New York State’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) was designed to allow Medicaid members who require personal care to choose their own caregivers. The chosen caregiver, who can be a family member other than a spouse or a close friend, can get paid to provide services, but only after the Medicaid member is enrolled in the CDPAP program. Read on to find out about five things applicants should do to avoid problems during the enrollment process.
Speak With an Enrollment Specialist
Medicaid members who want to enroll in the CDPAP program must use fiscal intermediaries. Fiscal intermediaries are private companies that have contracts with Medicaid. Many also have an enrollment specialist on staff to help Medicaid members with applying for cdpap. These experts can take all the stress out of the enrollment process, making it easier for family members and loved ones to provide care.
Ensure Eligibility
There are only three criteria for eligibility in the CDPAP program. Applicants must be Medicaid members, they must require home care services, and they must either be self-directing or have an assigned personal representative who can direct their care. It doesn’t matter what underlying condition is creating the need for home care services. As long as the applicant meets all three of these basic criteria, he or she should be approved for the program.
Complete and Return Forms Promptly
Once a Medicaid member has gotten in touch with a fiscal intermediary who can obtain authorization from his or her insurance, the patient should receive some forms in the mail. These will include medical forms and a nurse assessment that must be completed by the patient’s doctor in addition to forms that must be filled out by the Medicaid member or his or her legal representative. Make sure to send these forms back as quickly as possible to avoid unnecessary delays. Forms can be either emailed or faxed, so there’s no need to bring a physical copy to the fiscal intermediary’s office.
Choose a Caregiver
While caregivers will not get paid through CDPAP until the Medicaid member’s application has been approved, it’s still wise for those who are certain of their eligibility to start considering who they will hire as a caregiver in advance. No prior training or certifications are required, but caregivers should expect to fill out paperwork, undergo a physical exam, and provide a copy of their official state IDs.
Almost anyone over the age of 18 can be a caregiver, including children and other relatives, friends, or existing home attendants, but there are a few exceptions. Legal spouses, designated representatives, and parents of Medicaid patients under 21 cannot be CDPAP caregivers.
Ask Questions
Don’t quite understand the enrollment process? The fiscal intermediaries responsible for determining eligibility and communicating with Medicaid can help. There’s no need to go into an office, as all the work required to sign a patient up for CDPAP can be done on the phone, by email or fax, and in the patient’s home, so don’t be afraid to call and ask questions as they arise.
The Bottom Line
CDPAP is a fantastic program that can help Medicaid patients get the care they need from the people they trust. It can also help family caregivers get paid to take care of their loved ones. Applying is easy with the help of an enrollment specialist, so get started as soon as possible.
