Week Starting – October 18, 2024 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 Intro Statement – Pages 01 Consumer Listing – Pages 03 PCA Information – Pages 06 PCA Candidates – Page 08 Articles – Pages 11 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 Note: Sorry for my long absence. I am sorry to read that under the Governor’s new plan for the CDPAP Concepts will no longer serve Consumers from its home communities. I guess the people who are currently being served in NYC will be moved to another agency and I hope the staff, some of whom have been there for more than 20 years, will be accommodated in some way. Unfortunately, the more I read, the more I realize that the CDPAP of today has almost no connection to the relatively simple, funds saving, consumer empowering, program, that was Directed by Consumers and that I helped to build. I can only hope that light will be found at the end of the long tunnel we are in. Here's Hoping Ed 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. Elizabeth () on Tuesday, October 8, 2024 at 07:17:32 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighborhood Name: Clinton Hill City, Town, County or Borough: Brooklyn Available Transportation: Subway, Bus, Train Phone: 607-351-2924 Email: kwis@outlook.com Consumer Age: Between 31 and 50 Consumer Gender: Female Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Candidate Experience: Young Adults,, Quadriplegia,, Wheelchairs,, Lifters, Preferred Candidate Gender: Female Required Documentation: Social Security Number,, Proof of Identity,, Recommendations Hours: 12 - Days: 1-2 Start Time: 8pm Description of Schedule: overnight shift Pay Per Hour: 20 Eula Woodberry () on Tuesday, October 1, 2024 at 10:31:12 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- City, Town, County or Borough: Manhattan Phone: 646-784-9209 Best Time: Open E-mail: nonony3565@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Consumer Age: Between 51 and 70 Consumer Gender: Male Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Description of Special Diets: Low fat / Keto Description of Languages: English Preferred Candidate Gender: No Preference Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity Days: 3-4 Start Time: Open Description of Schedule: 12 Pay Per Week: Open Comments: Patient is a quadriplegic male. He resides in Manhattan. Joann Vitiello () on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 14:31:06 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighborhood Name: Coney Island City, Town, County or Borough: Brooklyn NY Available Transportation: Subway, Bus, Train, Auto Phone: 718 372 8425 Best Time: 11am to 5 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: 8 am-8pm - Days: 7 Start Time: 8am or 8pm Description of Schedule: 12hour shifts day and night Pay Per Hour: $20.00 Comments: PA must be always on time to release other PA ,you can’t leave until the other PA comes in . Some lifting is required from wheelchair to bed and from wheelchair to toilet. When going out lifting from manual wheelchair to motorized wheelchair. Lite housekeeping is required. Chyna on Tuesday, September 10, 2024 at 07:56:29 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighborhood Name: 19508 100th Avenue City, Town, County or Borough: Hollis, NY Available Transportation: Subway, Train Phone: 347-922-2357 Best Time: Anytime E-mail: Shians.wallace@gmail.com Email Authorization: Yes Consumer Age: Between 21 and 30 Consumer Gender: Female Payroll Method: Self Pay Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Candidate Experience: Children,, Teens,, Young Adults, Seniors Preferred Candidate Gender: No Preference Required Documentation: Proof of Identity Hours: 8 Days: 5 Start Time: 7:00PM Pay Per Hour: 22 Tabitha () on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 16:39:14 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neighborhood Name: Tribeca City, Town or Borough: Manhattan Available Transportation: Subway, Phone: 845-480-6882 Consumer Age: Between 31 and 50 Consumer Gender: Female Payroll Method: Agency Type of Candidates: Personal Care / Home Health Candidate Experience: Wheelchairs, Languages Description of Languages: English Preferred Candidate Gender: Female Required Documentation: Social Security Number, Proof of Identity, Hours: 12 - Days: 2-4 Start Time: 7 Description of Schedule: Day or night shift Pay Per Hour: $11-$12/hr. Comments: Dog lover is a plus 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 Monasia Readdon () on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 07:06:10 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: Harlem Phone: 404-981-6915 Best Time: Anytime 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: Seniors, Wheelchairs 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: No Other Documentation Available: Proof of Identity Certificate/License: Personal Care Hours per Week: 30 Days per Week: 4 Days I Would Like to Work: Monday -Thursday Target Salary Per Hour: 20 María Sol Benavides () on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 13:20:25 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: Woodhaven Blvd., Queens New York Phone: 917-662-0110 Best Time: Morning E-mail: solhernandez12.sh@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: 3 years Enrolled with a CDPAP: Yes CDPAP Agency