NEW YORK — New York’s Medicaid home care system is undergoing a major overhaul as the state transitions its Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Programme (CDPAP) to a single fiscal intermediary, Public partnerships LLC (PPL). This change, set to be fully implemented by April 1, 2025, aims to simplify administrative processes and improve efficiency. Though, the move has sparked concerns among stakeholders, particularly regarding its potential impact on the 250,000 New Yorkers who rely on the program for their care.
Under the new system, PPL will replace more than 600 fiscal intermediaries, consolidating operations into approximately 30 entities. The goal is to centralize financial management and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. Amanda Lothrop, Medicaid Chief Operating Officer for the New York State Department of Health, explained the rationale behind the shift: “This is really meant to provide a simplification and administrative ease to the program.”
Despite the state’s assurances, the transition has faced notable pushback. Critics argue that the rapid implementation could disrupt care for vulnerable populations. In a letter to the state health commissioner, 34 faith leaders expressed their concerns, stating, “The rushed, opaque nature of transitioning administrative responsibilities to Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) threatens to dismantle a vital lifeline for many New Yorkers and ignores the sustained voices of opposition from minority and vulnerable communities.”
State officials, though, remain committed to ensuring a smooth transition. Lothrop emphasized,”No one needs to lose access to the care that thay have as an inevitable result of this program. You will not lose access to your home care consequently of this transition.” To support participants during this period, PPL has established a dedicated support centre and partnered with 11 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) to assist with the transition process.
CDPAP participants have until March 28, 2025, to complete their transition.They can choose from the following options:
- Option 1: Call PPL’s support center at 1-833-247-5346 or TTY: 1-833-204-9042 for personalized assistance.
- Option 2: Visit PPL’s website at pplfirst.com/cdpap to access the PPL@Home platform.
- Option 3: Work with PPL or an approved CDPAP facilitator,including ILCs,to guide you through the process. A full list of approved facilitators is available on PPL’s website.
The New York State Department of Health is working closely with PPL to ensure a seamless transition. Lothrop highlighted the role of ILCs, stating, “This allows the consumers who are already working with the Independent Living Centers to just continue doing so. The Independent Living Centers will handle most of the paperwork and administrative effort for them behind the scenes.”
As the April 1, 2025, deadline approaches, CDPAP participants are encouraged to take proactive steps to ensure uninterrupted access to their care. While the transition presents challenges, state officials believe the new system will ultimately benefit New Yorkers by streamlining operations and improving service delivery.
How Will the Shift to a Single Statewide Fiscal Intermediary Affect CDPAP participants?
Table of Contents
- 1. How Will the Shift to a Single Statewide Fiscal Intermediary Affect CDPAP participants?
- 2. Navigating New York’s CDPAP Transition: Challenges, Opportunities, and Expert Insights
- 3. The Double-Edged Sword of Streamlining
- 4. Preparing for Change: Advice for Participants and Families
- 5. The role of Technology and Stakeholder Feedback
- 6. A Call to Prioritize Participants
- 7. How will the transition to a single statewide fiscal intermediary impact the personal relationships and trust that participants have built with their current intermediaries?
Interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Policy Analyst and Disability Rights advocate
Conducted by Archyde News Editor
Archyde: Thank you for speaking with us today, Dr. Carter. As an expert in disability rights and policy,you’ve been closely monitoring the changes to New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Could you explain what this program entails and why it’s so crucial for individuals with disabilities?
Dr. Carter: Certainly. CDPAP is a transformative Medicaid initiative that empowers individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions to hire and oversee their own personal care aides. this includes the option to employ family members or trusted individuals, which is a significant advantage for many. It offers participants greater control, versatility, and the comfort of receiving care from someone they trust. For countless individuals, this program isn’t just about assistance—it’s about preserving dignity and independence.
Archyde: The state is currently transitioning CDPAP to a single statewide fiscal intermediary, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL).What are the main objectives of this change, and how does it differ from the existing framework?
Dr. Carter: The primary aim is to simplify administrative procedures and enhance efficiency. Currently, more than 600 fiscal intermediaries handle payroll, benefits, and other administrative duties for CDPAP participants. By centralizing these services under PPL, the state aims to eliminate redundancies and establish a more standardized system. However, this move has sparked significant concerns among stakeholders, particularly regarding accessibility, the quality of care, and the potential loss of personalized services that smaller intermediaries currently provide.
Archyde: What specific concerns have stakeholders raised about this transition?
Dr. Carter: A major worry is the potential disruption to care. Many participants depend on smaller, community-based intermediaries that are familiar with their unique needs. Moving to a single, statewide entity could result in payment delays, confusion about new procedures, and a lack of tailored support. Ther’s also apprehension about weather PPL can effectively manage the needs of over 250,000 participants. Families are particularly concerned about whether they’ll still be able to hire relatives as caregivers, a cornerstone of the program.
Archyde: The transition is scheduled to be fully implemented by April 1, 2025. what measures can the state and PPL take to ensure a smooth transition and address these concerns?
Dr. Carter: clear dialogue is essential. The state and PPL must provide consistent, detailed information to participants, caregivers, and intermediaries about what to expect during this transition. They should also establish comprehensive support systems, such as dedicated helplines and training sessions, to assist everyone involved.Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain the program’s core principles, such as the ability to hire family members, to ensure that participants continue to receive the personalized care they rely on.
New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is undergoing a significant transition, sparking both optimism and concern among stakeholders. As the state shifts its administrative framework,questions arise about how this change will impact participants,caregivers,and the broader Medicaid home care landscape. Dr. Carter, a leading expert in healthcare policy, recently shared his insights on the potential benefits and risks of this transition, offering a balanced outlook on what lies ahead.
