History Of CDPAP

If you are struggling with a condition that affects the ins and outs of your daily activities, you may be eligible for New York’s CDPAP program. Read on to learn the history of CDPAP and discover how it allows patients dignity and control over their lives by choosing their CDPAP caregivers.

What Does CDPAP Stand For?

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, or CDPAP, is a Medicaid program that allows consumers to hire and train their own personal care attendants. Consumers can select, schedule, and supervise their caregivers through the program. CDPAP also provides financial assistance to help consumers with the cost of hiring and training their caregivers.

Now that we know a little about CDPAP let’s find out if you’re eligible.

Eligibility

There are three ways you can be eligible for the CDPAP program: 

  1. First and foremost, you must be eligible for Medicaid and have a medical condition requiring personal care services. 
  2. You must be able to direct your own care, which means you can make decisions about your care and communicate those decisions to your caregivers or have a representative who can handle your care.  
  3. Finally, you will need a willing caregiver to provide the personal care services you need, who can be a member of your family, friend, or professional (like a home health aide).

If you’re interested in the CDPAP program but aren’t sure if you qualify, the best thing to do is check with your state’s Medicaid office. The contact info for your State’s Medicaid office is on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services website.

Once you determine your eligibility for CDPAP, you will likely be concerned about the cost. You don’t need to worry becauseā€¦

CDPAP Will Not Cost You Anything

CDPAP was designed to help those who need help the most, which means there is no cost to utilizing the CDPAP program because Medicaid funds it. You may wonder how this program can be free if it is beneficial. The answer is simple: the government pays for your care through CDPAP.

Are you curious about who can be your caregiver if you use the CDPAP program? Read on to find out.

Who Can Be My Caregiver Under CDPAP

You may be concerned about your input on who provides your home care when you access the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). The good news is that you are in control! The CDPAP allows patients to choose their caregivers as long as they meet specific qualifications, which we’ll discuss later in the article.

You can find potential caregivers through word-of-mouth, online directories, or agencies that provide in-home care services. Once you’ve found someone you’re interested in working with, simply contact the agency or individual and request an interview. 

Take a look at some frequently asked questions to help determine who you may hire as your caregiver.

Who Can My CDPAP Caregiver Be: FAQs

1. Can I hire one of my children to be my caregiver?

Yes, under CDPAP regulations, you can hire a child to be your caregiver.

2. What about my spouse? Can they become a paid caregiver with CDPAP?

Unfortunately, you’re not allowed to use your spouse as a caregiver.

3. Can I become a caregiver and get paid to look after my eligible child?

Well, that depends. If your child is older than 21 and you are no longer legally responsible for them, you can be hired to care for them if that is their wish. However, if your child is younger than 21, you may not act as their CDPAP caregiver.

4. What about my brother or sister? Can they become my caregiver if I so choose?

If you prefer, brothers or sisters are eligible to become CDPAP caregivers; just make sure you have a good relationship with them before you do so!

5. I immigrated here. Can I become a paid CDPAP assistant?

Absolutely, but make sure you are a legal American citizen or have a work permit and can prove it.

Now that you understand more about the care you need, you’re probably wondering about the difference between CDPAP and Home Health Aides.

CDPAP vs Home Health Aides

There is a big difference between CDPAP caregivers and home health aides. 

First, CDPAP caregivers are trained to work with patients with disabilities. They know how to help these patients with their activities of daily living, and they also know how to communicate effectively with them. 

On the other hand, home health aides are not specifically trained to work with disabled patients. They may be able to help with some basic tasks, but they will not be able to equal the level of care that a CDPAP caregiver can.

Second, CDPAP caregivers are employed by an agency that contracts with Medicaid. This means that the caregiver is an employee of the agency, not of the patient. The patient does not have to worry about paying the caregiver directly; instead, the agency will bill Medicaid for the services provided. 

On the other hand, home health aides are usually self-employed and paid directly by the patient (or the patient’s family). 

These are just some of the differences between aides and CDPAP caregivers. Read below to find answers to any questions you might have concerning the CDPAP program.

FAQs

1. Do I have to have any education in healthcare if I want to become a CDPAP care provider?

As long as you are willing to learn, you don’t require any other certification or healthcare background to be hired as a CDPAP provider. Your patient or their representative will provide your training.

2. What other requirements must I meet to qualify as a CDPAP assistant?

To become a caregiver, you must:

  • Have a valid driver’s license 
  • Show a clean criminal record 
  • Submit to, and pass a complete physical exam from a doctor, including a drug test
  • Be at least 18 years of age 
  • Provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations, including Tuberculosis and Rubella
  • Be a caring, responsible person

3. What kind of things will I be expected to do as a caregiver?

The list of healthcare procedures CDPAP assistants can provide is long, including: 

  • Washing and dressing patients 
  • Assisting with toileting and bathroom needs 
  • Preparing meals and helping patients eat 
  • Providing transportation to medical appointments and errands 
  • Administering medications and giving injections
  • Providing oxygen
  • Carrying out light housekeeping tasks like laundry and vacuuming

Now that you understand some of what your caregiver will be doing for you or, what you may be required to do as a caregiver, how do you sign up? We’re glad you asked.

How to Begin the Application Process

If you’re interested in hiring a caregiver or want to become a caregiver for someone else, the first step is to call 877-781-2693. Don’t worry if it seems confusing; once you reach out, our dedicated staff will walk through the entire process with you from start to finish.

You are in good hands, from the initial assessment to filling out all the necessary paperwork and finally picking your caregiver; they’ve got your back.

Before you know it, you’ll be ready to improve your quality of life and maybe someone else’s. Why wait? Call today.

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