The proposed state budget includes changes to CDPAP, which stands for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program.
It’s a Medicaid program providing services to those who need a caregiver, whether it be a personal care aide, home health aide or nurse.
It allows loved ones to care for those in need of such services.
“We must scrutinize Medicaid spending so we can continue to provide the essential services to people who need them the most," said Gov. Kathy Hochul.
She said the plan is to institute a single fiscal intermediary, rather than hundreds.
But there’s opposition to this plan.
Megan Shergill is vice president of CDPAP Services at Community Care Home Health Services, a fiscal intermediary.
She said this would be a monopoly and would allow for political interference and pressure.
She said the plan is “absolutely ridiculous” and “concerning” and “life altering for families who have historically had to always fight for choice and independence.” She stressed the importance of having options.
Shergill told News 12 that to be told you only have one option when it comes to home care services is “very frightening.”
Gov, Hochul said the plan for the single fiscal intermediary will save $500 million per year.