Health Aide, a leading provider of Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) services in New York, urgently calls upon all stakeholders to oppose the recent proposal by the New York State Department of Health (DOH). This proposal aims to consolidate all CDPAP services under a single, out-of-state Fiscal Intermediary (FI), effectively creating a monopoly that would dismantle the current structure supporting 250,000 consumers and thousands of personal assistants (PAs).
Key Concerns:
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Monopoly Risks: The new proposal mandates a single FI, eliminating the choice and flexibility that consumers currently enjoy. This move threatens the existence of over 600 local New York companies, including Health Aide, which have been providing essential services tailored to the unique needs of their clients.
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Diminished Consumer Rights: Under the new system, subcontractors, including Independent Living Centers and non-profits, will have no power to set wages, manage benefits, or maintain critical records. This stripping of authority will result in a rigid, bureaucratic system where consumers have no voice or choice.
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Service Disruptions and Job Losses: The potential changes include a reduction in pay and benefits for PAs, which will make it challenging to attract and retain qualified caregivers. The ensuing instability could lead to significant service disruptions, forcing many individuals into nursing homes and away from their communities and families.
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Negative Impact on Quality of Care: The single FI model is primarily a cost-saving measure that could lead to reduced services and lower quality of care. The individualized care that programs like Health Aide offer would be at risk, leaving many without the personalized support they need.
What to do:
Health Aide urges all consumers, caregivers, and advocates to take immediate action to prevent these detrimental changes. Here's how you can help:
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Contact Your Elected Officials: Visit Alliance to Protect Home Care’s website to send a message to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Speaker Carl Heastie, and Assembly Speaker Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Make your voice heard against the single FI proposal.
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Spread Awareness: Share your concerns on social media platforms like Twitter/X. Use hashtags and tags to ensure your message reaches a wider audience.
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Share Personal Stories: Personal testimonies are powerful. Share your experiences and the potential impact of these changes on your life and the lives of your loved ones.
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Support Advocacy Efforts: Encourage your fiscal intermediary to contribute to the Alliance to Protect Home Care. For more information, contact info@cdpaanys.org or call 518-813-9537 x1. Donations are also welcomed to support ongoing advocacy efforts.
About Health Aide:
Health Aide is committed to providing high-quality, personalized CDPAP services in New York. We stand firm in our dedication to maintaining consumer choice and protecting the rights of those who rely on our services. For more information, visit Health Aide.
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Media Contact
Fred Polsky
Health Aide Inc. CDPAP
Info@healthaide.org
newsroom: news.38digitalmarket.com
Source: 38 Digital Market News
Release ID: 1094210
