Faith leaders urge pause in NY Medicaid home care switch as NY vows no disruptions

NEW YORK — New York’s plan to revamp its Medicaid home care program is underway, with thousands of residents who use the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) beginning to navigate the changes this week.

New York State is transitioning CDPAP to the single statewide fiscal intermediary, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL). The Georgia-based company would remove more than 600 fiscal intermediaries, paring the system down to about 30.

CDPAP allows individuals with disabilities hire home caregivers of their choice, often family members or trusted aids, with approximately 250,000 New Yorkers using the program.

On Monday, PPL launched its support center to help program users navigate the changes, which they need to do by March 28, 2025. On Tuesday, the Governor’s Office also announced new partnerships with 11 Independent Living Centers (ILCs) as part of the State’s plan to the program for New York’s home care users.

Amanda Lothrop, Medicaid Chief Operating Officer for the New York State Department of Health, said, “This is really meant to provide a simplification and administrative ease to the program.”

But the plan continues to face ongoing criticism and concerns over potential service disruptions.

Critics argue that the overhaul could complicate care for those who rely on the program.

On Friday, faith leaders have joined the opposition, urging the state to pause the transition.

In a letter sent Friday to the state health commissioner, 34 faith leaders expressed their concerns, stating, “The rushed, opaque nature of transitioning administrative responsibilities to Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) threatens to dismantle a vital lifeline for many New Yorkers and ignores the sustained voices of opposition from minority and vulnerable communities.”

Despite the pushback, state officials remain firm that services will not be disrupted.

The transition involves moving CDPAP to Public Partnerships LLC, a change that state officials claim will streamline financial management and improve program efficiency.

“This allows the consumers who are already working with the Independent Living Centers to just continue doing so. The Independent Living Centers will handle most of the paperwork and administrative effort for them behind the scenes,” said Lothrop.

“No one needs to lose access to the care that they have as a result of this program. You will not lose access to your home care as a result of this transition,” she added.

The official switch to PPL is scheduled for April 1, with users required to transition their information by March 28. Lothrop reassured,

CDPAP consumers can begin registering now as part of this transition through one of these options:

• Option 1: Call PPL’s support center at 1-833-247-5346 or TTY: 1-833-204-9042 and a PPL team member will help you complete the process.
• Option 2: Access PPL@Home by going to PPL’s website at pplfirst.com/cdpap.
• Option 3: Work with PPL or another approved CDPAP facilitator, including ILCs, who can guide you through the process. A list of approved CDPAP facilitators can be found here: CDPAP Facilitators | PPL First

The New York State Department of Health says it’s working closely with PPL to facilitate a smooth registration and transition process.