06 Oct, 2025
Background. The 2024-25 NYS Budget required all 280,000 Medicaid recipients who have CDPAP services to switch their "Fiscal Intermediary" (FI") -- the agency that manages payroll and benefits for their Personal Assistants ("PA")-- to a new "single FI" called Public Partnerships LLC or "PPL." FI's have contracts with MLTC plans, mainstream managed care plans, and -- for those exempt from managed care -- county Dept. of Social Services (HRA in NYC). The plans or DSS decide the number of hours of home care, and the FI pays the PA. As the "single FI," PPL replace dthe more than 600 FIs that currently handle payroll and benefits for all PAs in CDPAP.
The deadline for both consumers and PAs to finish registration with PPL was originally March 28, 2025 and has been extended several times. The final deadline was August 1st - this is a final deadline. See more below and please see this new article with the background and earlier phases of the transition to the Single Fiscal Intermediary for CDPAP - PPL
- UPDATES: Links to information below and in related new article --
- WHERE TO GET HELP, REPORT PROBLEMS and get MORE INFORMATION
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Click HERE for where to get help and report problems (NYS DOH CDPAP Hotline - 1-833-947-8666 or StatewideFI@health.ny.gov
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Facilitators --Help Consumers and PAs Transition to PPL
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WEBSITES with FAQ's, State Guidance, and More Information
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Download NYLAG PowerPoint and view recording about the Single FI Transition including PA Health insurance benefits - in presentation by Valerie Bogart on May 15, 2025 at annual Elder Law Forum sponsored by Pierro Connor & Strauss. Download PDF that includes all presentations here. View all recordings here.
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PAs can take the August 2025 Caring Majority survey here to report payment problems.
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See this article for the timeline of transition to PPL starting in 2024, and links to all press
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TIMEKEEPING - PPL timekeeping apps, Paper Timesheet policy and exceptions- Paper Timesheets allowed only with an approved Exemption afte May 17th.
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CDPAP Consumers and their Personal assistants (PAs) must register with PPL by July 1, 2025
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PA - Wages and Health Care Benefits
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Should a Consumer Switch from CDPAP to Personal Care?
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ARCHIVE - see this article for history of transition and lawsuits
DEADLINE for CDPAP Personal Assistant (PA) Health Assessments Extended - As reported in the Buffalo News on Sept. 18, 2025, "the State Department of Health announced that it would no longer require caregivers in the state’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to complete their annual health assessment by Oct. 1. Now, they only need to have scheduled an appointment in the future as of Oct. 1." NY Department of Health to allow Caregivers More Time to Complete Compliance for Home Care Program (Buffalo News, 9/18/2025). The state's announcement followed a rally demanding an extension of time, organized by disability advocates and the Caring Majority. See also Syracuse.com article Sept. 23rd.
WARNING: PAs's must be sure to SCHEDULE an appointment by Oct. 1st -- or the PA will not get paid after that date. The following instructions are from PPL and its contractor MobileHealth:
You can find more information and schedule an appointment on the Mobile Health website: https://www.mobilehealth.com/ny-cdpap-ppl-medical-screenings/
For questions regarding your PPL medical screening with Mobile Health, you can also call Mobile Health at 646-680-0450 or email PPL@mobilehealth.com.
You have 4 Options to complete your Medical Screening:
Option 1 – Schedule an In-Person Appointment
Go to the above website, or call Mobile Health, and select a Mobile Health clinic near you to schedule an appointment.
Option 2 – Schedule a Telehealth Appointment
Go to the above website, or call Mobile Health, and select this option. A separate lab appointment is required.
Option 3 – See Your Own Medical Provider
Go to the above website, or call Mobile Health, and select this option. This will be at your own expense. Print the Mobile Health Pre-Employment Physical Examination Form and have your Medical Provider complete it. You will also need to complete the Drug Attestation Form and then upload the documents using a button in the above Mobile Health website. Guide: How to Upload Documents
Option 4 – Go to a Mobile Health Pop-Up Clinic
Mobile Health is bringing medical screenings to select areas in the state. Please go to the above website for locations and more information. (Dates and times are here -- scroll down.)
