CDPAP Program

The Top CDPAP Agency In New York

Freedom. Dignity. Independence.

They’re already a trusted caregiver.

With CDPAP, you can hire a friend or family member to care for your loved one – all in the comfort of their own home and all covered by Medicaid.

CDPAP Program

The Top CDPAP Agency In New York

They’re already a trusted caregiver.

With CDPAP, you can hire a friend or family member to care for your loved one – all in the comfort of their own home and all covered by Medicaid.

Am I Eligible?

Freedom. Dignity. Independence.

Who We Are

Patients have premier access to the CDPAP program with Special Touch.

Welcome to Special Touch Home Care, your trusted partner for home health services in New York. Since our founding in 1984, we’ve been dedicated to helping New Yorkers lead safer, more comfortable, and independent lives in the warmth and comfort of their own homes.

Originally only offering Personal Care Aide (PCA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) in-home services, our commitment to innovation led us to expand our services in 2016 to include the CDPAP program. Quickly becoming one of the area’s fastest-growing administrators of this revolutionary program, we now proudly offer CDPAP in all 62 counties of New York, with multiple offices across the region.

At Special Touch, our team is passionate about empowering individuals and families with personalized support. We bring decades of experience and knowledge to your doorstep, ensuring you receive customized assistance tailored to your unique needs.

Experience the Special Touch difference — join us as a valued customer today. Let us be your partner on your journey to a safer, more comfortable, and independent life at home.

Evan Ostrovsky, CEO

“I’ve been working with Special Touch for 12 years. I feel very grateful and very happy with the company.”

Rosalina M.

What is CDPAP?

CDPAP is fully covered by Medicaid

Caregivers are paid weekly to provide one-of-a-kind care at home.

CDPAP is for New York Residents

You may qualify if your loved one is in New York, needs daily support, and is Medicaid eligible.

Applying for CDPAP is easy

There’s no cost to get started – and our staff will guide you and your family every step of the way.

Special Touch is here to help

Our account managers will work with you from beginning to end, ensuring you have the resources you need.

What is CDPAP?

CDPAP is fully covered by Medicaid

Caregivers are paid weekly to provide one-of-a-kind care at home.

CDPAP is for New York Residents

You may qualify if your loved one is in New York, needs daily support, and is Medicaid eligible.

Applying for CDPAP is easy

There’s no cost to get started – and our staff will guide you and your family every step of the way.

Special Touch is here to help

Our account managers will work with you from beginning to end, ensuring you have the resources you need.

100,000+
Families Served

CDPAP helps pay you for the care you’re already providing

CDPAP works with Medicaid, enabling friends and family to care for their loved ones – and get paid as their caregiver.

  • Enroll your loved one: Special Touch is in network with most major Medicaid Managed Care Plans throughout all 62 counties of New York State.
  • Get hired as a caregiver: Visit one of our Application Centers to apply in person, or apply completely online using our special virtual application system.
  • Receive payment weekly for your assistance: With several ways to clock in and out, you’ll always get paid promptly for every scheduled shift you work.

100,000+
Families Served

CDPAP helps pay you for the care you’re already providing

CDPAP works with Medicaid, enabling friends and family to care for their loved ones – and get paid as their caregiver.

  • Enroll your loved one: Special Touch is in network with most major Medicaid Managed Care Plans throughout all 62 counties of New York State.
  • Get hired as a caregiver: Visit one of our Application Centers to apply in person, or apply completely online using our special virtual application system.
  • Receive payment weekly for your assistance: With several ways to clock in and out, you’ll always get paid promptly for every scheduled shift you work.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

If you have Medicaid, you can apply for CDPAP

CDPAP is a Medicaid program, so your caregiver will be paid with Medicaid funds by Special Touch Home Care. (Unfortunately, Medicare does not offer CDPAP as a benefit at this time.) If you don’t have Medicaid but think you may be eligible, complete our Intake Form for assistance.

New York State CDPAP Benefit Idenification Card

If you have either of these cards you can apply!

