Many New Yorkers don't realize that New York State Medicaid allows eligible individuals to hire and pay a family member — including, in many cases, an adult child, sibling, or friend — to provide their home care. This is done through the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, or CDPAP.
How CDPAP Works
Unlike traditional home care, where an agency assigns a caregiver, CDPAP puts the consumer (or their designated representative) in charge of selecting, hiring, training, and scheduling their own caregiver. That caregiver is then paid through the Medicaid program via a fiscal intermediary, rather than out of pocket.
For families where an adult child or relative is already providing informal, unpaid care, CDPAP can turn that arrangement into a paid position — recognizing work that's often already happening.
Who Can Be Hired
Spouses and designated representatives generally cannot be paid caregivers under CDPAP, but many other family members can, including adult children, siblings, and other relatives, as well as friends. Eligibility rules can be specific, so it's worth confirming your exact situation before assuming who qualifies.
Who Is Eligible for CDPAP
Eligibility generally requires New York State Medicaid coverage and a medical assessment establishing a need for home care assistance. The specific approval process involves documentation from a physician and coordination with a fiscal intermediary.
Why Families Choose CDPAP
- Continuity of care from someone the individual already knows and trusts.
- Flexibility in scheduling that can be harder to arrange with an agency-assigned aide.
- Financial recognition for a family member who may already be providing unpaid care.
Getting Started
The enrollment process involves paperwork, a medical assessment, and coordination between Medicaid, a fiscal intermediary, and your care recipient's physician. It can be confusing to navigate alone. Ideal Home Health helps New York City families understand CDPAP eligibility and guides them through enrollment step by step.
Contact our team to find out whether you or a family member qualifies for CDPAP.