Name(s): Link home care Experience: Seniors,, Mental Impairments / Alzheimer's Disease, Visual / Auditory Impairments, Languages Description of Languages: Spanish 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: Recommendations Certificate/License: Personal Care, Hours per Week: 40 Days per Week: 6 Preferred Start Time: Am / pm Days I Would Like to Work: Monday - Saturday I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: Yes Target Salary Per Hour: 18 Target Salary Per Day: 160 Target Salary Per Week: 720 Comments: I have a lot of compassion for the elderly, helping them to have a good quality of life and control their medications and diet, helping with cleaning their house and their shopping, walks and exercises. Harmony Knight () on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 08:26:56 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 557 Grand Concourse #4085 Bronx, NY 10451 Phone: 917.349.5523 Best Time: Anytime E-mail: harmony_knight@yahoo.com Email Authorization: Yes Gender: Female Type of Position: Domestic / Homemaking Worked with a CDPAP Consumer/Surrogate: Yes Consumer/Surrogate References Available: Yes Years Employed with a Consumer/Surrogate: Just started Enrolled with a CDPAP: Yes CDPAP Agency Name(s): Chinese American Council Home Attendant and CDPAP Program Experience: Young Adults, Seniors, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Wheelchairs, Lifters 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: Sunday, Monday , Tuesday and Wednesday I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: Yes Target Salary Per Hour: 20.00 Comments: I worked as a certified Home Health Aide in the past and then worked in corporate America. I recently returned to home care and am currently caring for a patient who has an active life but needs help with all basic needs, including lifting. Kuei Manyuon () on Monday, August 26, 2024 at 15:44:53 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Address: 14 Woodbine St. #3 Brooklyn, NY, 11221 Phone: 515-380-6829 Best Time: Morning E-mail: kueimanyuon2@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: Young Adults, Seniors, Wheelchairs, Lifters, 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 Certificate/License: Driver's License Hours per Week: 40 Preferred Start Time: 7am Days I Would Like to Work: Sunday-Thursday I am willing to work a 24 Hour Sleep-In schedule: yes Target Salary Per Hour: 17 Jessy () on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 07:17:00 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- E-mail: Jbraffith@gmail.com Gender: Female Type of Position: Personal Care / Home Health Experience: Children, Teens, Young Adults, Seniors, Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, Ventilators, Wheelchairs, Lifters, Other Equipment, 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: Other Description of Other Certificate/License: Certified nursing assistant Days per Week: Mon Preferred Start Time: 1pm Target Salary Per Hour: 18 Comments: I am Jessyka. I am a PCA and CNA. I have been doing this for over 10 years. I have experience with elderly as old as 105, special needs individuals, dementia, hospice, wheelchairs, walkers, lifts, visually and hearing impairments to name a few. I am A very understanding and patient individual. Looking for something from late afternoon to early evening Mondy or Friday. Can start asap. Prefer self-pay and not an agency at the moment. Articles Related to the CDPAP Home care supplier: New York state needs more time for Medicaid changes By Kate Lisa New York State October 17, 2024 One of four regional subcontractors helping to administer changes to a Medicaid home care program in the coming months said Thursday that New York lawmakers need to delay the April 1 deadline when they return to Albany next year. The state is forging ahead to change the $9 billion Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program under Medicaid, which more than 250,000 New Yorkers rely on for home care, in under six months. Pushback is growing for that timeline to be extended to change the program — including from companies partnering with the state to manage it. "The timeline needs to be realistic," said Anthony Caputo, CEO of the nonprofit Concepts of Independence. "...Seeing and learning from what has happened in other states that have much smaller programs, it's going to be difficult." The state Health Department is negotiating with Public Partnerships LLC to finalize a five-year, multi-billion-dollar contract for the company to take over CDPAP by mid-2025 — down from over 600 – to cut back on widespread fraud and abuse. Concepts of Independence, which serves home care recipients in the Hudson Valley, is one of four core regional home care suppliers partnering with the state to assist PPL in the transition. Current state law mandates that the other FIs must shutter by April 1. "I've spoken to state senators about this, and to make this happen, they're going to have to extend the time," Caputo said. "The Senate, the Assembly and the governor are going to have to agree to extend that period of time so there is a smooth transition. ...I hope they open the window for another year." Last week, eight people involved in the state's CDPAP were federally indicted, accused of defrauding $68 million through the program. Gov. Kathy