Engesser et al v. McDonald lawsuiit
As described in NYLAG's press release, the key provisions of the settlement agreement include:
- DOH will order MLTC plans, Mainstream Managed Care plans and Local Districts of Social Services (DSS) to send a letter to all CDPAP consumers who have registered with PPL. This letter will give CDPAP consumers information about how to get help if they are having problems using their CDPAP services.
- Facilitators will have the same access to PPL systems as PPL call center staff do and will have the ability to flag issues for expedited help. Consumers will get a form to select a facilitator. Facilitators are able to assist consumers and their Personal Assistants (PAs) in enrollment, onboarding and training, and also by resolving day-to-day issues as they arise.
- For consumers who are not yet registered with PPL or whose PAs are not registered, or who is registered but did not use their CDPAP services in June --
- They will receive a letter telling them that their deadline for registering is August 1. This letter will explain all of the ways they can register and the resources that are available to assist.
- DOH will order MLTC Plans to make additional efforts to contact CDPAP consumers who have not used their CDPAP services recently. This includes a letter, at least one home visit and reaching out to an authorized representative.
- Ultimately, every CDPAP consumer who does register with PPL, switches to another long-term service or begins using their CDPAP services through PPL by August 1 will be sent a notice explaining their right to a fair hearing.
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DOH will issue guidance that will help managed care organizations, local districts of social services and PPL understand some of the CDPAP program rules better. These guidance documents should help consumers receive services without interruption. This includes sending "authorizations" for CDPAP services promptly to PPL to ensure continuity of care.
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On and after August 1 2025, DOH issued some of the guidance referenced here. See GIS 25 MA/08 - CDPAP Service Authorization Renewal Timelines (requires local DSS to complete reassessments 14 days before the end of an authorization period and upload them 10 days before.
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Managed care and MLTC plans must also complete reassessments 14 days before the authorization expires and upload them 7 days before. See Service Authorization Renewal Timelines for Managed Care Plans (8/1/2025)
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See other policy documents here.
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DOH CDPAP Transition Hotline will continue to operate in its current capacity through December 31 and will remain open in some form after that.
- Plaintiffs’ counsel will continue to have the ability to escalate individual cases for timely resolution.
.For earlier history of the Engesser lawsuit, including press ane earlier injunctions, see https://nylag.org/engesser/ and this article
New York bill isntroduced proposing new CDPAP compromise (NYState of Politics, Spectrum News One May 15, 2025) - describing bills that would require the State to contract with more FIs in addition to PPL. The legislative session ended for the summer without any of these bills passing for the time being.
Paper timesheets no longer allowed without an "exception"- since May 17, 2025.
After May 17, 2025, Personal Assistants may use paper timesheets (fill-in-able version here) only if they obtain an Exception from PPL. See more here for how to complete and submit paper timesheetsand about how to request an exception to allow paper timesheets after May 7th.
Starting Sunday May 18th, PAs must log hours on Time4Care, PPL@Home, or Telephony unless they obtain an Exception. See more here.
2. Where Does Consumer or PA Go if They have Problems with Transition?
CALL IN THIS SUGGESTED ORDER:
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PPL at 1-833-247-5346 (English). See numbers for other languages here. Make sure to keep a log of dates of calls, who you talked to, hold time, what was said., any language barriers. Always call or email them first. Other contacts at PPL:
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NYS DOH CDPAP hotline 1-833-947-8666 or StatewideFI@health.ny.gov (NEW)
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ORGANIZATIONs THAT BROUGHT LAWSUITs:
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LEGAL AID SOCIETY CDPAP Calderon lawsuit: PA's with payment problems should complete this survey to report payment problems. Only for PAs for consumers in NYC, Long Island and Westchester. (but ALSO contact DOH
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PA's in other counties with payment problems can contact Poricani Law firm at emina@poricaninlaw.com re the Flanagan lawsuit.
