New York Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled the New York State Partnership Plan and a diverse alliance of over 30 regional institutions on September 30th, aimed at strengthening the Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) under New York’s Medicaid program, commonly known as the “white card,” to provide essential home care services to approximately 250,000 New Yorkers.
The CDPAP in New York aims to offer personalized care services to residents in need of long-term home care, but the original program faced issues like high administrative costs and fund wastage. The state government proposed enhancements to the program in the 2025 fiscal budget.
Governor Hochul stated in a release that the upgraded program offers a more robust CDPAP and leverages New York’s diverse partnership relationships to ensure residents receive high-quality personalized care services.
The New York State partners mentioned by Hochul refer to the service organization “Public Partnerships,” which provides self-direction home care consultation and financial management. “Public Partnerships” will relocate its national headquarters to New York, creating over 1,200 jobs and supporting CDPAP caregivers currently working across the state.
According to the organization’s website, “Public Partnerships” departs from the traditional home care supply side by allowing individuals with existing Medicaid eligibility to enlist family and friends as home care providers under the Home and Community Based Services program, with financial management provided by “Public Partnerships.”
After participating in the program, the qualification for CDPAP services by home care users remains unchanged, and those who receive home care services through the program do not need to reapply for CDPAP. This initiative ensures caregivers continue to receive timely payments and avoids service disruptions.
Hochul’s office noted that New York State officials and “Public Partnerships” have begun comprehensive transition processes, including direct meetings with CDPAP users, caregivers, disability and aging advocates, and other stakeholders over the coming months.
Furthermore, New York State will launch a diverse subcontracting partnership alliance including “Public Partnerships” to ensure CDPAP users receive culturally sensitive, multilingual home care.
As per Hochul’s office, the diverse alliance is expected to include family care partners from the following core regions: (1) Chinese Planning Council (CPC), serving as the primary regional partner for New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County; (2) Concepts of Independence, Inc., in the Hudson Valley region; (3) Angels In Your Home, covering the central region; (4) Consumer Directed Choices, in the upstate and southwest regions.