Week Starting – June 21, 2024 Updated 06/23/2023 Note: To attract PCA’s to Consumer Job Searches, the following link http://edlitcher.hypermart.net/ListofAvailableJobs.txt has been added to both Craigslist Advertisements https://newyork.craigslist.org See the recently modified advertisement. Search: (consumerdirectedservices) - in Jobs – for the PCA Advertisement Search: (consumerdirectedservices) - in Services – for the Consumer Advertisement Hopefully this will help. Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) Scope and Procedures https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/publications/adm/11adm6.htm List of CDPAP Provider Contract Awardees https://www.health.ny.gov/funding/rfo/20039/docs/awardees_names_and_counties.pdf Articles May 24, 2024 How a Medicaid ‘Cut’ Could Lead to More Unionization of Home Care Aides Intro Statement – Pages 01 Consumer Listing – Pages 03 PCA Information – Pages 06 PCA Candidates – Page 07 Articles – Pages 16 Finding a New PCA - DIA Information -Page 20 Able News – Page 21 Independent Living Centers – Page 22 Alternative Resources - Page 23 Find My (FI) - Questions to consider when changing your (FI) CDPAP Provider - Page 24 On September 16, 2013, the New York State Department of State accepted the Certificate of Incorporation submitted by Consumer Directed Services, Inc. under section 404 of the Not-for-Profit Law. A certificate that included the following statement: We are pilgrims on a journey; we are travelers on the road. We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load. Excerpt from - The Servant Song- Richard Gillard (1974) To assist Consumers with the problem of finding new Personal Care Assistants, Consumer Directed Services, Inc. created a FREE Employment Information Bridge between Consumers and Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Candidates. Consumers / Advocates To search for a PCA Candidate, complete the form at the following link Consumer / Advocate - Search for a PCA Candidate. When your information is received it will be enrolled in the email database, and posted on the website for a month, distributed to all of the members of the Consumer Directed Services database (Consumers, PCA Candidates, and a variety of other Employment Resources), and published in the Consumer Directed Services Newsletter for a month. To just add your information to the Consumer Directed Services database, a Consumer or Advocate need only send me an email to elitcher@consumerdirectedservices.com and include your name and the text Newsletter Request. When your information is received it will be enrolled in the email database and you will begin receiving future issues of the Consumer Directed Services Newsletter and other emails related to the program's goal. Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Candidates To include your information in the Newsletter and email database, complete the form at the following link: Look for a PCA Job (FREE) - New York City Metro. When your information is received, your information will be published in the Newsletter for a month, and you will begin receiving future issues of the Consumer Directed Services Newsletter and other emails related to the program's goal. Also, to access our list of Currently Available Jobs, please use the following link: JOBS Previously distributed Newsletters have been archived on the Consumer Directed Services home page. Finally, if you have any questions, comments, or recommendations about this service, or should you wish to remove your address from this list, please contact send an email to elitcher@consumerdirectedservices.com. Best Regards Ed Litcher Consumers Searching Consumers Wanted: For an Employment Information Bridge to work it requires traffic to flow in both directions. If you are in a Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, you will eventually need to find a new Home Care Worker. And up to now you may have relied upon Friends, Family, an Agency or you may have chosen to put your own advertisement on the Internet (See the list of Internet resources on the PCA Employment Agency page of this newsletter). Therefore, to help you find the PCA Candidate of your choice, I urge you, to do everything you ordinarily do, to consider an Internet resource and to try www.ConsumerDirectedServices.com. Finally, if you try Consumer Directed Services, please spread the word. Tell your friends and associates about this FREE service. Joann Vitiello () on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 12:39:28 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighborhood Name: Coney Island City, Town, County or Borough: Brooklyn Available Transportation: Subway, Bus, Train, Auto, Phone: 718 -372-8425 Best Time: 10 am -5pm E-mail: joseann1724@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Consumer Age: Older than 70 Consumer Gender: Female Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Candidate Experience: Seniors, Wheelchairs, Description