- If PPL has not received your "authorization" for CDPAP from your plan or local DSS:- or for other problems caused by your plan or DSS/HRA -
- If you are in a MLTC plan - E-mail a Complaint to the NYS Dept. of Health Managed Long Term Care Technical Assistance Center (TAC) mltctac@health.ny.gov.
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If you are in a Mainstream managed care or HARP Plan - email the NYS DOH managed care complaint unit - managedcarecomplaint@health.ny.gov
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File a formal grievance with your MLTC or mainstream managed care plan
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ICAN - the Independent Consumer Advocacy Network TEL 844-614-8800 (For members of MLTC plans or Managed care or HARP plans)
TTY Relay Service: 711 Website: icannys.org ican@cssny.org
- NYS Department of Labor Wage Theft Hotline 833-910-4378 or visit https://dol.ny.gov/labor-standards-complaint-process.. Failure to pay wages in full on a timely basis is a serious crime in New York, one that the Legislature has made even more serious in recent years. It is a Class E felony to commit wage theft.
- Fle a wage theft complaint with the Attorney General’s office. Submit an online complaint or contact the Attorney General’s Office Helpline at 800-771-7755.
- Contact your NYS elected official and the Governor's office
PPL has subcontracted with 40+ CDPAP Facilitators around NYS. These were former FIs that will continue as subcontractors to PPL -- but they will NO LONGER serve as FI's. Instead, they help consumers and PA's transition to the new FI PPL. See list here of the Facilitators with the counties they cover, languages spoken, and contact information.
Sept. 23, 2025 Syracuse.com Thousands of NY home-care workers get extension on health exam; new Syracuse site set
Sept. 18, 2025 Buffalo News NY Department of Health to Allow Caregivers More Time to Complete Compliance for Home Care Program
Sept. 8, 2025 Crain's Health Plus Home care company admits to meeting with state officials before getting contract to overhaul program
Sept. 5, 2025 NYState of Politics CDPAP: Company awarded state contract admits to 'conversations' with state officials after denying them under oath
Sept. 5, 2025 NY Times Questions Arise Over Hiring of Firm to Run $11 Billion Health Care Program
Sept. 5, 2025 NY Focus Home Care Employer Walks Back Testimony, Fueling Concerns of Rigged $11 Billion Contract
Aug. 27, 2025 NY Focus After Criticism, Home Care Employer Will Look for Better Health Insurance
August 22, 2025 NY Focus Complete Waste of Our Time’: Lawmakers Get Few Answers on Home Care Chaos
August 21, 2025 - Albany Times-Union Lawmakers blast NY health commissioner over CDPAP rollout
August 21, 2025 - NY Post State senator unveils new evidence suggesting NY’s massive $11B homecare contract was rigged
August 21, 2025 - City & State State planned to give no-bid contract to PPL, lawmaker claims
August 21, 2025 updated Aug. 25th New York TImes N.Y. Lawmakers Press Officials About Home Health Program’s Issues
August 5, 2025 Documented NY Criticism Mounts Over CDPAP Overhaul as Immigrant Workers Go Unpaid
August 5, 2025 Albany Times Union Commentary: PPL is the solution to New York state's home care problem - Op Ed by the CEO of PPL
FOR EARLIER PRESS SEE THIS ARTICLE
4 TIMEKEEPING - How PAs Keep and Consumers Approve Time Each Week .
Starting Sunday May 18th, 2025 PAs must log hours on either PPL's Time4Care app, PPL@Home online portal, or Telefony system. Until that date, PAs could use paper timesheets here (fill-in-able version here), but starting May 18, 2025 these are allowed only if PPL grants an EXCEPTION..
PPL has posted some guides on how to use the timekeeping apps and portal - on https://pplfirst.com/cdpap-resources/ click on TIMEKEEPING on the left, and scroll down to find various videos. Also see How to Manage Time with PPL, note some complicated rules, especially pp. 5-7. Also see PAYROLL and PAYMENT section on PPL resources page.