AM I ELIGIBLE?

If you have Medicaid, you can apply for CDPAP

CDPAP is a Medicaid program, so your caregiver will be paid with Medicaid funds by Special Touch Home Care. (Unfortunately, Medicare does not offer CDPAP as a benefit at this time.) If you don’t have Medicaid but think you may be eligible, complete our Intake Form for assistance.

New York State CDPAP Benefit Idenification Card

If you have either of these cards you can apply!

Why Choose CDPAP?

It's 100% Covered By Medicaid

Your loved ones get the care they want and need from their preferred caregiver – you or another friend or family member.

There's No Special Training Required

Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and even close friends or neighbors can be a caregiver – no training or certification required.

Caregivers Benefit For Work They're Often Already Doing

In addition to weekly pay, benefits include paid time off, retirement saving plans, and pre-tax contributions for transportation.

How Does CDPAP Work?

Our CDPAP program is free to join and 100% covered by Medicaid. No training or certifications required.

Contact Special Touch

We’ll arrange RN home visits, determine your eligibility, and confirm how many hours of weekly service your loved one will be approved for.

Choose A Caregiver

Who can be hired as a caregiver?

  • Child

  • Relative

  • Friend

  • Legal Spouse

  • Parent caring for child under 21

  • Designated Representative

Caregivers Are Paid By Special Touch Home Care

Care is directed by your loved one, so compensation packages vary. Typical packages include competitive hourly pay, retirement savings plans, and PTO.

Get Started — Welcome Aboard

Special Touch will contact your insurance for authorization to start services. Once received, a Consumer Service Representative will reach out to give you a warm welcome, you’re now an active CDPAP participant!

Have Questions?

How CDPAP works and how to apply for CDPAP

How Does CDPAP Work?

Our CDPAP program is free to join and 100% covered by Medicaid. No training or certifications required.

Contact Special Touch

We’ll arrange RN home visits, determine your eligibility, and confirm how many hours of weekly service your loved one will be approved for.

Choose A Caregiver

Who can be hired as a caregiver?

  • Child

  • Relative

  • Friend

  • Legal Spouse

  • Parent caring for a child under 21

  • Designated Representative

Caregivers Are Paid By Special Touch Home Care

Care is directed by your loved one, so compensation packages vary. Typical packages include competitive hourly pay, retirement savings plans, and PTO.

Get Started — Welcome Aboard

Special Touch will contact your insurance for authorization to start services. Once received, a Consumer Service Representative will reach out to give you a warm welcome, you’re now an active CDPAP participant!

Have Questions? We Have Answers.

How CDPAP works and how to apply for CDPAP

Who We Are

Patients have premier access to the CDPAP program with Special Touch.

Welcome to Special Touch Home Care, your trusted partner for home health services in New York. Since our founding in 1984, we’ve been dedicated to helping New Yorkers lead safer, more comfortable, and independent lives in the warmth and comfort of their own homes.

Originally only offering Personal Care Aide (PCA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) in-home services, our commitment to innovation led us to expand our services in 2016 to include the CDPAP program. Quickly becoming one of the area’s fastest-growing administrators of this revolutionary program, we now proudly offer CDPAP in all 62 counties of New York, with multiple offices across the region.

At Special Touch, our team is passionate about empowering individuals and families with personalized support. We bring decades of experience and knowledge to your doorstep, ensuring you receive customized assistance tailored to your unique needs.

Experience the Special Touch difference — join us as a valued customer today. Let us be your partner on your journey to a safer, more comfortable, and independent life at home.

Evan Ostrovsky, CEO

“I’ve been working with Special Touch for 12 years. I feel very grateful and very happy with the company.”

Rosalina M.

