For Medicaid members, two options for home care are the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) and the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services (CDPAS). While these programs sound similar, they have distinct differences that are important to understand. In this blog post, we will examine CDPAP and CDPAS, highlighting their unique features, eligibility criteria, and benefits. Understanding each of these aspects of the program is critical to determining which one is best for you or your loved one.
CDPAP
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, or CDPAP is a Medicaid-funded program that allows individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions to hire and manage their own personal caregiver. Through the CDPAP program, those in need of help, such as many seniors, have the flexibility to choose their caregivers. These personal assistants can be family members, friends, or even neighbors. The CDPAP program grants them control and autonomy in managing their caregiver as they direct the work of their helper.
Some benefits of CDPAP include:
Consumer Control
By giving participants authority to recruit, train, and supervise their personal assistants, the CDPAP program allows for a personalized approach to care, ensuring that the recipient’s specific needs and preferences are met.
Caregiver Eligibility
Unlike traditional home care programs, CDPAP permits family members to work (and get paid) as personal assistants. So, not only can individuals get care in their home, they can feel comfortable and safe by choosing someone they trust to care for them.
Easy Payment Processing
Agencies known as Financial Intermediaries (like Horizon Home Care Services), handle all the paperwork and payroll processing – all of which is paid for by Medicaid. Best of all, individuals who qualify for the CDPAP program receive help at no cost to them.
CDPAS
While CDPAP and CDPAS may cause confusion for some, they are in essence one in the same — CDPAP refers to the program itself while CDPAS refers to the particular services offered within the program. CDPAS is not a separate program; instead, it is an optional service within existing home care programs, such as Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) or Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). As such, CDPAS is available to individuals who are already enrolled in these programs.
Some benefits of CDPAS include:
More Types of Care Eligible
By being integrated into existing home care programs, CDPAS provides participants the freedom to self-direct their care within the framework of these programs. Recipients can access a wider range of home care services beyond personal assistance, including nursing and therapies.
Caregiver Eligibility
Like CDPAP, CDPAS allows individuals to her family members as personal assistants. Many individuals feel safer getting cin-home are from someone they know and trust .
Flexibility
In addition to self-selected caregivers, the CDPAS allows select personal assistants from a broader pool of caregivers. While family members are eligible and preferred by many, participants can also hire individuals who are not related to them, giving them a broader pool of potential caregivers.
In summary, both CDPAP and CDPAS provide individuals with the ability to self-direct their home care services and choose their caregivers. CDPAP is a standalone program funded by Medicaid, offering greater independence and control over the care process. On the other hand, CDPAS is an optional service within existing home care programs which enables a wider array of services. Understanding the differences between these programs is crucial to selecting the right option to meet your specific needs and preferences.
Be sure to consult with a financial intermediary such as Horizon Home Care Services or a Medicaid representative to fully comprehend the eligibility criteria, availability, and requirements for both CDPAP and CDPAS. Knowledgeable representatives can help you make an informed decision based on your unique circumstance and guide you through the process of validating eligibility and hiring your assistant.
