Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)


About the Program

CDPAP services empower Medicaid-eligible recipients to stay independent and receive care at home from someone they choose and train.

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, or "CDPAP", is a New York State Medicaid program that allows Medicaid members who are eligible for home care services to choose and hire their own personal caregiver, or "personal assistant". This can include a friend or family member, as long as they are not the Medicaid member's spouse, their designated representative or the parent of a CDPAP consumer under the age of 21.

CDPAP provides services to chronically ill or physically disabled individuals who have a medical need for help with daily activities or who require skilled nursing services. The CDPAP services provided by a personal assistant can include any of the services normally provided by a personal care aide (home attendant), home health aide, or nurse.

CDPAP offers recipients the flexibility and freedom in choosing their caregivers.

Eligibility For CDPAP Services

To be eligible for CDPAP services, and individual must:

  • be eligible for NYS Medicaid;
  • have a stable medical condition;
  • have a determined need for home-care services (The completion of a UAS-NY Community Health Assessment is required for individuals 18 years of age and over); and
  • be capable of self-directing or have a designated representative who can make decisions on the individuals behalf.

CDPAP Program Requirements

The CDPAP recipient or their designated representative) is responsible for:

  1. Recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and terminating personal assistants;
  2. Arranging back–up coverage when necessary;
  3. Arranging and coordinating other services;
  4. Keeping personal assistant payroll records; and
  5. Working with the CDPAP Fiscal Intermediary (FI) to process payroll for services received.

Statewide Fiscal Intermediary

The Statewide Fiscal Intermediary assists with administrative services such as:

  • processing the personal assistant's wages and benefits,
  • processing the personal assistant's income tax and other required wage withholdings, and
  • maintaining the required employment records for the personal assistant.

Public Partnership LLC (PPL) is the Statewide Fiscal Intermediary for New York State CDPAP. All CDPAP recipients are required to work with PPL as their Fiscal Intermediary.

Statewide FI Transition Information

Public Partnership LLC (PPL) is the Statewide Fiscal Intermediary for New York State CDPAP. All CDPAP recipients are required to work with PPL as their Fiscal Intermediary.

Consumers may contact PPL or one of their facilitators for assistance.

Understanding the Differences Between CDPAP and Personal Care Services (PCS)

CDPAP and PCS are both Medicaid services that provide home care for individuals who need assistance. The goals of both programs are the same: to assist consumers with maintaining their independence and remaining in their home. However, the types of services that can be provided and who can provide these services are different. Consumers should understand these differences before making a choice between CDPAP and PCS.

More informaiton on the differences between these programs can be found in the documents below:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Please visit the FAQ Section on the PPL Website for answers to your most frequesntly asked questions on the transition.

Additional Resources

NYS Department of Health CDPAP Webpages:

Contact Information

Questions regarding the Consumer Directed Personal Assitance Program may be directed to StatewideFI@health.ny.gov

The Truth About the CDPAP Transition

"There have been rumors, lies, and misrepresentation about the transition, and you deserve to know the truth."

A Public Service Annoucement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.

  • TRUTH: Your CDPAP eligibility and services are NOT changing. New Yorkers currently enrolled in CDPAP will keep their home care services after the transition.
  • TRUTH: You can keep using your trusted caregiver. Your personal assistants will also need to transition to PPL to receive timely payments for providing your care.
  • TRUTH: The transition is continuing. You DO need to take action as soon as possible.

March 11, 2025 - NYS Department of Health Issues Cease and Desist Letter to Certain Fiscal Intermediaries and Licensed Home Care Service Agencies for Misleading CDPAP Consumers and Personal Assistants

March 5, 2025 - 5 Facts About the CDPAP Transition (PDF)

February 4, 2025 - Commissioner James McDonald issues Letter to Consumers: CDPAP Facts. (PDF)