of Languages: English Preferred Candidate Gender: Female Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity, Recommendations Hours: 12 hrs. Start Time: 8am-8pm Description of Schedule: 8am to8pm or 8pm to 8am Pay Per Hour: $20.00 Comments: Be able to transfer from wheelchair to bed and from wheelchair to toilet YiLin Choi () on Sunday, May 28, 2024 at 13:26:47 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighborhood Name: Union Square City, Town, County or Borough: Manhattan, New York City Available Transportation: Subway, Bus, Auto Phone: 913-626-2913 Best Time: 7-10pm Consumer Age: Younger than 21 Consumer Gender: Male Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Candidate Experience: Young Adults, Seniors, Quadriplegia, Wheelchairs, Lifters, Other Equipment Preferred Candidate Gender: No Preference Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity, Recommendations Hours: 5 Days: 5 Start Time: 6pm Description of Schedule: escort to activities, prepare and help with dinner, restroom needs, bathing, transfer to bed Pay Per Hour: 22 Comments: Should be able to transfer consumer from bed to wheelchair to shower chair, housekeeping, will train. Maria () on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 22:32:41 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighborhood Name: CANARSIE City, Town, County or Borough: Brooklyn Available Transportation: Subway, Bus, Train, Auto Phone: 917-549-4352 Best Time: 10AM-11PM E-mail: jgallo546@gmail.com Consumer Gender: Female Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Other Employees Description of Other Type of Candidates: PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANT Candidate Experience: Children, Young Adults, Paraplegia, Hemiplegia, Wheelchairs, Lifters, Languages Description of Languages: ENGLISH / SPANISH Preferred Candidate Gender: Female Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity Hours: 12 Days: 4 Start Time: 8AM Description of Schedule: FLEXIBLE Pay Per Hour: 20.00 Comments: SOMEONE UPBEAT And MOTIVATED, WILLING TO BE A PART OF MY WORLD. I AM VERY OUTGOING And LIVE AN ACTIVE LIFE DAILY. I PREFER SOMEONE WHO CAN FOLLOW And IS WILLING TO HELP ME ACHIEVE MY GOALS TO A HEALTHY, HAPPY QUALITY OF LIFE. PCA Information Consumer Directed Services is not an Agency and makes no representation (positive or negative) regarding the appropriateness of any PCA Candidate, or the terms and conditions of any employment relationship. All employment and payment decisions are the exclusive responsibility of the Consumer. Although there is no specific training, certification or licensure prerequisite, beyond that required or provided by the Consumer, if you are seeking employment from a Consumer who is receiving their service authorization from a New York State Medicaid funded Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, the Consumer is permitted to consider your employment only if you can pass ALL of the following New York State reviews. 1. You are an adult of at least 18 years of age. 2. The Consumer is not your spouse or (if the Consumer is younger then 21) is not your child. 3. You do not live in the home of the Consumer (unless their service requires it). 4. You are not the Designated Representative (Surrogate) of the Consumer. 5. You do not have any financial control over the Consumer. 6. Your information must pass a Federal and State Government Exclusion List Review. 7 You have a verifiable Social Security number and the qualified documents needed to prove that you are eligible to work in the United States. The State of New York also requires each Personal Care Assistant to complete a Health Assessment BEFORE you begin work. The Health Assessment includes: - A basic physical exam - blood pressure, height, weight, etc. - A TB (Tuberculosis) Screen (PPD) or a chest x-ray if the test is positive or if the test would not be appropriate - A Measles and Rubella Screen or Vaccine - A drug test of Urine (forensic toxicology) - Documentation of vaccination against influenza, or wearing of a surgical or procedure mask during the influenza season In addition to the above New York State requirements, the municipality in which the Consumer lives may also impose additional health assessments or legal reviews. The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program your Consumer chooses will require the completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (Consumer / Personal Care Assistant Agreement) to clarify the employment relationship, and they may require other documents to help them effectively complete their role as the Consumers Fiscal Intermediary. PCA Candidates Hrisoula Mihelis () on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 15:26:33 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: Orange county Middletown NY Phone: 646-920-9785 Best Time: Any time E-mail: Cmihelis@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: 2 Enrolled with a