Hochul has touted the indictment as proof that consolidating the program is the right move and will reduce program abuse and make it more financially viable. "This was a process that was managed by our Department of Health, and for those trying to undermine the decision-making process of these professionals, these public servants, I resent that," Hochul told reporters in Albany on Thursday. "One only needs to look at the genesis of why we took on this issue. States like California, with double our population, have one fiscal intermediary to manage this program." Caputo, who penned an op-ed Thursday supporting the program changes, said Concepts of Independence started CDPAP in the state in 1980 to serve about 100 disabled New Yorkers. The state program has skyrocketed to the nation's largest — growing from $2.5 billion annually in 2015 up to the current $9 billion price. "The contract will be finalized very soon," representatives with PPL said in a statement Thursday. "We are prepared to execute the transition by April 1. If the Department of Health changes the timeline, we will accommodate their decision." The powerful health workers union 1199 SEIU has an agreement with PPL that the company will not interfere with workers as they make a decision to unionize under the new agreement. "We're looking forward to working with them, to both implementing the single FI and help the workers make the decision if they want to be represented by the union, but we didn't have a dog in the race about who will get the contract," 1199SEIU Interim Political Director Helen Schaub said. Union leaders with Home Health Care Workers of America, representing the largest number of health care workers in the state, continue to be skeptical that the changes will reduce fraud. Advocates have criticized PPL's history of mismanagement and losing contracts in other states. Connor Shaw, the union's political director, is pushing for the state to transition CDPAP recipients to be reliant on traditional home care, which has more safeguards built in. "This is not new or shocking that this program was being exploited," Shaw said. "For years, you couldn't ride the subway without seeing advertisements that said 'Get paid to take care of your mom.' "There's more sensible ways to address the aging care population. Bad actors have entered the industry because there's no regulation," he added. "The solution to this is not allowing one FI that has had issues in other states, it's to have more regulation and guardrails, and that's what exists in traditional home care." Representatives with Hochul's administration said too many FIs do not comply with federal electronic filing and verification requirements, and PPL's billing system uses the federal system created under the 21st Century Cures Act. “Anyone concerned about this should be pleased with our plan to strengthen CDPAP, since the state can now use its contractual oversight to ensure the program operates in compliance with Electronic Visit Verification," a spokesperson with Hochul's office said Thursday. Caputo said New York transitioning to a single FI is the correct move, but only with proper communication with all CDPAP workers and recipients. "It is going to work," Caputo said. "But information must go out sooner than later." Every worker must have documented medical exams and other paperwork digitized in the transition, but Caputo said some workers do not have an email address and must be tracked down in person. Officials with the state Health Department met this week concerned with independent living centers, which will also serve as program subcontractors. "They weren't even getting information," he said. "We all need to sit down at the table. There needs to be stakeholder meetings with consumers and stakeholders, potential FIs and local (Department of Social Security) so we can all answer each other's questions. It is going to be a large task, and it's going to take more time to do it properly." Several lawmakers have expressed concerns about the quick change, even though they voted for the budget that established it in state law. Lawmakers this winter plan to probe the effectiveness of the transition during legislative budget hearings to determine how the timeline should be altered. The change in the last budget was negotiated last minute behind closed doors, and without typical oversight by the state comptroller. State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald has said the timeline could be flexible, but New York's competitive bidding process was done correctly. Opinion: CDPAP is here to stay in NY. A new partnership will benefit us all Anthony Caputo Special to the USA TODAY Network October 17, 2024 As the leader of a non-profit organization that helped to pioneer consumer directed home care over 40 years ago, I’ve watched this issue become a subject of passionate discussion in recent months across New York. The topic is our state’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program — commonly known as CDPAP — and some understandable confusion about the program’s future for the approximately 250,000 New Yorkers who rely on it for home care. But despite what you might have heard recently, I have good news: the truth is that CDPAP is here to stay — and it’s getting stronger. I know this because our non-profit