Nassau Standard

The transition to a new system for the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) has been met with significant opposition. The program allows elderly and disabled New Yorkers to employ and manage personal assistants using Medicaid funds through a fiscal intermediary. Last year's State Budget introduced a change requiring all participants to use Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL) as the singular fiscal intermediary, backed by a $9 billion contract.

This change has introduced complexities and concerns among program participants. Reports suggest that roughly 60,000 individuals have already left CDPAP in favor of different personal care services. Additionally, around 40,000 people have not yet transitioned to PPL, despite the deadline passing.

The transition has prompted delays in implementation due to court interventions and drawn bipartisan support for a suspension. Advocates emphasize the policy's potential to create barriers for those needing essential personal assistants for their daily life.

"CDPAP is supposed to be a lifeline for some of our most vulnerable citizens," a statement noted. The changes, critics argue, have transformed it into "a bureaucratic nightmare."

There is a call to action for the Governor and the State Department of Health to halt the transition process. The appeal seeks a pause on the policy and demands a comprehensive public review, highlighting the significant impact on New Yorkers relying on the program.