CDPAP: No Experience: Children, Teens, Young Adults, Seniors, Wheelchairs, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Languages Description of Languages: Greek Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity Certificate/License: Personal Care, Driver's License Hours per Week: 40 Days per Week: 5 Preferred Start Time: 5 pm I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: Yes Target Salary Per Hour: 20 Comments: I have experience in working with patients as a personal care assistant with CDPAP. I am certified as a personal care assistant, and I possess excellent communication skills and I am punctual and dedicated. I like helping others and I look forward to meeting new people and assisting them with their daily needs. Sakyra Stone () on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 20:16:56 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 126 Merrick Road Apt 2 Amityville NY 11701 Phone: 631-229-4656 Best Time: 11am E-mail: ms86kyra1619@icloud.com Type of Position: Domestic / Homemaking Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: No Experience: Seniors, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity Description of Other Certificate/License: State ID, CPR/AED (adult, child, infant) Hours per Week: 35 Days per Week: 4 Preferred Start Time: 10 Days I Would Like to Work: Monday, Tuesday Thursday Saturday I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: No Target Salary Per Hour: $26.00 Comments: Experienced and motivated medical professional with exceptional patient and customer service skills. Knowledge of Excel and word Experience with practice management software Eagle Soft I am motivated and have an ambitious attitude Excellent communication skill and a friendly personality. Has 2 years of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Shataya () on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 12:26:16 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: Manhattan Phone: 914-320-4789 Best Time: Any E-mail: S.prioleau@ymail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: 12 Enrolled with a CDPAP: Yes CDPAP Agency Name(s): Chinese American and Concepts Experience: Children, Teens, Young Adults, Seniors, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Wheelchairs, Lifters, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Visual / Auditory Impairments Description of Languages: English Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity Certificate/License: Other Description of Other Certificate/License: Med tech Days I Would Like to Work: Mon-Fri I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: No Target Salary Per Hour: 20 Comments: I've been a caregiver for twelve years now. I’ve worked with patients from ages 8-96 years old one on one in their home. I’m experienced in working with autistic children/adults, dementia, quadriplegic, spinal injury, bed bound and visually impaired clients. I’m knowledgeable in working with g tubes and Hoyer lifts as well. I am vaccinated and a certified med tech. Katie () on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 11:05:55 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: Nassau county Phone: 917-880-6970 Best Time: Available E-mail: Marinokatie06@gmail.com Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Description of Other Type of Position: Medical certified as well Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: 1 year Experience: Children, Teens, Young Adults, Seniors, Amputation, Ventilators, Special Diets, Languages Description of Languages: English Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Certificate/License: Personal Care, Home Health Aide, Driver's License, Hours per Week: 40 Days per Week: 5/6 Days I Would Like to Work: Monday threw sat I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: No Target Salary Per Hour: 20/30 Target Salary Per Day: Hour Comments: Been doing for 18 years dedicated love people in need of care to live healthy and amazing life Luis Meza () on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 16:23:13 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 357 48th Street Phone: 718-930-7958 Best Time: Afternoon E-mail: mezal3106@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Male Type of Position: Other Type of Position Description of Other Type of Position: CDPAP Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: 4 Enrolled with a CDPAP: Yes CDPAP Agency Name(s): Concept of independence Experience: Young Adults, Seniors, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Ventilators, Wheelchairs, Languages Description of Languages: Spanish and English Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Description of Other Certificate/License: Ex EMT and CNA license Hours per Week: 40+ Days per Week: 3-5 Days I Would Like to Work: Monday- Friday I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: No sleep in Target Salary Per Hour: 20 Tasha Maxam () on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 17:48:34 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 746 Nereid Avenue Bronx New York 10466 Phone: 347-883-6628 Best Time: Any time E-mail: Tasha201377@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: No Consumer/Surrogate References Available: No Enrolled with a CDPAP: No Experience: Children, Seniors, Other Equipment, Special Diets, Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Certificate/License: Personal Care, Driver's License, Hours per Week: 35 Days per Week: 6 Preferred Start Time: 6pm Target Salary Per Hour: 25 Target Salary Per Day: 200 Target Salary Per Week: 800 Thomas Baez () on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 04:21:15 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: Castle Hill Ave Bronx New York 10473 Phone: 929-490-8055 Best Time: 12-12 E-mail: thomasbrendan93@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Male Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: 2 Enrolled with a CDPAP: Yes CDPAP Agency Name(s): Freedom Care Experience: Teens, Young Adults, Seniors, Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Certificate/License: Personal Care, Hours per Week: 20 Days per Week: 4 I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: Yes Target Salary Per Hour: 19 Comments: Friendly and willing to work Mansur Khalimov () on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 00:02:11 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 129 Ocean View Avenue Phone: 223-254-8714 Best Time: Afternoon E-mail: mansurkhal@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Male Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: 0.5 Enrolled with a CDPAP: No Experience: Teens, Young Adults, Seniors, Lifters, Languages Description of Languages: Russian, English Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: No Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: No Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Recommendations Certificate/License: Driver's License, Hours per Week: 72 Days per Week: 6 Preferred Start Time: 9-9 Days I Would Like to Work: Sun, Mon, Wd, Th, Fr, Sat I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: Yes Target Salary Per Hour: 22 Comments: I can cook, can drive a car and bring a person to a needed location. I can do cleaning and to help a person to move and do daily routine, do laundry, do emails, and take him or her for a walk. Akil Peters () on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 20:00:57 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- City, Town, County or Borough: Brooklyn Available Transportation: Train, Phone: 929-345-5450 Best Time: Mornings E-mail: C_alike@yahoo.com Email Authorization: Yes Consumer Age: Between 31 and 50 Consumer Gender: Male Payroll Method: Self Pay Type of Candidates: Domestic / Homemaking Candidate Experience: Seniors, Preferred Candidate Gender: Female Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity, Recommendations Hours: 24 Days: 5 Start Time: 80 Pay Per Hour: 35 Pay Per Day: 840 Pay Per Week: 4200 Comments: Will like to do 24 hours cases 16 hours a day and long term cases Michelle Doe () on Wednesday, May 28, 2024 at 14:59:53 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Phone: 646-691-1954 Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Enrolled with a CDPAP: Yes CDPAP Agency Name(s): American Experience: Seniors, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Review Problem: No? Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Certificate/License: Personal Care, Home Health Aide, Driver's License, Hours per Week: 50 Days per Week: 4 Days I Would Like to Work: Monday-Thursday I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: Yes Target Salary Per Hour: 25 Target Salary Per Day: 300 DaShell Ellis Walker () on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 09:40:31 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: Manhattan Phone: 718-200-5400 Best Time: Any E-mail: dashellelliswalker@yahoo.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: No Experience: Children, Teens, Young Adults, Seniors, Wheelchairs, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Special Diets, Description of Special Diets: Kosher Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Certificate/License: Personal Care, Days I Would Like to Work: Any I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: Yes Danielle Artist () on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 06:43:44 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 225 Division Ave Brooklyn, New York 11211 Phone: 347-880-9971 Best Time: 10-4pm E-mail: d.artist81@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: No Enrolled with a CDPAP: No Experience: Children, Teens, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Amputation, Lifters, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Visual / Auditory Impairments, Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: Yes Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: Yes Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity, Recommendations Certificate/License: Driver's License, Hours per Week: 6-8 Days per Week: 3 Preferred Start Time: 8am I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: yes weekends only Target Salary Per Hour: $16-$17 Target Salary Per Day: $120 Comments: I have 20 years P plus experience in the health care field. I have my CPR, food handlers, blood pathogen certification. Christopher Gonzalez () on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 08:05:41 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 1489 Grand Concourse, Bronx, New York 10452 Phone: 917-309-6675 Best Time: 2:00pm E-mail: Athosgunzo@gmail.com Gender: Male Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Description of Other Type of Position: All I want to expand Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: No Consumer/Surrogate References Available: No Enrolled with a CDPAP: No Experience: Children, Teens, Young Adults Can pass the New York State Review: Yes Had a Health Assessment in the past 12 months: No Have or can get a copy of my recent Health Assessment: No Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity Certificate/License: Other Hours per Week: 40 Preferred Start Time: 5am Days I Would Like to Work: Friday-Sunday I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: Yes Target Salary Per Hour: 20 Comments: You tell me what you desire like a GI Joe I’m on it , I’m trying to change my career (chef) I have experience working with children and adults my nephew and older brother are both autistic . I love working with children and I’m willing to take and undergo any test or exam. Articles Related to the CDPAP How a Medicaid ‘Cut’ Could Lead to More Unionization of Home Care Aides by Bill Hammond May 24, 2024 A money-saving maneuver in the newly enacted Medicaid budget could end up increasing costs in the long term – by paving the way for more unionization of the state’s burgeoning home health workforce. In an overhaul of Medicaid’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (1), or CDPAP, lawmakers voted to consolidate payroll processing and other functions under a single statewide “fiscal intermediary” – replacing hundreds of companies and organizations that currently service the program’s beneficiaries. The Hochul administration has said the change would save Medicaid hundreds of millions of dollars per year. However, switching to a single fiscal intermediary would also facilitate unionization, because one large employer would be easier to organize than lots of smaller ones. The policy change thus handed a strategic victory to the health-care union 1199 SEIU (2),which used its considerable clout to advance the proposal late in budget negotiations. The union, which already represents many agency-based home care aides, has been seeking to organize CDPAP workers (3) for several years and has succeeded (4) in some cases. The new budget gives it a chance to gain hundreds of thousands of members and tens of millions in additional dues revenue. The restructuring of the program was opposed (5) by many of its disabled beneficiaries, who fear disruption of the services they depend on for their well-being. Also in opposition were most existing fiscal intermediaries, who face losing a source of revenue or being put out of business. For home care aides employed through the program, the change would be a mixed blessing. Collective bargaining could be expected to boost wages. At the same time, low-income people caring for their elderly relatives or disabled children could find themselves mandated to pay dues-like fees, as has happened in some other states (6). CDPAP is an alternative to traditional home care for elderly and disabled Medicaid recipients. Instead of relying on workers employed by home-care agencies, the CDPAP clients hire, train and manage caregivers of their own choosing, who can be family members or friends, with Medicaid paying their wages. Fiscal intermediaries play a middle-man role in the program, handling payroll processing and other administrative duties in return for fees from the state. The previously little-known program has mushroomed in recent years, with enrollment spiking from 12,000 to 250,000 – a more than 20-fold increase – between 2015 and 2023, and costs soaring into the billions of dollars. In her January budget proposal (7), Governor Hochul proposed to contain this spending by making CDPAP caregivers ineligible for “wage parity” (8) supplements mandated for downstate home care workers. The Assembly (9) and Senate (10) rejected that idea and proposed instead to eliminate the insurance companies, known as managed long-term care plans, that oversee CDPAP, traditional home care and other long-term care benefits under contract with the state. As negotiations dragged beyond the March 31 budget deadline, 1199 threw its support behind