In-person assistance is also available at certain sites. See https://pplfirst.com/cdpap-events/.
Some other rules from PPL PAYROLL website:
If you continue to have difficulty with these systems, please call PPL at 1-833-247-5346 (English)(See numbers for other languages here). Also file complaints with DOH and lawsuit contacts here.
4a How PA MAY REQUEST EXCEPTION TO USE TIMESHEETS AFTER May 17th - and tips on paper Timesheets.
If a Personal Assistant will have an ongoing need to use a paper timesheet beyond May 17 – for instance, as a religious exception or in an area where the use of Time4Care or telephony is not reliable – there is a process to request an individualized exception to use paper timesheets. PPL's NY CDPAP Paper Timesheet Exception Form NEW is here (Fillable version here). PPL’s description of the timesheet exception process can be found in this document at page 5 (this is the How to Manage Time with PPL Guide that can be found in PROGRAM DOCUMENTS on PPL website)(Espanol). Make your request right away..
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The Exception Form must be faxed to PPL at 1-844-244-4384, e-mailed to nycdpap@pplfirst.com or mailed to Public Partnerships LLC PO Box 310, Binghamton, NY 13902.
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TIP: Keep a copy of the form for your records and note down the date of submission. If you are mailing the Exception Form to PPL’s PO Box, use certified mail or another tracking service and keep proof of receipt for your records. If you fax the Exception Form, please keep a copy of the fax confirmation for your records.
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if Exception approved to use Paper timesheets -- Use this paper timesheet or this updated fill-able version. See these PPL instructions. Fax to 1-844-244-4384 or by email to NYCDPAP_TS@pplfirst.com. (There is also a physical mailing address listed on the form.)
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In Service Type box in the upper-right corner of the paper timesheet --
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On top row, check either one consumer or two consumers (as applicable);
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On second row, check either live-in or not live-in (as applicable), and
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Don’t check anything else in that box.
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No need to write anything in the blank next to Service Type
The NYS Dept. of Health is requiring all 240,000 CDPAP consumers and all of the more than 500,000 Personal Assistants to sign up with PPL. The NYS CDPAP website and the PPL-NY website explain the FOUR ways that a consumer and their PA may make the transition -- by phone, online, with a "facilitator," or at an in-person registration session. The transition does not happen instantly and may take several contacts over a period of time -- therefore consumers should not wait until the last minute to begin the process.
Also, a consumer's transition will not be complete unless all of their PAs also register with PPL, which can involve uploading extensive paperwork. The consumer is being tasked with responsibility for making sure their PAs register.
View recording of webinar given by Valerie Bogart, NYLAG on March 10, 2025 and download NYLAG PowerPoint about the Single FI Transition - dated March 10, 2025, here.
NEW PPL Brochure On HOw to Transition - with Screen Shots
CONSUMERS REGISTER WITH PPL:
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PPL@Home Consumer Transition Video
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NEW PPL Brochure On How to Transition - with Screen Shots
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PPL Manual for Consumer Accounts
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May register by CALLING PPL 1-833-247-5346 (numbers in various languages on website - though non-English speaking staff may not be available), calling a Facilitator, or registering online.
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Registration asks for "CIN" Number - this is the Medicaid ID number on the Common Benefits ID card. (Under "ID Number" at top of gray area on Left in photo below)
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Registration asks for contact info for consumer - either email address or cell phone. Do not use the same email or cell phone number for the consumer that a Personal Assistant or Designated Representative is using. Each should have their own phone number or email address -- to avoid problems.
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Registration asks for Associated Persons - where you add name and contact info for the following, they will receive a link by email or text to register with PPL and be linked to the consumer.
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Designated Representative\ (DR) - who will receive an email or text asking them to e-sign or download, sign and upload this Designated Representative form.
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Personal Assistants (PA) - they will receive an email or text with the contact info you provide for them, so they can register
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Guardian or Power of Attorney
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Set up electronic SIGNATURE
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Sign Forms -- Consumer or DR must sign Memorandum of Understanding. (available in various languages online -- click on PROGRAM DOCUMENTS -- but not to e-sign in portal). May VERBALLY sign this document on the phone with a facilitator or PPL.
