Consumer-Directed Programs: A Unique Option for Caregivers

Episode description:  

In virtually every survey of older adults, people say they want to age in place for as long as possible, with the help of family members and professional aides, as needed. But every family’s caregiving journey is unique, with different needs, requirements and preferences. The key for both caregivers and their loved ones is flexibility, the ability to create plans that fit their specific circumstances. One distinctive option that has served many families nationwide is a consumer-directed Medicaid program that enables family caregivers to be more involved in designing care programs for their loved ones—and to get paid for their services. In my home state of New York it’s called the Consumer-Directed Personal Assistance Program, known as CDPAP. Other states have similar programs with different names, like California (In-Home Supportive Services Program or IHSS; Illinois (Community Care Program or CCP); and Michigan (MI Choice Waiver).

In today’s episode, I talk with Megan Shergill, Vice President of CDPAP Services at Community Care Home Services, a fiscal intermediary—that is, one of several hundred agencies that caregivers enrolled in CDAP can choose from to process their payroll. Megan will explain the basics of how CDPAP (and similar consumer-directed programs) work, and how they differ from traditional Medicaid. And she’ll also talk about the future of such programs—which may be poised to lose one foundational tenet: the diversity of choices for families choosing fiscal intermediaries.

Guest description: 

Megan Shergill, Vice President of CDPAP Services at Community Care, promotes independence to New Yorkers by providing them the education, tools and opportunity to enroll into CDPAP (Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program), which is an alternative home care program for individuals who have Medicaid. This home care program emphasizes the Consumer's right to “be their own boss” regarding their unique home care needs, by allowing them to direct their own home care services, and hire loved ones to be their caregivers. Megan began her career in health care over 14 years ago, first starting as a direct support professional for individuals with Special Needs, providing them with physical assistance with activities of daily living within their homes and within residential facility settings. She then transitioned into the home care industry for the past 12 years, currently serving as the Vice President of CDPAP services. Megan studied Special Education at St. John’s University and spends her time advocating for arguably some of our most vulnerable communities: the aging community and special needs community. She is a fierce advocate of both communities.

Host:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Roel-Resources-LLC

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/ron-roel

X: @roelresources

Guest:

Contact: Megans@communitycarehhs.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/megan.schlegel.965/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-shergill/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/communitycarehhs/p/C29jFNnMac4/

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Keywords:  homecare, CDPAP, consumer-directed, caregiving, disabilities