establishing a single fiscal intermediary – an idea that had previously received little discussion in Albany. The proposal drew bitter opposition from both fiscal intermediaries and their clients, who staged protests at the Capitol (11). It also met with resistance from rank-and-file legislators. Behind the scenes, 1199 lobbied legislators to support the plan. It also brokered a compromise (12) with some opponents – requiring the statewide fiscal intermediary to subcontract with certain long-standing fiscal intermediaries, allowing them to stay in business. Despite lingering opposition, the proposal made its way into the final version of the health and mental hygiene budget bill (13), A. 8807 and S. 1507, which was made public on April 19 and approved by both houses later that same day. This would not be the first time that state policy has promoted unionization of the program. The budget for fiscal 2020 mandated that the Health Department conduct a procurement process (14) for fiscal intermediaries that was meant to winnow their ranks. In its procurement guidelines (15), the department said winning bidders would have to “acknowledge their status as a joint employer” (16) of CDPAP caregivers – which would put them in a position to negotiate contracts on their behalf. Previously, the aides’ only official employer was the CDPAP client. That earlier procurement was canceled as part of the just-enacted budget – but the “joint employer” requirement can be expected to reappear in the contract for a single fiscal intermediary. The abrupt approval process for the new restructuring plan raises doubts about its design, viability and impact. According to the adopted legislation (17), the Health Department must publish a request for proposals, receive bids, identify a contractor, negotiate a contract and implement the changeover of more than 250,000 CDPAP recipients before April 2025, when most existing fiscal intermediaries will be legally barred from continuing to do business. This schedule will be challenging to keep, even in the absence of court challenges – which are almost certain to come. (It’s worth noting that the previous procurement process had taken four years before being canceled.) The state also faces the task of switching hundreds of thousands of recipients to a new provider when many of their existing providers have little incentive to cooperate. Another question is how much the state can expect to save, and when. The consolidation could be expected to create economies of scale. It would also give state officials an opportunity to limit or abolish the type of marketing (18) that has been done by existing fiscal intermediaries, which has contributed to surging enrollment. However, the Hochul administration has tentatively estimated that the changeover will reduce spending by $200 million in the current fiscal year (19) – coincidentally the same amount the governor projected (20) would be saved by her original plan to trim wage supplements. Since the new system is unlikely to be in place before next spring, it’s hard to see how those early savings would be generated. Given these doubts and complexities, state officials will almost certainly have to revisit and rethink the switch to a single fiscal intermediary before it comes to pass. https://www.empirecenter.org/publications/more-unionization-of-home-care-aides/ Links included in above article 1. https://www.health.ny.gov/health_care/medicaid/program/longterm/cdpap.htm 2. https://www.1199seiu.org/ 3. https://cdpapworkersunited.org/ 4. https://www.1199seiu.org/join/historic-victory-nearly-6000-cdpap-caregivers-join-1199seiu 5. https://ilny.us/press-releases/529-disability-rights-advocates-rally-against-hochul-administrations-misdirected-attacks-on-the-consumer- 6. https://www.freedomfoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Getting-Organized-at-Home.pdf 7. https://www.budget.ny.gov/pubs/archive/fy25/ex/index.html 8. https://dol.ny.gov/home-health-care-aides-and-wage-parity 9. https://nyassembly.gov/Reports/WAM/AssemblyBudgetProposal/2024/ 10. https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/R1952 11. https://www.timesunion.com/state/article/health-advocates-decry-changes-long-term-home-19399769.php 12. https://cdrnys.org/blog/advocacy/disability-activists-achieve-historic-win-save-ilcs-as-fis-for-cdpap/ 13. https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A08807&term=2023&Summary=Y&Text=Y 14. https://www.health.ny.gov/funding/rfo/20039/ 15. https://www.health.ny.gov/funding/rfo/20039/docs/20039.pdf#page=8 16. https://www.empirecenter.org/publications/a-medicaid-boost-for-unions/ 17. https://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&leg_video=&bn=A08807&term=2023&Summary=Y&Text=Y 18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4rHiRsfv2g&list=TLGGM4Xow72pahgyNDA1MjAyNA&t=1s 19. https://www.budget.ny.gov/pubs/press/2024/fy25-enacted-agreement.html 20. https://www.budget.ny.gov/pubs/archive/fy25/ex/fp/fy25fp-ex-amend.pdf#page=120 Finding a New PCA United Spinal Association, https://unitedspinal.org/ Best tips and strategies for finding and hiring a PCA. https://unitedspinal.org/best-tips-and-strategies-for-finding-and-hiring-pcas/ Annie Streit, Grassroots Advocacy Manager, Aug 23, 2023 How to Secure Housing and Manage PCA Services at College https://newmobility.com/how-to-secure-housing-and-manage-pca-services-at-college/ Annie Tulkin, March 29, 2022 Managing Personal Assistants: A Consumer Guide https://pva.