New York State Department of Health Announces CDPAP Transition Delivering on Core Promises While Protecting Taxpayer Dollars As Home Care Workforce Remains Strong

ALBANY, N.Y. (August 20, 2025) -The New York State Department of Health today highlighted new federal and state labor data showing that New York's home care workforce remains strong following the State's transition to a single fiscal intermediary for the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). These data demonstrate that the transition is ensuring the workforce meets demand, protecting care for those who need it and safeguarding taxpayer dollars — while also addressing the urgent need to control costs that had been growing at unsustainable rates.

"The transition is working as intended," State Health Commissioner Dr. JamesMcDonald said. "People are keeping their care, the workforce remains strong and responsive, and we are protecting taxpayer dollars and reducing waste. This reform was essential to preserving CDPAP for New Yorkers who rely on it most."

In the six years prior to reform, CDPAP costs increased by more than 260 percent, driven in part by a fragmented system of 600 fiscal intermediaries — more than all other states combined — that resulted in excessive administrative fees and inconsistent oversight. In 2024, the Legislature and Governor took bold action to secure the program's future by moving to a single statewide fiscal intermediary model, reducing administrative costs from as high as $1,000 per consumer per month to approximately $68 — below the national average — without reducing care for those currently eligible or compromising care.

Protecting Care: People who qualify for CDPAP and meet the program's requirements continue to receive the care they need. The Department has maintained robust consumer support throughout the transition, including a dedicated call center, public information sessions and direct outreach to participants.

Supporting a Strong Workforce: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of June 2025, New York City employment in the home health care services and individual and family services sectors totaled 580,000 jobs — up 3 percent from March 2025, just before the transition took effect, and nearly 10 percent higher than a year earlier. State Department of Labor data show similar statewide stability. Between April and June 2025, jobs in home health care services increased from 335,300 to 340,100 — a gain of 4,800 jobs. Additionally, over the same time period, jobs in individual and family services rose from 429,400 to 438,200 — a gain of 8,800 jobs.

The Department remains committed to ensuring a stable, high quality and consumer focused CDPAP program that is responsive to the needs of participants and sustainable for the long term.