Frequently Asked Questions

CDPAP is a Medicaid program that allows consumers to direct their care. For a comprehensive understanding of CDPAP, its benefits, and the application process, explore our resources:

The CDPAP program offers numerous benefits, including greater control over your care. To learn about the application process and the program’s advantages, visit our detailed guide:

Choosing the right Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) agency is crucial for ensuring quality care. We recommend considering factors such as agency reputation, the range of services offered, and the level of support provided. For a detailed guide on selecting the right CDPAP agency, visit the following resource:

Personal Assistants (PAs) in the CDPAP program have a unique role compared to Home Health Aides (HHAs). They can perform tasks outside HHAs’ duties, see image for graphic illustration:

Activity Personal Assistant (CDPAP CAREGIVER) Certified Home Health Aide
Personal Hygiene Can perform tasks Can perform tasks
Light Housekeeping Can perform tasks Can perform tasks
Assist with daily living activities Can perform tasks Can perform tasks
Administer Medication Can perform tasks Cannot perform tasks
Medication Injections Can perform tasks Cannot perform tasks
Use of Medical Equipment
(ventilators, g-tube, oxygen tanks)		 Can perform tasks Cannot perform tasks
Wound Care Can perform tasks Cannot perform tasks

CDPAP stands for Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. It’s a Medicaid program that allows consumers to choose and direct their home care providers, including family members or friends, providing more control and flexibility in their care.

To increase CDPAP hours, you’ll need to undergo a reassessment of your care needs. This typically involves a review by a registered nurse of your current health status and any changes that may necessitate a change in the care hours authorized. Contact your Case Manager or Service Coordinator at your health plan to initiate this process.

Medicaid plays a crucial role in the CDPAP program. For comprehensive information on Medicaid’s involvement and how it can benefit you, please visit the following resources:

Becoming a CDPAP-paid caregiver allows you to care for a loved one while receiving compensation. To understand the qualifications, application process, and benefits of becoming a CDPAP caregiver, read more at the following resource:

Personal assistants in the CDPAP program differ from home health aides in several key areas, including training requirements, job responsibilities, and the level of personalization in care. Learn more about these differences with the following resource:

Keeping your loved ones safe at home is a top priority for many families. In addition to our paraprofessional Personal Care Aides and Home Health Aides, Special Touch Home Care offers the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), which allows you to hire a relative, friend, or loved one to provide personalized care. This option ensures comfort and safety in a familiar environment, with care provided by someone you trust.

The pay rate for CDPAP caregivers varies based on several factors, including most notably the county the patient resides in. The state of New York mandates the required total compensation for CDPAP Personal Assistants, and your Fiscal Intermediary (Special Touch Home Care) determines the compensation package(s) to ensure that caregivers are compensated in accordance with the law. For the most current pay rates and information, please contact Special Touch Home Care or refer to the New York State Medicaid guidelines for total compensations requirements and guidance.

To become a CDPAP caregiver, you must be selected by a consumer (the person receiving care) who has been determined to be eligible for the program. Once chosen, you’ll undergo a simple enrollment process, which includes a background check and basic health screening. For detailed steps and requirements, visit our information page on becoming a CDPAP caregiver.

Special Touch Home Care - Freedom. Dignity. Independence.
  • Awarded Lead Fiscal Intermediary by New York DOH in 2021
  • Patients and caregivers may apply in person or virtually
  • Caregivers do not require certification or training
  • Caregivers receive the best compensation package

Want to Know If You Are Eligible?

Request Your Free Home Care Consultation

Want to Know If You Are Eligible?

Complete form to speak with a Care Representative today.

Request Your Free Home Care Consultation

Complete form to speak with a Care Representative today.

Looking for Caregiver Training or a PCA/HHA job? Click here to apply.

Looking for Caregiver Training or a PCA/HHA job? Apply here.

Contact Information

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CDPAP Services:

Patients hire friends and family to be their paid caregiver. Must have Medicaid or be Medicaid-eligible.

  • Awarded Lead Fiscal Intermediary by New York DOH in 2021
  • Patients and caregivers may apply in person or virtually
  • Caregivers do not require certification or training
  • Caregivers receive the best compensation package

TESTIMONIALS

What Our Customers Say

Don’t just take our word for it, see what our customers have to say after partnering with us.