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/persasstfc6d.pdf Paralyzed Veterans of America, 2000 Disabled in Action of Metropolitan New York The "DIA Activist" News Letter can be found online at: http://largestminority.net/activist.html or https://www.disabledinaction.org/ The Largest Minority is a news, opinion and resource web site on issues of concern and interest to the community of people with a disability. It is produced in conjunction with Disabled In Action of Metropolitan New York. DIA Membership: A civil rights organization committed to ending discrimination against people with disabilities that believes in the motto, "Nothing about us without us!" Everyone is welcome. For Dues and Meeting information, please visit https://www.disabledinaction.org/ If you're on Twitter or Facebook - http://www.twitter.com/DIA_ New York https://www.facebook.com/ Disabled-In-Action-of- Metropolitan-New-York The next DIA meetings will be held Selis Manor 135 W 23rd Street between 6th and 7th Avenues - 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. Sunday June 2nd to discuss disability rights, talk about what has been happening at the MTA and their court cases. Bring concerns that you have about disability access. Come for lively discussion and brainstorming on changes we can make as well as learn what we have been up to and are planning to do to advance the cause of disability rights. In case of extremely bad weather, you can call the DIA phone number - 646-504-4342 - after 6pm the Saturday night before to find out if the meeting will be cancelled. Our meetings are usually held on the 1st Sunday of the month. We only do the second Sunday if a holiday falls right on that day or if there is a big NYC event that makes getting around extra difficult such as the marathon, or if the weather is impassable or dangerous. Our new phone number is 646-504-4342. Our new mailing address is Disabled In Action PO Box 1550, New York, NY 10159 Able Newspaper As March begins, we’re happy to share that the latest digital edition of Able News is now live! With expanded original reporting on wheelchair sports, transportation accessibility, local news, and more, you won’t want to miss this issue. We’re glad you’re part of our growing community as our journey continues under new editorial leadership at The Viscardi Center. Thank you for reading! With appreciation, Emily Ladau Editor, Able News https://ablenews.com/latest-edition/ SUBMIT NEWS ITEMS TO ABLENEWS@VISCARDICENTER.ORG. Ablenews@viscardicenter.org Local Independent Living Centers • Bronx Independent Living Services, Inc. (BILS) 4419 Third Ave, #2C, Bronx, NY 10457 TEL 718 515-2800 x 116 / TTY 718 515-2803 / FAX 718 515-2844 • Brooklyn Center for Independence of the Disabled (BCID) 27 Smith St, #200, Brooklyn, NY 11201 TEL 718 998-3000 / TTY 718 998-7406 / FAX 718 998-3743 • Center for Independence of the Disabled in NY (CID-NY) (Manhattan) 841 Broadway, #301, New York, NY 10003 TEL 212 674-2300 V / TTY 212-674–5619 / FAX 212-254-5953 • CID-NY/Queens - 137-02A Northern Blvd, Flushing, NY 11354 Phone: 646-442-1520 / Sorenson VP 866-948-1064 / TTY 718-886-0427 / Fax 718-886-0428 • Harlem Independent Living Center (HILC) (Manhattan) 289 St. Nicholas Ave, #21 Lower Level, New York, NY 10027 TEL: 212-222–7122 / Sorenson VP 646-755-3092 / Relay 866-326-5876 / FAX 212-222-7199 / info@hilc.org • Staten Island Center for Independent Living (SIILC) 470 Castleton Ave, Staten Island, NY 10301 TEL 718-720-9016 / TTY 718-720-9870 / FAX 718-720-9664 • Long Island Center for Independent Living (LICIL) (Nassau Co) 3601 Hempstead Turnpike, #208, Levittown, NY 11756 TEL 516-796-0144 / TEL (Espanol) 516-796-6176 / TTY 516-796-0135 / FAX 516-796-0529 / licil@aol.com • Self Initiated Living Options, Inc. (SILO) (Suffolk Co) 2111 Lakeland Ave, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779 TEL 631-880-7929 / TTY 631-654-8076 / FAX 631-946-6377 / contact@siloinc.org • Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC) (Westchester/White Plains) 200 Hamilton Ave, White Plains, NY 10601 TEL 914-682-3926 / TTY 914-682-0926 / Sorenson Video Phone 866-933 5390 / FAX 914-682-8518 • Westchester Disabled on the Move, Inc. (WDOM) Westchester/Yonkers) 984 No. Broadway, #L-10, Yonkers, NY 10701 TEL 914-968-4717 V & TTY / FAX 914-968-6137 Alternative Resources The following resources MAY help Consumers find new Personal Care Assistant (PCA) Candidates