organization, Concepts of Independence, is part of a new statewide partnership that, pending final approval, will include more than 30 regional and community-based groups that are joining forces in a unified effort to make CDPAP even better and more effective for New Yorkers who need it. Under a plan that was first approved by Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state Legislature earlier this year and then further advanced in an announcement last week, this diverse and experienced statewide partnership is prepared to ensure that home care users and their caregivers across New York are protected now and in the future. And our partnership is taking time to make sure it gets done right. This plan isn’t taking effect overnight — and there will be months of preparation for this transition, through mid-2025. More specifically, Concepts of Independence is one of four core regional partners working with PPL, our statewide partner, to help deliver high-quality service. While we will continue to serve consumers throughout all of our current New York counties, our organization will lead CDPAP efforts in the Hudson Valley area — including Rockland, Dutchess, Putnam and the surrounding counties. Three other core regional partners will lead efforts in other areas of the state. As a core regional partner, we’ll also be working closely with a number of community-based partners who have also been operating within CDPAP in New York for many years. Our community-based partners will help us ensure that we deliver the personalized, multilingual and culturally sensitive care that home care users and their families deserve. Why is cultural competency so important when it comes to home care? It ensures that personal assistants and other stakeholders can communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and with various abilities. Meeting individuals where they are is vital, too – both physically and linguistically. Communication can be a major barrier for vulnerable individuals receiving care as they may struggle to accurately convey their care needs. Concepts of Independence has an extensive workforce tailored to support these cultural and linguistic priorities to help consumers advocate and navigate for their unique needs. Last week’s announcement on CDPAP is the start of a transition process over the coming months that will be focused on discussing issues like this directly with home care users, caregivers and advocates. Alongside PPL, our leadership team will be connecting with CDPAP stakeholders every step of the way. I am confident that once we proceed through that transition process, our statewide partnership will deliver a stronger CDPAP for New Yorkers. Why? Because at organizations like ours, consumer directed home care is in our DNA – and it’s part of what makes us proud to be New Yorkers. We’d never let a program like CDPAP fail for the people who need it. Anthony Caputo is CEO of Concepts of Independence – a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose only purpose is to administer the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) in New York State. Amid Ongoing Controversy In New York, Public Partnerships Is Awarded CDPAP Contract By Joyce Famakinwa October 1, 2024 Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) — an Alpharetta, Georgia-based financial management services company — has been awarded the fiscal intermediary contract in New York. PPL will take over as the sole administrator of the state’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). “We are excited to have the opportunity to serve CDPAP consumers and personal assistants,” Maria Perrin, chief growth and strategy officer at PPL, told Home Health Care News. “Consumer direction programs are all we do as a business. For years, we’ve not only been operating throughout several states, but we’ve made it our purpose and mission to advance access to consumer direction and make these programs stronger, sustainable and more culturally competent. This is a great opportunity for us, and we are really excited to be partnering with our [fiscal intermediary] partners.” Through CDPAP, a Medicaid-funded home care program, people seeking care are allowed to hire a caregiver of their own choice. This often means informal caregivers, which are paid for their services through the program. Roughly 700 businesses currently serve as fiscal intermediaries, many of which are home care providers themselves. The state is looking to save $1 billion annually by appointing one administrator. As part of the agreement, PPL must work with four local organizations, and a network of 30 home care agencies. “Our approach to this was to make sure that we put together a partnership with existing CDPAP fiscal intermediaries and with the independent living centers,” Perrin said. “That would make sure there’s ample capacity from a volume standpoint and from a linguistic standpoint, making sure that people who are not English speakers continue to be served. Those people who have disabilities, or cultural or religious considerations, would continue to be served. At this point, we have over 30 existing CDPAP fiscal intermediary partners that we’ve identified, in addition to the 11 independent living centers, who will continue their work.” Perrin noted that with state approval, PPL is open to identifying and