. Act Quickly to Avoid Delays
Since the transition is happening on a tight deadline, the sooner you take action, the better. Whether it’s gathering necessary paperwork, ensuring your caregiver’s information is up to date, or contacting the relevant agencies, acting early can help prevent unnecessary delays in your care.
Final Thoughts: The Future of CDPAP
The proposed changes to CDPAP mark a major shift in how the program is administered, and while the state argues that the transition will improve efficiency, the move has raised widespread concerns. The sheer scale of transferring more than 200,000 consumers to a single FI in such a short period leaves room for significant challenges, including service delays, paycheck interruptions, and bureaucratic complications.
For CDPAP consumers and caregivers, staying informed, communicating with their current FI, and seeking alternative support options are critical steps to ensuring uninterrupted care.
If you or your loved one rely on CDPAP, now is the time to take action and prepare for the upcoming transition. To get assistance and ensure your services remain intact, contact Harbor Care today at 929-489-0105.