and manage the CDPAP. (Suggestions Welcome) Employment Kingsborough Comm. College, Marisa Joseph 2001 Oriental Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11235 marisa.joseph@kbcc.cuny.edu 718-368-5563 NYC Technical College Placement Office pdc@citytech.cuny.edu (718) 260-5050 Advertising Able Newspaper Cost $5 for each 5 word line (or part) – 30days Phone: 516-939-2253 www.ablenews.com Classified Ads, Cost Free http://www.classifiedads.com/post.php Craigslist, Cost $45.00 (30 days) http://newyork.craigslist.org/ Barefootstudent.com - $75 per month Employment site for recruiting college grads and nearby students. System Navigation Homecare Planning Solutions http://www.hpsny.org/learning-center/home-care/enroll-in-cdpap/ 718-215-0926 Assistance with enrolling in a CDPAP, or questions about CDPAP Call to speak with a specialist. Never any charge for their help Independent Consumer Advocacy Network (ICAN) ICAN helps people in New York’s Managed Care Plans Call (844) 614-8800 TTY Relay Service: 711 https://icannys.org/ Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program Focus - Medicaid, Medicare, home care services, and public benefits issues affecting older adults & people with disabilities 212.613.7310 Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EFLRP@nylag.org Find My FI https://cdpaanys.org/findmyfi/ CDPAANYS recommends doing thorough research before selecting a fiscal intermediary. Wages, benefits, and programs can vary between providers. Your Medicaid service coordinator or plan care manager should provide you with a list of all options. The fiscal intermediaries listed on this site are current provider members of CDPAANYS. Our members have all been screened and interviewed before joining to ensure they operate according to the principles and philosophy of Consumer Direction. Your FI should never ask for your workers to sign a non-compete agreement. Questions to consider if changing your (FI) CDPAP Provider In addition to considering the items you already value such as personal recommendations, information contained in company advertisements, or other local factors; when considering a new CPAPA provider agency, you may wish to consider some of the following questions. Please note: the agency may choose not to answer any of your questions, but even that may help you to decide if the agency is a good fit for you and your circumstances. • Name of Agency • Address • Contact Person • Contact Telephone • Contact Email Address • Website • Counties Served • Managed Care Providers • Direct County or DSS Contracts • Number of Years Providing Home Care Services • Number of Years Providing Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services • Percent CDPAP Consumers verses total Home Care Consumers. • Will your agency be required to participate in the Electronic Visit Verification Program? • If I change between provider agencies will my service authorization change? • What is included in the PCA’s wage and benefit package? • Does the agency provide a recruitment assistance resource to help me attract new PCA’s? • Positions occupied by Consumers: 1. Service Recipients 2. Client Advisory Members 3. Board Members 4. Employees 5. Other • If Consumers are on the Board of Director, what percent of the Board is controlled by Consumers? • What are some of the reasons for becoming a CDPAP Provider Agency? 1. Is the program the corporation’s primary mission? 2. Does the program help the corporation achieve its goal of consumer empowerment? 3. Does the agency also serve offer traditional home care services? 4. Did the corporation choose to become a provider because the CDPAP provided a more cost-effective service solution for consumers with more complex service needs? 5. Did the corporation choose to become a provider because the CDPAP allow you to diversify your mix of services? 6. Did the corporation choose to become a provider because the CDPAP business model offered an opportunity that could benefit both the corporation and the consumers? 7. Other • What are some of the Problems with the CDPAP (Besides inadequate reimbursement)? 1. Does the model complicate the process of utilizing the corporation’s proven systems of quality and fiscal control? 2. Does the model facilitate and encourage Consumer fraud and abuse? 3. Does the model complicate the process of complying with and controlling new regulatory requirements, such as overtime, sleep-in, and joint employment? 4. Is it difficult to maintain a clear line of separation between agency and consumer responsibilities? 5. Does the consumer’s problem of locating suitable PCA’s, and managing the delivery of services create situations that are too difficult for some consumers? 6. Is it administratively difficult to manage the problem of collecting all the required PCA documents without compromising consumer independence or program liability? 7. Other • Why Should a Consumer choose your Agency? • Other Comments about your Agency