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Welcome to Concepts of Independence
Enabling Individuals to live independently… with freedom of choice.
We are a lead Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDAP) facilitator, selected by PPL based on our 46 years of experience, to assist and support Consumers, caregivers and their families
About CONCEPTS
Concepts of Independence is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization whose only purpose is to administer Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Services program (known as CDPAS or CDPAP) in the New York State.
We are committed to the philosophy of CDPAP and its underlying principles of independence, consumer direction and self-determination.
WHy CHoose CONCEPTS
Here to help every step of the way
Experienced Support Team
Decades of expertise helping consumers and caregivers navigate complex programs.
CDPAP & PPL Navigation
Step-by-step guidance through PPL registration, enrollment and timekeeping.
Multilingual Assistance
Support available in multiple languages to serve New York's diverse community.
Trusted Nonprofit Organization
Mission-driven with no profit motive - only your best interest.
How We help
Concepts of Independence (CONCEPTS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers & caregivers navigate the CDPAP program.
Consumer support
As a facilitator, Concepts helps consumers navigate the required processes and works in coordination with PPL to promote compliance awareness through clear communication, multilingual assistance and person-centered support.
Personal assistant support
Concepts helps Personal Assistants with onboarding, document collection, and compliance forms, while providing guidance on timesheet requirements, troubleshooting documentation challenges, and directing PAs to appropriate payroll resources as needed.
Training and guidance
As a CDPAP facilitator, Concepts provides support, training, and guidance by educating caregivers on how to use mandatory electronic time-tracking apps, clarifying program rules, and offering step-by-step administrative support to ensure smooth and compliant daily operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program is a New York State Medicaid program that lets people with chronic illness or physical disability hire, train, and manage their own caregivers including family members and friends. You’re not assigned a stranger from an agency. You choose.
Since 2025, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) has been the state’s sole financial agent for CDPAP- meaning they manage payroll, compliance, and the official paperwork for everyone in the program statewide.
When you use a facilitator, you get localized, hands-on help navigating the program.
Three reasons:
- We bult this program. Our founders created CDPAP in the 1980s. We’ve watched every rule change since, and we know the system from the inside.
- We’re a nonprofit; a 501(c)(3). Helping families is our mission.
- We’re local. Real people, multilingual support, and follow-through.
No, CDPAP is a Medicaid benefit, and facilitator services are part of it. There is no fee to consumers or PAs for working with Concepts.
Almost anyone you trust- adult children, siblings, friends, neighbors, other relatives.
Only the recipient’s spouse, parent (if the recipient is under 21), or designated representative are excluded from becoming a PA.
If you can’t manage the program on your own, you can name a trusted adult- usually a family member to make decisions and oversee the paperwork for you. That person is your Designated Representative (DR).
A DR cannot be hired as a caregiver (PA) for that same consumer.
- Confirm your Medicaid is active: You need to have active NY State Medicaid to participate.
- Get assessed by NYIAP: Call the New York Independent Assessor Program at 1-855-222-8350 and request an independent medical evaluation. This determines whether you qualify for CDPAP.
- Get your hours authorized: Once NYIAP approves you, your Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC) plan or local Department of Social Services calculates the number of homecare hours per week you’ll receive.
- Onboard with PPL: you (or your DR) and your chosen PA both register at the PPL@Home portal.
- PA completes medical screening: Your PA needs a physical blood test before they can start clocking in.
- Choose Concepts as your facilitator:
There are 2 ways to do this:
Option A – Form: Download the official NYS DOH Optional Facilitator Selection Form, fill out the consumer section, check the box for Concepts of Independence, and send it:- Email: nycdpap@pplfirst.com
- Fax: 1 – 833- 951- 0828
Option B – Phone: Call PPLSupport at 1- 833-247- 5346, state your name and Medicaid ID, and ask to add Concepts of Independence as your facilitator.
- Start care: Once everything is in place, your PA clocks in using the Time4Care EVV app or the telephony option, care begins.
Talk to Our Support Team
Whether you’re a consumer, caregiver, or family member, CONCEPTS can help you navigate CDPAP and PPL. Get in touch and let us guide you through the process.