CDPAP is funded through New York Medicaid, not a standalone Medicare benefit. A person with Medicare may qualify if they also meet the applicable Medicaid and home-care requirements.
What the program does
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program lets an eligible participant direct authorized care with a chosen personal assistant. It is different from Medicare-certified home health, which requires qualifying skilled care and other conditions. A Medicare insurance card alone does not establish CDPAP eligibility.
Eligibility is more than income
New York requires Medicaid eligibility, an assessed home-care need, a stable medical condition and the ability to direct care personally or through a designated representative. Service authorization determines approved tasks and hours.
For applicable applicants age 21 or older assessed under the rules effective September 1, 2025, minimum needs generally involve physical assistance with at least three activities of daily living, or supervision with at least two for someone with a documented dementia diagnosis. Legacy protections and transition exceptions exist. Ask the authorizing organization which rules apply to your assessment rather than assuming an existing recipient must requalify under new criteria.
Choosing an assistant
Friends and certain relatives can qualify. The participant's spouse, designated representative and the parent of a participant younger than 21 cannot serve as that participant's paid assistant under these rules. New York requires CDPAP recipients to work with Public Partnership LLC as the statewide fiscal intermediary.
Prepare before requesting services
- Confirm Medicaid enrollment and which organization authorizes home care.
- Describe the daily activities that require help.
- Ask about the assessment and any applicable legacy status.
- Discuss a qualified assistant and backup care arrangement.
- Request written authorization and instructions for challenging a decision.
Outside New York, ask your state Medicaid agency about its own self-directed care options. Do not assume the CDPAP name, worker rules or approved hours apply nationally. Medicare-covered skilled services and Medicaid personal assistance also need coordination to avoid billing both programs for the same service.
Related coverage questions
- Medicare and Medicaid dual eligibility for long-term care
- Medicare Home Health Care: Services, Eligibility and Costs
- How to Apply for Medicaid: Eligibility and Documents