Important Update for New York CDPAP Participants and Caregivers: Transition to Statewide Fiscal Intermediary Required by March 28, 2025
Attention all Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) recipients and their dedicated caregivers in New York! It’s crucial to be aware of an upcoming mandatory transition. New York State is streamlining the CDPAP program by requiring all participants to transition to a single, Statewide Fiscal Intermediary (FI), Public Partnership, LLC (PPL), by March 28, 2025. This transition is essential for the continued operation of your CDPAP services.
If you are currently enrolled in or are looking to enroll in the Freedom Care Program Ny, understanding this transition is vital. While the name “Freedom Care Program NY” isn’t the official name, it perfectly captures the essence of CDPAP – a program designed to give you freedom and control over your home care. This article will guide you through everything you need to know about this transition and the CDPAP program itself, ensuring you continue to receive the care you need with the freedom you deserve.
Seamless Transition to PPL: Your Options
To ensure a smooth transition to Public Partnership, LLC (PPL) before the March 28, 2025 deadline, you have several convenient options available. Whether you prefer phone assistance, online platforms, or personalized support, the process is designed to be accessible for everyone. New individuals interested in joining the CDPAP, or what we like to call the Freedom Care Program NY, can also begin registration with PPL starting March 1st.
Option 1: Transition Assistance via Phone
For direct, step-by-step guidance, PPL has established a dedicated customer support center. By calling 1-833-247-5346, you can speak with a representative who will walk you through the entire transition process. Recognizing the diverse linguistic needs of New Yorkers, PPL also offers support in multiple languages:
- Arabic: 1-833-278-4829
- French: 1-833-279-3511
- Haitian Creole: 1-833-279-3513
- Spanish: 1-833-281-0927
- TTY (for the hearing impaired): 1-833-204-9042
Option 2: Online Transition through PPL@Home
For those comfortable with technology, the PPL@Home online system offers a user-friendly platform to complete your transition at your own pace. Simply click on the appropriate link on the PPL website to access PPL@Home and follow the online prompts. This digital option provides a convenient and efficient way to switch to PPL and maintain your access to the Freedom Care Program NY.
Option 3: Personalized Support with a CDPAP Facilitator
If you prefer personalized assistance, CDPAP facilitators are available to guide you through the transition process. These facilitators are experts in the Freedom Care Program NY and can provide tailored support to meet your specific needs. A comprehensive list of approved facilitators is available to help you find a facilitator that suits you best.
Option 4: In-Person and Virtual Registration Sessions
For a more interactive and supportive transition experience, consider attending a registration session. PPL is hosting both in-person and virtual sessions specifically designed to provide dedicated support for individuals transitioning to the Statewide Fiscal Intermediary. You can find the schedule of upcoming session dates online to choose a session that fits your schedule and learning style. These sessions are a great way to get your questions answered and ensure a smooth transition to continue benefiting from the Freedom Care Program NY.
Clarifying Misconceptions about the CDPAP Transition
“Setting the record straight on the CDPAP transition – know the facts.”
A Public Service Announcement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald.
It’s understandable to have questions and concerns during a transition like this. Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, has issued a public service announcement to address rumors and misinformation surrounding the CDPAP transition, reinforcing the core principles of the Freedom Care Program NY.
- FACT: Your CDPAP eligibility and the vital services you rely on ARE NOT changing. For New Yorkers currently participating in CDPAP, rest assured that your essential home care services will continue uninterrupted after the transition to PPL. The essence of the Freedom Care Program NY remains the same – to provide you with the support you need at home.
- FACT: You absolutely CAN continue to work with your trusted caregiver. The ability to choose your caregiver is a cornerstone of the Freedom Care Program NY, and this remains unchanged. Your personal assistants will simply need to complete the transition to PPL to ensure they continue to receive timely payments for the invaluable care they provide.
- FACT: The transition to PPL is moving forward and requires your action. It’s imperative to understand that this is not just a rumor. To maintain your participation in the Freedom Care Program NY, you MUST take action and transition to PPL by the deadline of March 28th.
