New York State Senator John Liu is calling for an extension of the registration deadline for the Caregiver Designation Program (CDPAP), following concerns that many beneficiaries may not be able to meet the upcoming April 1st deadline due to insufficient publicity and language barriers. Last year, the state consolidated the management of CDPAP under Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL), but this transition has led to confusion among beneficiaries, especially those in communities with limited English proficiency.
Liu emphasized that many beneficiaries who rely on CDPAP, particularly in areas like Flushing, Queens, which has a large population of Korean, Chinese, and Bengali speakers, are struggling to complete the registration process. He pointed out that key steps such as account creation, password setup, and confirmation can only be done in English, creating an additional obstacle for non-English-speaking individuals.
The shift to a single financial intermediary system, managed by PPL, was intended to streamline CDPAP administration. However, Liu expressed concern that the lack of effective outreach and support for non-English-speaking beneficiaries could lead to many losing accesses to vital services. As a result, he is urging the state to extend the registration deadline to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries have a chance to complete their registration and continue receiving benefits.
CDPAP, a Medicaid program, allows individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities to hire their own caregivers, often family members or close friends. Beneficiaries and caregivers must complete their registration with PPL by April 1, either through online platforms or by phone. Liu’s call for an extension is a response to the growing concerns about accessibility and communication failures in the program’s new management structure.