Initiated in 1995 to allow seniors and disabled people to choose their own caregivers, the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program is designed to help patients feel comfortable and get better care. It is a part of New York's Medicaid initiative to allow freedom to hire and train one's own caregivers.

This means that patients can choose family members, friends and relatives as their caregivers, which allows them to feel comfortable while getting the necessary care they need.

Here's an overview of what exactly the CDPAP program is and how you can qualify as a patient/caregiver. 

Eligibility Criteria For CDPAP

As the name suggests, The CDPAP program is consumer-directed. Regardless, before you apply for the program as a patient, you need to make sure that the person applying as a caregiver can qualify for the program.

To apply as a caregiver, one must meet the following requisites-

• You must prove that the patient wants to hire you as a caregiver.

• You are an American citizen or have a legal working status in the States.

• You can provide the personal assistant application package provided by the fiscal intermediary.

• You are physically capable of providing care to a patient and can pass the medical examination.

One of the noteworthy benefits of the CDPAP program is that you don't need formal medical training to qualify as a caregiver. You don't have to take any standardized tests such as the Wonderlic nursing test; all you need to prove is that you are physically eligible to care for a person.

Following are the requirements you must meet to establish your eligibility as a CDPAP patient-

• You have Medicaid and live in New York.

• You require daily assistance to carry out activities like bathing, eating and dressing. To prove this, you must qualify the ADL or IADL test.

• You must prove that you are self-directing your caregiver.

Applying For CDPAP Program

Applying for CDPAP is easier than it seems. All you need to do is get in touch with a fiscal intermediary who will guide you through the application process.

Here's the breakdown of the steps involved in applying for the CDPAP program-

Assessment

To get started with the process, you must take the medical examination to prove that you require special assistance. During the medical examination, the medical professional will evaluate the quantity and frequency of care you need. As stated above, you might be required to appear for the ADL or IALD test.

Filling the consumer forms 

You will be required to fill out two types of forms. One, the DOH form, which would include the physician statement that you require special assistance.

Second, the PCP transfer form that would transfer you from one health plan to another. However, in some cases, you might not be required to submit this form.

Choosing The Caregiver

After filling out the necessary forms, you must officially hire your caregiver. However, you must keep in mind that the chosen caregiver would be required to submit the necessary documents and information before getting selected.

Who Can Be Hired As A Caregiver

Generally, if you are a relative or friend of someone who needs care, you are likely to qualify for the CDPAP program. However, there are certain restrictions while qualifying as a caregiver. Here is the list of individuals who can qualify for CDPAP.

• Children

• Siblings

• Friends

• Acquaintance

• Parents of disabled who are at least 21.

Summing Up

In addition to the individuals listed above, the spouse of the patient can also apply as a caregiver. Moreover, all caregivers must be American citizens or have legal immigration status and can prove the same.