February 4, 2025 – Commissioner James McDonald releases an official Letter to Consumers: CDPAP Facts. (PDF) This letter provides further clarification and reassurance regarding the transition and the ongoing commitment to the Freedom Care Program NY.
Understanding the Freedom Care Program NY: Empowering Independence at Home
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), or as we like to call it, the Freedom Care Program NY, is a New York State Medicaid initiative designed to empower Medicaid-eligible individuals to maintain their independence and receive necessary care within the comfort of their own homes. This program embodies the principle of freedom of choice, allowing you to select, train, and direct your own caregiver.
At its heart, the Freedom Care Program NY acknowledges that individuals needing home care are the best judges of their own needs and preferences. It allows Medicaid members who qualify for home care services to hire their own personal caregiver, referred to as a “personal assistant.” This personal assistant can be a friend, family member, or someone else you trust, with the exception of your spouse, designated representative, or parent (if you are a CDPAP consumer under 21). This flexibility in caregiver selection is a key aspect of the Freedom Care Program NY.
The services provided under the Freedom Care Program NY are comprehensive and adaptable to individual needs. A personal assistant can perform a wide range of tasks, encompassing services typically provided by a personal care aide, home health aide, or even a nurse. This ensures that participants in the Freedom Care Program NY receive the appropriate level of support, tailored to their specific health and daily living requirements.
The core strength of the Freedom Care Program NY lies in offering recipients unparalleled flexibility and freedom in choosing and directing their care, ensuring they remain in control of their lives and care decisions.
Eligibility Criteria for the Freedom Care Program NY
To be eligible for the Freedom Care Program NY, individuals must meet specific criteria to ensure that the program effectively serves those who can benefit most from its unique consumer-directed approach. The eligibility requirements are designed to ensure participants can actively manage their care or have a designated representative to do so on their behalf.
To qualify for the Freedom Care Program NY, an individual must:
- Be eligible for New York State Medicaid: This is the foundational requirement, as CDPAP is a Medicaid-funded program.
- Have a stable medical condition: The program is designed for individuals with chronic conditions requiring ongoing, consistent care, rather than acute, rapidly changing medical needs.
- Have a determined need for home care services: This need is formally assessed through a UAS-NY Community Health Assessment for individuals 18 years of age and older. This assessment ensures that participants genuinely require home care services to support their well-being and independence.
- Be capable of self-direction or have a designated representative: This is a defining feature of the Freedom Care Program NY. Participants must be able to direct their own care, making decisions about their personal assistant’s tasks and schedule. If an individual is not capable of self-direction, they can designate a representative, such as a family member or trusted friend, to manage their care on their behalf.
Responsibilities Under the Freedom Care Program NY
The Freedom Care Program NY empowers recipients with significant control over their care, and with this freedom comes certain responsibilities. The program is designed to be consumer-directed, meaning the recipient (or their designated representative) takes on the role of employer for their personal assistant.
The CDPAP recipient or their designated representative is responsible for:
- Recruiting, hiring, training, supervising, and, if necessary, terminating personal assistants: This employer role is central to the Freedom Care Program NY. Participants have the freedom to choose who provides their care and manage their employment.
- Arranging for back-up coverage when necessary: Ensuring continuity of care is crucial. Participants need to plan for situations when their primary personal assistant is unavailable.
- Arranging and coordinating other services: While the Freedom Care Program NY focuses on personal care assistance, participants may also need to coordinate with other healthcare providers and services.
- Maintaining personal assistant payroll records: Accurate record-keeping is essential for proper payment and compliance.
- Working collaboratively with the CDPAP Fiscal Intermediary (FI) to process payroll for services received: While recipients manage their personal assistants directly, the Fiscal Intermediary handles the administrative tasks of payroll processing.
