New York residents receiving Medicaid can legally choose their own caregiver — including some family members — through programs like CDPAP and MLTC. Understanding the ways to choose your own caregiver in NY legally can give your loved one more control, comfort, and consistency in their care.
Finding the right caregiver feels personal — because it is. Your loved one deserves someone they trust, not whoever an agency happens to assign. The good news is that New York State law gives Medicaid-eligible individuals the legal right to hire and direct their own caregivers. Knowing how to use that right makes all the difference.
What Are the Legal Ways to Choose Your Own Caregiver in NY?
New York offers several Medicaid-funded programs that put caregiver choice directly in the hands of patients and families. Each program works differently, but all of them start with one principle: you should have a say in who cares for you.
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)
CDPAP is the most direct path to choosing your own caregiver. Under this program, eligible Medicaid recipients can hire, train, and manage their own personal assistants — including certain family members, with the exception of spouses.
According to the New York State Department of Health, CDPAP is designed to promote dignity, autonomy, and independence by giving participants full control over their care arrangements. A fiscal intermediary handles payroll and administrative tasks, so your chosen caregiver gets paid while you stay in charge.
To qualify, your loved one must:
- Be eligible for Medicaid
- Have a medical condition requiring home care services
- Be capable of directing their own care, or have a designated representative to do so on their behalf
Managed Long-Term Care (MLTC)
MLTC is another Medicaid-funded option. Through this program, a managed care plan coordinates home care services for individuals who need long-term support. While MLTC plans work with networks of providers, many plans allow members to request a specific caregiver — particularly when continuity of care matters for a loved one’s well-being.
Enrolling in MLTC begins with an assessment of your loved one’s needs. From there, a care plan is developed that reflects those needs and, where possible, your caregiver preferences.
How to Start the Process of Choosing Your Own Caregiver
Taking the first step does not have to be overwhelming. Here is what the process typically looks like:
- Confirm Medicaid eligibility. Your loved one must be enrolled in or eligible for New York Medicaid. A social worker or care coordinator can help determine this.
- Request a needs assessment. A licensed professional will evaluate the level of care required. This assessment determines which programs your loved one qualifies for.
- Choose a program. Based on eligibility and care needs, CDPAP or MLTC may be the right fit. A home care services provider can walk you through the differences.
- Select your caregiver. Once enrolled, you can identify and bring in your chosen caregiver through the program’s approved process.
- Complete enrollment paperwork. The fiscal intermediary or managed care plan will handle the administrative requirements,1q so care can begin.
Why Housecalls Homecare Supports Family-Directed Care
Choosing your own caregiver is a right — but navigating the paperwork, assessments, and program requirements takes time and knowledge. That is where Housecalls Homecare comes in.
Housecalls Homecare helps families access home care services in New York by guiding them through program eligibility, documentation, and enrollment. Their care coordinators understand that every family’s situation is different, and they work to match the right support to each individual’s needs.
Whether your loved one needs a few hours of assistance each week or full-time daily care, Housecalls Homecare makes the process clearer and less stressful from the start.
Taking Control of Your Loved One’s Care
You have more options than most families realize. New York’s Medicaid programs were built with patient choice in mind, and the ways to choose your own caregiver in NY legally are more accessible than they may seem at first.
The New York State Department of Health maintains updated information on CDPAP, MLTC, and related programs — a reliable starting point for any family beginning this process.
You do not have to navigate this alone. Reach out to us today by calling 718-922-9200 to speak with a care coordinator who can explain your options, confirm eligibility, and help your family take the next step with confidence.
