CDPAP is a statewide program that allows individuals who qualify for home care services through Medicaid to hire the caregiver of their choice. Recipients must be “self directing” or capable of making decisions about their ADLs (activities of daily living) and understand their choices and outcomes. If a recipient is unable to make these choices, they can designate a “self directing other” to make their home care choices. Medicaid recipients regain control of their own home care needs by “self-directing” their care allowing them to recruit, hire, train or replace their own caregiver. The caregiver may be a child, neighbor, friend or other family member.

Anyone can be chosen by the recipient or their family to be the caregiver, with the exception of the recipient’s spouse. The caregiver must be at least 18 years old and does not require additional home care or personal care experience.

The caregiver is required to have a current full medical exam, employment authorization to work in the US, two forms of ID such as a passport, social security card, green card, or a NYS ID. The caregiver must also present two references.

A caregiver can assist the client in many ways, from personal care such as bathing, dressing, and toileting to household tasks such as housekeeping, meal preparation and laundry. The caregiver can offer skilled care such as medication and oxygen administration, tracheotomy care or the injection of medications.

Medicaid pays for this service. Care Connection Home Care LLC simply acts as the “Fiscal Intermediary”. This means Care Connection will bill the MLTC (Managed Long Term Care Plan) for the services provided, process and pay the caregiver the customary hourly rate.

To find out if you qualify, you must contact your county Department of Health or Department of Social Services and complete the application process.

The recipient must choose an MLTC. Then, their caregiver(s) will submit an application to one of their contracted LHCSAs (licensed home care agency) and provide the additional material required. Care Connection Home Care is a contracted CPDAP provider with several MLTCs in Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Counties.