Important Update on CDPAP Transition to Single Payer Fiscal Intermediary System for Medicaid Recipients
As we previously shared with our clients and professional partners, New York State has instituted a new rule requiring all Medicaid recipients utilizing the CDPAP (Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program) program to transition to one centralized fiscal intermediary designated to administer the CDPAP program and issue payments to CDPAP care providers.
The transition deadline for both consumers and care providers to complete their registration with the state’s new single Fiscal Intermediary, Public Partnerships LLC (“PPL”), was March 28, 2025, and PPL officially took over all CDPAP services starting on April 1, 2025.
Status of the Transition and Ongoing Legal Negotiations
The transition to the single Fiscal Intermediary has been the subject of litigation, some of which remains ongoing.
On March 31, 2025, a Temporary Restraining Order was issued by a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, which was subsequently clarified by a further Order on April 2, 2025, ordering that the state “must ensure and take whatever action necessary to ensure that all CDPAP consumers and Personal Assistants who received care and payment before April 1, 2025, regardless of their present registration status, shall continue to receive care from their existing Personal Assistants, who shall be timely paid for their services.”
A hearing has since been held regarding the motion for a Preliminary Injunction on April 4, 2025, and negotiations are continuing between the litigants, with the New York State Department of Health signaling that it may be willing to consider a potential settlement that includes a mutually agreed-upon injunction. The situation is still evolving, with a further update expected by Tuesday, April 8, 2025, when the parties are directed to provide a status update to the Court.
New York State Department of Health Issues Updates Regarding Payment Procedures for CDPAP Caregivers Amidst Transition and Pending Litigation
On April 4, 2025, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) posted important updates regarding the transition to PPL as the new “single Fiscal Intermediary” for CDPAP participants in the Medicaid program, including instructions regarding how participants can address certain potential issues with payment for services provided during the course of this transition and the pending litigation.
What CDPAP Caregivers Should Do If They Are Unable to Report Work Hours
For Personal Assistants (PAs) who have already registered with PPL but are facing issues with logging their hours of care provided, the Department of Health has issued temporary instructions to ensure that caregivers can log their hours and be compensated for their services. These individuals should follow the procedure outlined below:
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Record Time on Paper Timesheet: If you're unable to log your hours through the new PPL system, you can still submit your timesheet manually. The State has provided a paper timesheet (fillable version here) for this purpose.
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Submission of Timesheets: Once completed, the timesheet can be submitted to PPL via fax at 1-844-244-4384 or by email to NYCDPAP_TS@pplfirst.com. A physical mailing address is also listed on the form for those who prefer to submit their timesheets by mail.
Important Action for Consumers Who Have Not Completed Registration with PPL
If you are a Personal Assistant who has not yet started the registration process with PPL, it is essential that the CDPAP consumer (the individual receiving services) reaches out to their Managed Care Organization (MCO) or Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). Those receiving CDPAP approved by their local DSS (such as the HRA in New York City) should immediately contact their MCO or local DSS for further guidance. It is crucial to inform them of the situation to ensure your Personal Assistants are paid according to the Temporary Restraining Order issued by a federal judge. Consumers can use the following suggested wording when contacting their MCO or DSS:
"I am a consumer who has not yet started or completed my registration with Public Partnerships LLC, and I wish to have my personal assistants stay with my prior Fiscal Intermediary. I understand that, pursuant to the Temporary Restraining Order issued by a federal judge, my assistants must be paid."
For those seeking assistance with this process, the Home Care Services Program Central Intake can be reached at 929-221-8851 or 929-221-8889.
Stay Updated
As the transition to PPL continues and negotiations surrounding the motion for a preliminary injunction unfold, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments. For further updates, please visit the Department of Health's website for ongoing information regarding timesheet submissions and the status of the transition.
As always, our Elder Law attorneys are here to support you with any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions and continue to check our blog for ongoing updates about the Medicaid CDPAP transition process.