Disability Advocates Rally to Protect New York’s Consumer Directed Home Care Program
Concerns Over Partnership Change
Disability advocates, including home care workers, gathered in Albany to hold a rally aimed at protecting New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). The program provides vital support to approximately 300,000 individuals, enabling them to live independently.
Troubling Results in Three States
Advocates expressed concerns about the potential impact of a recent announcement by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who named Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) as the lead partner for the program. PPL has reportedly had troubling results in three states, which has raised fears that the change could put 500,000 home care workers at risk of losing their paychecks.
Personal Stories of Impact
Jose Hernandez, a home care worker, shared his concerns about the potential consequences of the partnership change. "We could end up institutionalized in nursing homes, so we could end up locked up. We could lose everything. I could lose my house. I can lose my family. I can lose my freedom just because I need home care," he said.
Implementation Timeline
The statewide partnership is expected to begin in January and take full effect on April 1, 2025.
Conclusion
The rally highlights the importance of protecting CDPAP and the concerns of disability advocates regarding the partnership change. It is essential to ensure that the program continues to support individuals in need and maintains the trust of the home care workers who provide essential services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)?
A: CDPAP is a program that provides support to approximately 300,000 individuals, enabling them to live independently.
Q: What is Public Partnerships LLC (PPL)?
A: PPL is a company that has been named as the lead partner for the CDPAP program in New York State.
Q: What are the concerns about PPL’s results in three states?
A: Advocates have expressed concerns about PPL’s performance in three states, citing troubling results that have raised fears about the impact on home care workers and individuals receiving services.
Q: What is the implementation timeline for the partnership change?
A: The partnership change is expected to begin in January and take full effect on April 1, 2025.