The Role of the Statewide Fiscal Intermediary in the Freedom Care Program NY
The Statewide Fiscal Intermediary plays a critical, yet behind-the-scenes role in the Freedom Care Program NY. While recipients direct their care and manage their personal assistants, the FI handles the complex administrative and financial aspects of employing a caregiver. This partnership ensures that personal assistants are paid correctly and that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
The Statewide Fiscal Intermediary assists with essential administrative services, including:
- Processing personal assistant wages and benefits: Ensuring caregivers are paid accurately and on time is paramount.
- Processing personal assistant income tax and other required wage withholdings: The FI manages all necessary tax withholdings and filings, relieving recipients of this burden.
- Maintaining required employment records for the personal assistant: Compliance with labor laws and regulations is ensured through the FI’s meticulous record-keeping.
Public Partnership LLC (PPL) is now the designated Statewide Fiscal Intermediary for the New York State CDPAP, or the Freedom Care Program NY. Moving forward, all participants in the Freedom Care Program NY are required to work with PPL as their Fiscal Intermediary. This consolidation aims to streamline administrative processes and ensure consistent service delivery across the state.
CDPAP vs. Personal Care Services (PCS): Understanding the Key Differences
While both CDPAP (the Freedom Care Program NY) and Personal Care Services (PCS) are valuable Medicaid programs designed to provide home care, they operate under different models and offer distinct levels of control and flexibility. Understanding these differences is crucial for individuals to make informed decisions about which program best aligns with their needs and preferences.
Both the Freedom Care Program NY and PCS share the overarching goal of helping individuals maintain their independence and remain in their homes. However, the key distinctions lie in the types of services offered and, most importantly, who directs and controls the care. The Freedom Care Program NY empowers the consumer to direct their care, while PCS typically involves agency-directed care. Consumers considering home care options in New York should carefully evaluate these differences.
More detailed information on the specific differences between these two programs can be found in the resources provided by the New York State Department of Health and on the PPL website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Freedom Care Program NY and the Transition to PPL
Many individuals have questions about the Freedom Care Program NY and the current transition to PPL. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions to provide clarity and address common concerns. For additional FAQs specifically related to the transition to PPL, please visit the PPL Website here.
Statewide Fiscal Intermediary (SFI) and Consumer Choice in the Freedom Care Program NY
Q. Will I still have a choice in selecting my fiscal intermediary after the transition to a Statewide Fiscal Intermediary for the Freedom Care Program NY?
A. Following the transition, PPL will serve as the single Statewide Fiscal Intermediary for the Freedom Care Program NY. This means PPL will be the sole entity responsible for processing payments to personal assistants, managing benefits, and handling all wage-related administrative tasks. However, to ensure a smooth transition and continued support, PPL is partnering with many former fiscal intermediaries to act as facilitators. These facilitators will assist CDPAP consumers with onboarding and serve as ongoing points of contact with PPL. A network of facilitators will be available across different regions, offering diverse language capabilities, cultural understanding, and expertise in working with various disabilities, further enhancing the accessibility and user-friendliness of the Freedom Care Program NY.
Q. How can I determine if my current FI will be a Facilitator in partnership with PPL for the Freedom Care Program NY?
A. A comprehensive list of approved CDPAP partners is available online. As the network of facilitators expands, updated lists will be regularly posted on the PPL website. You can find the most current list of Freedom Care Program NY Facilitators at New York CDPAP Facilitators List.
Transition-Specific Questions about the Freedom Care Program NY
Q. When and how will I receive detailed information about the transition process to PPL for the Freedom Care Program NY?
A. Information about the transition to PPL is readily available through multiple channels right now, ensuring all participants in the Freedom Care Program NY are well-informed and prepared. These resources include:
- PPL’s dedicated New York CDPAP webpage: PPL’s New York CDPAP webpage – This website is a central hub for all transition-related information.
- PPL’s CDPAP Customer Service Call Center: 1-888-247-5346 – Direct phone support is available to answer your questions and guide you through the process.
- PPL’s social media platforms: Stay updated through PPL’s social media channels for announcements and reminders.
- PPL New York CDPAP Facilitators List: PPL New York CDPAP List of facilitators – Connect with a facilitator for personalized assistance.