The Double-Edged Sword of Streamlining
When asked about the potential outcomes of the transition, Dr. Carter described it as a “double-edged sword.” On one hand, streamlining administrative processes could reduce inefficiencies and lower costs, potentially allowing the program to serve more individuals in need. “This could be a positive step forward,” he noted, “but only if executed with precision and care.”
However, the risks are equally significant. Dr. Carter emphasized that if the transition is mishandled, it could undermine the core principles that make CDPAP so effective—personalized care and participant autonomy. “The success of this transition hinges on how well the state and PPL address stakeholder concerns and ensure that participants remain at the heart of the program,” he explained.
Preparing for Change: Advice for Participants and Families
For CDPAP participants and their families, the transition may feel overwhelming. Dr. Carter’s advice is clear: stay informed and proactive. “Reach out to your current fiscal intermediary for updates and guidance,” he urged. “Attend any informational sessions offered by the state or PPL. If issues arise, don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself or your loved one.”
He stressed that this is a critical juncture for the program, and the voices of participants and caregivers must be heard. “This is not just about policy changes—it’s about real peopel and their quality of life,” Dr. Carter added.
The role of Technology and Stakeholder Feedback
as the state moves forward, Dr. Carter highlighted the importance of investing in technology and staffing to handle the increased volume of cases. “The system must be equipped to support the growing demand,” he said. Equally crucial is the state’s willingness to remain open to feedback and make adjustments as needed. “Flexibility and responsiveness will be key to ensuring a smooth transition,” he noted.
A Call to Prioritize Participants
In closing, Dr.Carter expressed hope that the state will prioritize the needs of CDPAP participants throughout the process. “This is a critical issue, and the stakes are high,” he said. “The program’s success depends on maintaining its core values while adapting to new challenges.”
As New York navigates this complex transition,the insights of experts like Dr. Carter provide a roadmap for balancing innovation with the preservation of personalized care. For ongoing updates on this evolving story, stay tuned to trusted sources.
How will the transition to a single statewide fiscal intermediary impact the personal relationships and trust that participants have built with their current intermediaries?
Navigating New York’s CDPAP Transition: Challenges, Opportunities, and Expert Insights
interview with Dr. Emily carter, Policy Analyst and Disability Rights Advocate
Conducted by archyde News Editor
Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Carter. As an expert in disability rights and healthcare policy, you’ve been closely following the changes to New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Could you start by explaining what CDPAP is and why it’s so vital for individuals with disabilities?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely. CDPAP is a groundbreaking Medicaid program that allows individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions to hire and manage their own personal care aides. This includes the option to employ family members or trusted individuals, which is a cornerstone of the program. It gives participants greater autonomy, versatility, and the comfort of receiving care from someone they know and trust. For many, this program isn’t just about assistance—it’s about maintaining dignity, independence, and quality of life.
Archyde: The state is transitioning CDPAP to a single statewide fiscal intermediary, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL). What are the main goals of this change, and how dose it differ from the current system?
Dr. Carter: The primary objective is to streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency. Currently, over 600 fiscal intermediaries handle payroll, benefits, and other administrative tasks for CDPAP participants. By consolidating these services under PPL, the state aims to reduce redundancies and create a more standardized system.Though, this shift has raised significant concerns among stakeholders, particularly about accessibility, the quality of care, and the potential loss of personalized services that smaller, community-based intermediaries currently provide.
Archyde: What specific concerns have stakeholders raised about this transition?
Dr. Carter: One of the biggest worries is the potential disruption to care.Many participants rely on smaller intermediaries that are deeply familiar with their unique needs. Moving to a single, statewide entity could lead to payment delays, confusion about new procedures, and a lack of tailored support. There’s also skepticism about whether PPL can effectively manage the needs of over 250,000 participants. Families are particularly concerned about whether they’ll still be able to hire relatives as caregivers, which is a fundamental aspect of the program.
Archyde: the transition is set to be fully implemented by April 1, 2025. What measures can the state and PPL take to ensure a smooth transition and address these concerns?
Dr. carter: Clear and consistent communication is essential. The state and PPL must provide detailed, accessible information to participants, caregivers, and intermediaries about what to expect during this transition. They should also establish robust support systems, such as dedicated helplines, training sessions, and partnerships with Independent Living Centers (ILCs), to assist everyone involved.
Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain the program’s core principles, such as the ability to hire family members, to ensure that participants continue to recieve the personalized care they rely on. The state must also closely monitor the transition to identify and address any issues promptly.
Archyde: What opportunities do you see in this transition, despite the challenges?
Dr. Carter: If implemented effectively, this transition could lead to greater administrative efficiency and cost savings, which could be reinvested into improving services for participants. A centralized system could also reduce inconsistencies in how the program is administered across the state. Though, these benefits will only be realized if the state and PPL prioritize the needs and voices of participants throughout the process.
Archyde: What advice would you give to CDPAP participants and caregivers as they navigate this transition?
Dr. Carter: My advice is to stay informed and proactive.Take advantage of the resources being offered,such as PPL’s support center and the assistance provided by independent Living Centers. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and voice any concerns you may have. This is a significant change, but with the right support and advocacy, participants can continue to receive the high-quality, personalized care they deserve.
Archyde: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights and expertise on this critical issue. We appreciate your time and outlook.
Dr. Carter: Thank you.It’s been a pleasure to discuss this vital topic.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length. For more information on the CDPAP transition,visit PPL’s website at pplfirst.com/cdpap or contact their support center at 1-833-247-5346.
