💡 The short version: If you or a loved one qualifies for Medicaid home care in NYC, CDPAP allows you to choose your own caregiver — including a family member — who gets paid directly through Medicaid. You control who provides your care.
What Is CDPAP?
CDPAP stands for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. It is a New York State Medicaid program that gives eligible individuals the power to hire, train, and supervise their own personal care worker — rather than being assigned one by an agency.
Unlike traditional home care where an agency selects and sends a caregiver, CDPAP puts you in charge. You decide who comes into your home, what tasks they perform, and when they work.
Who Is Eligible for CDPAP?
To participate in CDPAP, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Medicaid Coverage
You must be enrolled in New York State Medicaid. We can help you check eligibility.
Medical Need
You must have a stable medical condition that requires assistance with daily activities or skilled nursing tasks.
Self-Direction
You must be able to direct your own care, or have a designated representative (like a family member) who can do so on your behalf.
Physician's Order
Your doctor must authorize the need for home care services as part of your treatment plan.
Who Can Be Your CDPAP Caregiver?
Almost anyone you trust can become your paid CDPAP caregiver, including:
- Adult children or grandchildren
- Siblings or other relatives
- Close friends or neighbors
- Spouses (in some circumstances — check with us)
Your caregiver does not need to be a licensed nurse or certified home health aide. CDPAP is designed for the people who already know and love you. You train them yourself, based on your specific needs.
⚠️ Important: Your caregiver cannot be your legally responsible relative (like a spouse or parent of a minor) in most standard cases. Contact us and we'll clarify what applies to your situation.
What Tasks Can a CDPAP Caregiver Perform?
CDPAP caregivers can assist with a wide range of tasks that would normally require a home health aide — including some skilled nursing tasks with proper instruction:
- Bathing, dressing, grooming, and personal hygiene
- Meal preparation and feeding assistance
- Medication management and administration
- Wound care, catheter care (when trained)
- Transportation to appointments
- Light housekeeping and errands
- Companionship and emotional support
How to Apply for CDPAP Through Us
Contact Us
Fill out our free matching form. Tell us you're interested in CDPAP — we'll take it from there.
Eligibility Check
We'll verify your Medicaid status and help gather the physician authorization needed to proceed.
Choose Your Caregiver
You select the person you want — a family member, friend, or trusted helper — and we enroll them as your caregiver.
Care Begins & Pay Flows
Your caregiver starts working. Medicaid pays them directly through a Fiscal Intermediary we connect you with.