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Once Registration Submitted - You will be given a Tracking Number and PPL ID, and have access to Dashboard in portal to see status.
- Ask a FACILITATOR to help troubleshoot problems.
Personal Assistant (PA) Registration
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PPL%Home Video on How PA Registers
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NEW PPL Brochure On HOw to Transition - with Screen Shots
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PA's must complete or upload many documents:
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Personal Assistant Agreement
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TAX FORMS - IRS FORM W-4 and State Form NY IT-2104-I
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Proof of citizenship or USCIS Form I-9 with supporting documentation (work authorization)
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Payment Method Form
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Attestation of Health Assessment - acknowledge must have health assessments every 12 months – and that PA will document current assessment before 10/1/25. Has option to upload current proof of health assessment now, whichi they may get from current FI)
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) form
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Once all of the above forms are signed, if required, and uploaded, after PPL reviews them PPL generates an Offer letter (one per associated consumer). This gives the hourly wage and benefits. To find the Offer Letter, which appears as "PA Hourly Employee Offer WP," the PA logs into the portal.
- Go to FORMS. Under the heading "Consumer Associations," each consumer the PA is working for should be listed.
- For each consumer click on CLICK VIEW. A "PA Hourly Employee Offer WP" should be listed. CLICK EDIT TO SIGN.
- If you work for more than 1 consumer, make sure to complete it for each consumer.
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PAs with questions about the health benefits - call (833) 746-8283 or email Nypplhr@pplfirst.com.
Ask a FACILITATOR to help troubleshoot problems.
PPL wages are on its website - click on Frequently Asked Questions and scroll down to PA Wages and Benefits. DOH has issued an FAQ: CDPAP Caregiver Healthcare Benefit Options Offered by PPL - (PDF) Updated 4/25/2025
Here are two expert analyses of the two PPL plans
The two PPL plans are:
- PPL’s Anthem BasicWellness plan with a FlexCard – In the “Wage Parity” area including New York City, Long Island and Westchester, all workers both part-time and full-time are automatically enrolled in the BasicWellness plan, which covers only a few preventive services. PPL calls this coverage “free,” but workers’ pay is reduced by $0.87/hour in NYC or $1.03 in Westchester and Long Island to pay for this plan. Plan document here. (Note PPL changed the name of this plan from "Minimum Esential Coverage (MEC) to BasicWellness).
DOH”s own FAQ about PPL Health Insurance admits that this plan is “not comprehensive health insurance coverage because it only covers services the plan considers preventive. For example, if you injure yourself and make an appointment to see a provider, your primary care visit to treat the injury is not covered by the PPL Anthem BasicWellnessPlan.”
MANDATORY enrollment in the Anthem BasicWellness plan for all PAs in NYC, Long Island and Westchester. At this time, PPL Is only allowing Medicare beneficiaries to opt out of the MEC plan. They are not premitting others to opt out, which may interfere with their other coverage from a spouse or a retiree plan, depending on the terms of the particular plan.
- Medicare beneficiaries who want to opt out of the BasicWellness must complete and submit this form with a copy of the Medicare card (note form was updated May 2025). The form must be uploaded with a copy of the Medicare card to the PPL@Home portal within 30 days of first becoming eligible for the PPL plan, and must be renewed each year by Dec. 31st.
- PPL’s “Anthem SecureHealth plan is an option for workers statewide to choose instead of the MEC plan if they work 130 hours/month or more (about 30 hours/week). The monthly premium is $212 ($692 for family) and deductible is $6,350 ($22,700 for a family). No one earning $32,000 can afford these sky-high costs – which is why NYS is proud of its Essential Plan, which provides comprehensive free coverage to single New Yorkers earning up to $39,000 (250% Federal Poverty Line). As the State recently admitted in the FAQ, merely being offered this MV plan disqualifies workers from the Essential Plan and from premium subsidies for Qualified Health Plans through the Affordable Care Act -- despite their low income -- even if they do not enroll in the PPL plan. So low-wage workers will face bankruptcy if they need significant treatment, skip treatment for chronic conditions, or be forced to find another job – leaving the consumer without care. A worker may also lose coverage under a spouse’s job or retiree coverage – just because this MV option is available, but this varies among employment plans.
