Frequently Asked Questions

General

1. What is Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)?

   CDPAP is an alternative to traditional home care services. This program allows people with disabilities who are Medicaid-eligible more control over their personal care services.

   Consumers enrolled in the CDPAP program are allowed to manage their own care. They have the freedom to recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and dismiss their own Personal Assistant (PA). If the Consumer is non-self-directing (such as a child or an Alzheimer's patient), a Designated Representative can manage the patient's care through CDPAP as well.

2. What are current Consumers and Personal Assistants saying about CDPAP and Concepts?

   Check out video testimonials from some of Concepts' Consumers.

3. How are Personal Assistants Compensated?

   After an eligibility period has been completed, your personal assistants will receive a competitive salary along with a full benefit package, including:

   • Competitive pay with differentials
   • Paid annual leave and holidays
   • Access to a comprehensive health care plan
   • Life insurance program
4. What are the Advantages for the Consumer?
   • Employ as many personal assistants as you need to satisfy your lifestyle choice, keeping within the amount of hours you've been authorized by Medicaid.
   • Consumers can direct and supervise their personal assistants to enable them to live independent lives.
   • Consumers receive care that otherwise would be required to be completed by a registered nurse.
5. How do I get started?

   If you are a Medicaid recipient in need of home care and you, or someone close to you, is willing and able to coordinate your care, you can call your local Department of Social Services (DSS) to request consideration for placement into the CDPAP program. Note that many family members may qualify as a Personal Assistant. Check with your local DSS to find out regulations on this.

   Once you have been approved for the CDPAP program, you can begin to interview and hire your Personal Assistants. After you have decided who these PAs will be and how many you will need, they must complete an enrollment package and make an appointment to visit Concepts of Independence enrollment department to complete the enrollment process and obtain a photo I.D.

   When the PA has visited the enrollment department, and has completed all the necessary paperwork to enroll the PA; Concepts of Independence will schedule a medical exam for your PA at that time. When this is all completed, you may begin to train, employ, and supervise your Personal Assistant.