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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Regarding Changes to Fiscal Intermediary Services (Fi)
Provided Under the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)

UPDATED August 27, 2019

  1. Why is the state making this change to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistant Program (CDPAP)?
    New York State is making this change to implement the NYS Executive Budget for 2019–2020. The Budget made changes to the way Fiscal Intermediaries are reimbursed. It does not end the CDPAP, the consumer’s ability to direct their own care, the number of direct care hours authorized for your personal assistant, or who can be your personal assistant.
  2. What is a Fiscal Intermediary (FI)? What function do they perform?
    A Fiscal Intermediary, or FI, is an organization that is contracted with a managed care plan and/or the Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). The FI works like the human resources entity for the CDPAP. It provides supports to you, including payroll and benefits for the personal assistant of your choice.
  3. Is the CDPAP going away?
    No. There will be no change in benefits, hours of service or care plans of consumers. Your level of care will continue as it did before.
  4. Will I continue to receive the care I need, in the manner I need it?
    Yes, your level of care will continue as it did before. There will be no change in benefits, hours of service or care plans of consumers.
  5. Will I have to change my personal care assistant?
    No. You can keep your personal assistant.
  6. Will the number of hours I receive be cut?
    No. If you are in a managed care plan, you will continue to receive the same number of hours that have been approved by your plan.If you are enrolled in Medicaid fee for service, you will continue to receive the same number of hours that have been approved by your LDSS.
  7. Will my personal care assistant’s wages be affected?
    No. Wages or wage–related requirements for personal care assistants, including State law requirements related to minimum wage, are unchanged.
  8. I received a letter from an FI saying it can no longer serve me: What does this mean?
    If your FI decides to no longer provide FI services, it must send you written notice at least 45 calendar days in advance of the date it will discontinue FI services. If you are enrolled in a managed care plan, the FI will also notify your managed care plan. If you are not enrolled in a plan the FI will notify your LDSS.
  9. What do I need to do if my FI notifies me that they are no longer providing FI services?
    In the event that your current FI notifies you that it will no longer provide FI services, you will need to select a different FI.If you are enrolled in a managed care plan, your plan will contact you within five (5) business days of receiving the notification from the FI to provide you options for choosing a different FI.If you are not enrolled in a managed care plan, your LDSS will contact you within five (5) business days of receiving the notification from the FI to provide you options for choosing a different FI.
  10. How do I find another FI?
    If you are enrolled in a managed care plan, your plan will contact you within five (5) business days of receiving the notification that your current FI will cease operations or no longer serve your area to provide you options for choosing a different FI.If you are not enrolled in a managed care plan, your LDSS will contact you within five (5) business days of receiving notification that your current FI will cease operations or no longer serve your area to provide you options for choosing a different FI.