View recording of webinar given by Valerie Bogart, NYLAG on May 15, 2025 and download NYLAG PowerPoint about the Single FI Transition - including PA health benefits (pp. 17-21 of this PDF). Presentation given as part of all-day annual Elder Law Conference sponsored by Pierro Connor & Strauss on May 15, 2025.. View all presentations recorded at this forum here and download PDF that includes all presentations here.
CLICK HERE for PRESS investigating PPL's insurance and other benefits, and Leading Edge, the administrator of PPL's insurance plans and Editorials about Health Insurance
7. Should a Consumer Switch from CDPAP to Traditional Personal Care in order to avoid having to switch to PPL?
Many consumers and PA's are being told they should switch to traditional Personal Care agencies (called Licensed Home Care Services Agencies or "LHCSA"). Many FI's are operated by companies that also operate LHCSAs - so if the consumer and PA switch to the LHCSA this is a way for that company to keep the business. Consumers are NOT required to switch in order to maintain services. Consumers should keep several factors in mind before making this switch:
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Personal Care is considered a different "service" - requiring a new "authorization" to be issued by the MLTC plan, managed care plan or local DSS for Personal Care.. See DOH Chart "Understanding the Differences between CDPAP and Personal Care," and FACT SHEET -- both posted around Feb. 20, 2025. This may cause delay. The plan or DSS, not the LHCSA must approve the switch.
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Does the consumer have "skilled needs?"
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Only informal supports (family) or a CDPAPs can perform skilled tasks - not traditional personal care aides ("PCA"). If the consumer has a skilled need, they may only switch to personal care if arrangements are made for family or other informal caregivers to perform the skilled tasks. See info about the Personal Care Scope of Tasks here.
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Some common “skilled” tasks are:
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a. Administration of medications -- a PCA may not directly put a pill in the consumer's mouth, or put in eyedrops, or inject insulin. She may bring these medications to the consumer to self-administer. Family -- not the PCA - must pre-pour the weekly medication box for a consumer who is not self-directing. However, even if the consumer is not self-directing, the personal care aide may remind the consumer that it's time to take a medication, and bring the medication that was pre-poured in a medication box with water to the consumer, put it in her hand, and remind or cue her to take it.
b. Suctioning a tracheostomy or administering tube feeding are skilled tasks.
c. Using a hoyer lift is NOT a skilled task and can be done by a personal care aide. same for incontinent care, assistance with walkers and wheelchairs, turning & positioning, transfer and other daily tasks.
d. See "Q-Tips" (also in Spanish) chart comparing the scope of tasks of Personal Care Aides (PCAs) to that of CHHA Home Health Aides (HHA) at pages - see pp. 5-7.
3. Is the LHCSA (personal care vendor agency) in the plan's or DSS network?
For MLTC and mainstream managed care plans, the LHCSA must be in the plan's network. If the consumer is receiving CDPAP services through their local county Medicaid agency (HRA in NYC), then the LHCSA must be under contract with that DSS.
4. Some family members will be prohibited from becoming PCAs under state regulation. 18 NYCRR 505.14(h)(2)(posted at this link).
While the consumer's son or daughter, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, or parent (if the consumer is an adult) may be a CDPAP PA, these relatives may NOT be a PCA. Other relatives may become the PCA for a family member if she
- is residing in the patient's home because the amount of care required by the patient makes his presence necessary.”
- is not residing in the patient's home;
5. All PCA’s must go through a 2-week training to get certification. Some LHCSA’s offer this training.
6. The PA will now be an employee of the LHCSA personal care agency - and will not only work for the consumer. They might be reassigned to another case.