partnering with even more organizations. PPL will also relocate its headquarters to New York. The move will create over 1,200 jobs, according to a press statement. Additionally, The Chinese American Planning Council will aid in managing the program in Long Island, Westchester County and New York City. Uncertainties around CDPAP With these changes to CDPAP, Emina Poricanin, founder and managing attorney of the New York-based Poricanin Law, believes that many providers will be weighing their options. “As far as the providers are concerned, this is just additional uncertainty about their future as a business,” she told HHCN. “A number of them are, even more expeditiously, exploring other lines of personal care services that they can offer in New York State because they have no choice but to pivot from this program.” For some, this means transitioning patient care hours into a traditional licensed home care services setting and out of CDPAP, Poricanin noted. In addition to fiscal intermediary restructuring, Poricanin pointed to the significant decrease in reimbursement rates as another area of concern for providers. “[It] takes out, largely, any incentive for a provider to be in this program,” she said. “Irrespective of what happens with PPL, or any single statewide fiscal intermediary, there’s simply very little money in this program. Therefore providers, regardless of what happens with the single statewide [fiscal intermediary] restructuring, should and are looking for long term into what they can do with this line of business.” Poricanin also believes that the state may see additional lawsuits, specifically ones that challenge if the appointment was a true competitive bidding process. “The number has not been released, but based on my own knowledge of the market, I assume there were at least 200 applications that were submitted to New York State, and yet they were able to turn those around from mid-August and send out rejection letters yesterday,” she said. “How did they get through all of those applications that quickly, if they were actually reviewing the applications and giving each applicant a fair opportunity to apply? That is probably going to be the subject of some litigation — that the process was not conducted fairly.” Companies featured in this article: Poricanin Law, Public Partnerships LLC Joyce Famakinwa a Chicago area native who cut her teeth as a journalist and writer covering the worker’s compensation industry and creating branded content for tech companies and startups. When she isn’t reporting the latest in home health care news, you can find her indulging in her love of vintage clothing, books, film, live music, theatre and reality tv. https://homehealthcarenews.com/2024/10/amid-ongoing-controversy-in-new-york-public-partnerships-is-awarded-cdpap-contract/ NY disability rights advocates worry about assistance program changes Story by Edwin J. Viera October 01, 2024 New York disability rights advocates are voicing concerns about changes to what's known as the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. On October 1, New York State will contract with a single provider for the program. CDPAP provides services for people who are chronically ill or have physical limitations and who need help with daily life. Gov. Kathy Hochul says the reason for the change is to cut high Medicaid costs. But Sharon McLennon-Wier, Ph.D. - Executive Director of the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York - predicted the move will have resounding impacts. "Anyone with a disability that has this program could lose their home healthcare assistance - either from maybe neighbors or friends, or even family members," said McLennon-Wier, "and we already know that there's a home health-aide shortage all over the country." Gov. Hochul noted the program has been subject to mismanagement, but critics say she didn't consult its leaders. Several agencies supporting the idea of keeping CDPAP local have been cited by the New York State Comptroller for wage theft. But the provider set to take it over isn't much better. Public Partnerships LLC had contracts terminated in five other states, and was subject to class-action lawsuits over home-care workers' pay in Pennsylvania. Feedback from New Yorkers with disabilities has mostly been questions about CDPAP's future. McLennon-Wier said she is among those waiting to see what happens next - as she said they've received little guidance from the governor's office. She added that it can be frightening to possibly lose much-needed care. "I think anyone who has to depend on someone for that day-to-day care," said McLennon-Wier, "to have to worry - especially if they live alone - is really something that, mentally, that a person in this situation shouldn't have to deal with." A bill has been introduced in the New York State Legislature to curb these changes. If it passes, it would require any CDPAP provider to be licensed by the State Department of Health starting in 2026. Currently, providers can operate without formal licensure. https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/ny-disability-rights-advocates-worry-about-assistance-program-changes/ar-AA1rrTOL 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 July 7th We will discuss issues we are working on. 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