- PPL New York CDPAP in-person and virtual events: PPL New York CDPAP in-person and virtual events – Attend a session for direct support and information.
Q. What is the timeframe for transitioning to the new Statewide Fiscal Intermediary (SFI) for the Freedom Care Program NY?
A. The transition period is currently underway, offering you ample time to switch to PPL. The final deadline for all participants in the Freedom Care Program NY to complete the transition to PPL, the new Statewide Fiscal Intermediary, is Friday, March 28, 2025. It is advisable to begin the transition process as soon as possible to avoid any last-minute rush and ensure uninterrupted services.
Q. What steps should I take if my current FI stops providing CDPAP services before my scheduled transition date to the Freedom Care Program NY?
A. If your current FI ceases to operate before you transition to PPL, support is available to ensure continuity of care for participants in the Freedom Care Program NY. For individuals enrolled in managed care plans, your managed care plan will provide assistance and guidance. For those in fee-for-service arrangements, PPL or one of its facilitator partners will offer support. If you are uncertain about where to seek assistance, please contact PPL directly at 1-833-247-5346 for immediate support and direction.
Q. Will the transition to a Statewide FI affect my current services under the Freedom Care Program NY?
A. No, the transition to a Statewide FI will not alter your existing services under the Freedom Care Program NY. While you are changing Fiscal Intermediaries, your approved plan of care, benefits, and services through CDPAP will remain unchanged. The core elements of the Freedom Care Program NY, including your care plan and service provisions, will continue as they are currently established.
Q. As a personal assistant, will my compensation and benefits change due to this transition within the Freedom Care Program NY?
A. Detailed information regarding personal assistant compensation and benefits will be provided by PPL as you proceed with your registration and transition to PPL. Personal Assistants are encouraged to begin the registration process promptly by contacting PPL at 1-833-247-5346 or by visiting PPL’s dedicated website for the Freedom Care Program NY: NY Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) PPL website. You can register via email or mobile phone for added convenience.
Understanding Public Partnership LLC (PPL) and the Freedom Care Program NY
Q. I am unfamiliar with PPL. Who are they, and why should I trust them as the FI for the Freedom Care Program NY?
A. Public Partnership LLC (PPL) has been selected by New York State to serve as the Statewide Fiscal Intermediary for the Freedom Care Program NY. The partnership with PPL was officially announced on September 30, 2024, following a thorough selection process by the state.
PPL is recognized as a leading Fiscal Intermediary specializing in consumer-directed services, making them well-equipped to manage the administrative needs of the Freedom Care Program NY. With 25 years of experience, PPL currently supports 50 programs across 21 states, demonstrating their expertise and reliability in this field. For more comprehensive information about PPL, please visit their website dedicated to the Freedom Care Program NY: NY Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) | PPL First.
To further ensure a smooth transition and maintain local connections, PPL has partnered with existing fiscal intermediaries to serve as facilitators. These facilitators will provide crucial assistance to consumers and personal assistants during onboarding and ongoing support. A complete list of these facilitators is available here.
Q. How can a company located outside of New York State effectively manage CDPAP services, or the Freedom Care Program NY?
A. PPL is committed to operating the Statewide Fiscal Intermediary contract for the Freedom Care Program NY directly within New York State. PPL is establishing a strong local presence, including plans to open eight offices strategically located across the state and create over 1,200 jobs within New York. Furthermore, PPL is demonstrating its long-term commitment to New York by relocating its national company headquarters to the New York / Albany area in the near future. This significant investment in New York infrastructure and employment underscores PPL’s dedication to effectively serving the Freedom Care Program NY and its participants.
Additional Resources for the Freedom Care Program NY
For further information and resources related to the Freedom Care Program NY and the CDPAP program in general, please refer to the following official websites:
NYS Department of Health CDPAP Webpages:
NYS Department of Health CDPAP Program Information
Contact Information for the Freedom Care Program NY
For specific questions or inquiries regarding the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, please contact the dedicated email address: [email protected].
