Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a Medicaid-funded program that provides services to chronically ill or physically disabled individuals. This program ensures that those who need help with daily-living get the support they need. Here’s what to know before enrolling in this program.
CDPAP is a New York State Program
CDPAP is becoming an increasingly popular Medicaid program and is changing the lives of individuals who need dedicated care—ensuring these individuals get the medical attention that they need in order to live on their own.
These services can include any of the services normally provided by a personal care aide or nurse. What makes this program unique within the state is that recipients of CDPAP have the freedom to choose their caregiver.
However, it is important to remember that CDPAP is a New York state program only. While some states have similar programs, CDPAP is only eligible for those who are based in the state of New York and are eligible for Medicaid.
You Need to Get Approved
Before enrolling in the CDPAP program, interested individuals need to get approval by the state first. First, individuals need a doctor’s note and assessment. Then, a nurse assessor determines if the applicant is approved. From there, that nurse assessor will make a recommendation for the service quantity, duration and frequency of visits.
These recommendations will be used to set up an initial care plan for the party that needs assistance. This plan can be changed with proper approval later on if the individual’s needs change or if their doctor feels as though the program is not effective in providing the patient with the care that they need.
There is a Lot of Paperwork
Like many state-run programs, there is a lot of paperwork involved in applying for the CDPAP program. The state of New York does this to protect the integrity of the program and to make sure that it is only reserved for individuals who truly need the program and who qualify.
This is because recipients must be able to make informed decisions regarding the management of their services, or have a legal guardian, friend or relative who can help them make informed choices.
The process involved with getting into a CDPAP program will not happen overnight, so individuals interested in this program for a loved one or family member, should remember that the process involves a lot of paperwork and some waiting.
It’s Best to Have a Designated Representative Ready
It is best to have a designated representative available who is willing to make informed decisions regarding the management of the services their loved one receives. Individuals who qualify for this program will typically need a representative to help them through the process, answer questions and communicate with the state program to make sure that those who need assistance are getting the care that they need.
A designated representative, or DR, must be a legal guardian, designated relative or an adult who is over 21 years of age. This individual must be able and willing to help make informed choices on behalf of the individual.
This individual is also responsible for finding, hiring, training, supervising and even terminating caregivers on behalf of the CDPAP recipient. They are also responsible for arranging and coordinating services and keeping payroll records.
This also allows individuals to hire their own family members to be their caregivers, and these individuals who care for their qualifying family member in need will be able to get paid through the state for their services. Caregivers must be legally allowed to work in the United States, but they do not need a special license or certification to provide care under this act.
However, this program does not apply to spouses or to parents of children who are under the age of 21.
You Can Do It All Yourself, But You Don’t Have To
The CDPAP program is a truly unique service that is helping those on Medicaid to get the care and support they need to live safely at home. The program is specifically designed to help individuals who need care and may not be able to afford it and to help supplement individuals who have to care for a loved one full-time or in a manner that prevents them from maintaining regular employment.
While there are a few hoops to jump through in order to enroll in this program, utilizing CDPAP is a way to make sure that individuals who need care and their families are able to get a little extra support.
You don’t have to do it all yourself or rely on a family member to do it all for you for free, instead, you can contact CDPAP.com for more information on these services and to get help.