Introduction and Updates
This article gives information about the nuts and bolts about receiving CDPAP services through PPL, the statewide single Fiscal Intermediary for CDPAP in NYS, This includes registration, timekeeping, requirements for PAs to have health assessments, and more.
See related articles for more information:
CONSUMERS REGISTER WITH PPL:
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PPL@Home Consumer Transition Video
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PPL Brochure On How to Transition - with Screen Shots
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PPL Manual for Consumer Accounts
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May register by CALLING PPL 1-833-247-5346 (numbers in various languages on website - though non-English speaking staff may not be available), calling a Facilitator, or registering online.
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Registration asks for "CIN" Number - this is the Medicaid ID number on the Common Benefits ID card. (Under "ID Number" at top of gray area on Left in photo below)
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Registration asks for contact info for consumer - either email address or cell phone. Do not use the same email or cell phone number for the consumer that a Personal Assistant or Designated Representative is using. Each should have their own phone number or email address -- to avoid problems.
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Registration asks for Associated Persons - where you add name and contact info for the following, they will receive a link by email or text to register with PPL and be linked to the consumer.
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Designated Representative\ (DR) - who will receive an email or text asking them to e-sign or download, sign and upload this Designated Representative form.
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Personal Assistants (PA) - they will receive an email or text with the contact info you provide for them, so they can register
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Guardian or Power of Attorney
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Set up electronic SIGNATURE
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Sign Forms -- Consumer or DR must sign Memorandum of Understanding. (available in various languages online -- click on PROGRAM DOCUMENTS -- but not to e-sign in portal). May VERBALLY sign this document on the phone with a facilitator or PPL.
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Once Registration Submitted - You will be given a Tracking Number and PPL ID, and have access to Dashboard in portal to see status.
- Ask a FACILITATOR to help troubleshoot problems.
Personal Assistant (PA) Registration
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PPL%Home Video on How PA Registers
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PPL Brochure On HOw to Transition - with Screen Shots
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PA's must complete or upload many documents:
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Personal Assistant Agreement
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TAX FORMS - IRS FORM W-4 and State Form NY IT-2104-I
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Payment Method Form
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Attestation of Health Assessment - acknowledge must have health assessments every 12 months – and that PA will document current assessment before 10/1/25. Has option to upload current proof of health assessment now, whichi they may get from current FI)
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Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) form
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Proof of citizenship or USCIS Form I-9 with supporting documentation (work authorization) - a ZOOM call will be scheduled by PPL for the PA to show this documentation to a reviewer.
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Once all of the above forms are signed, if required, and uploaded, after PPL reviews them PPL generates an Offer letter (one per associated consumer). This gives the hourly wage and benefits. To find the Offer Letter, which appears as "PA Hourly Employee Offer WP," the PA logs into the portal.
- Go to FORMS. Under the heading "Consumer Associations," each consumer the PA is working for should be listed.
- For each consumer click on CLICK VIEW. A "PA Hourly Employee Offer WP" should be listed. CLICK EDIT TO SIGN.
- If you work for more than 1 consumer, make sure to complete it for each consumer.
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PAs with questions about the health benefits - call (833) 746-8283 or email Nypplhr@pplfirst.com.
PPL has subcontracted with 40+ CDPAP Facilitators around NYS. These were former FIs that will continue as subcontractors to PPL -- but they will NO LONGER serve as FI's. Instead, they help consumers and PA's transition to the new FI PPL. See list here of the Facilitators with the counties they cover, languages spoken, and contact information.
On July 20, 2026, PPL is removing one of THREE options for the PA to log hours for the consumer to approve:
- PPL's Time4Care app,
- PPL@Home online portal THIS OPTION IS ENDING JULY 20, 2026,
- Telefony system.
- A fourth method -Paper timesheets -- may be used only with an exception (see here).
On around July 1, 2026, PPL posted in the PPL@Home Portal -- "PPL@Home will no longer be available for Personal Assistant time entry effective 07/20/2026. Please begin using one of PPL’s Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)-compliant time entry methods — Time4Care or telephony — to record and submit your hours. Consumers may continue to approve timesheets in PPL@Home."
This change is not yet posted on https://pplfirst.com/cdpap-resources/ under Payroll and Payment section - as of July 2, 2026, Not is it in the Resources for consumers and DR page under Timekeeping.
PPL has posted some guides on how to use the timekeeping apps and portal - on https://pplfirst.com/cdpap-resources/ click on TIMEKEEPING on the left, and scroll down to find various videos. Also see How to Manage Time with PPL, note some complicated rules, especially pp. 5-7. Also see PAYROLL and PAYMENT section on PPL resources page.
In-person assistance is also available at certain sites. See https://pplfirst.com/cdpap-events/.
Some other rules from PPL PAYROLL website:
- TIMING: All time entries, including paper timesheets, must be submitted for approval by 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday. Consumers/DRs must approve PA hours by 12 p.m. (noon) ET every Sunday.
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Stick with the Same Device --Device-Specific Clocking: PAs should consistently use the same device to clock in and out. The clock operates on the device itself, not the system, which explains any display or shift issues experienced when using multiple devices.
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Timesheet Approval Limitations: Consumers can only approve or deny timesheets submitted through the same medium. For example, timesheets entered via IVR Telephony are not accessible in Time4Care (T4C), meaning IVR-entered timesheets cannot be approved through T4C.
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Time shifts entered via PPL@Home or IVR telephony will not be displayed in the Time4Care mobile app. However, PAs should not submit duplicate shifts in the mobile app, as consumers can approve telephony-submitted timesheets directly through PPL@Home and telephony platforms.
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Night shifts that start before midnight and end after midnight are split into TWO SHIFTS. See video.
If you continue to have difficulty with these systems, please call PPL at 1-833-247-5346 (English)(See numbers for other languages here). Also file complaints with DOH and lawsuit contacts here.
After May 17, 2025, Personal Assistants may use paper timesheets (fill-in-able version here) only if they obtain an Exception from PPL. See more here for how to complete and submit paper timesheetsand and download the PPL form to request an exception to allow paper timesheets.
Starting Sunday May 18th, 2025 PAs must log hours on Time4Care, PPL@Home, or Telephony unless they obtain an Exception. See more here.
If a Personal Assistant has an ongoing need to use a paper timesheet – for instance, as a religious exception to using electronics on the Sabbath or in an area where the use of Time4Care or telephony is not reliable –they must request an individualized exception to use paper timesheets.
- See PPL's NY CDPAP Paper Timesheet Exception Request Form NEW (Fillable version here). PPL’s description of the timesheet exception process can be found in this document at page 5 (this is the How to Manage Time with PPL Guide that can be found in PROGRAM DOCUMENTS on PPL website)(Espanol). Make your request right away..
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The Exception Form must be faxed to PPL at 1-844-244-4384, e-mailed to nycdpap@pplfirst.com or mailed to Public Partnerships LLC PO Box 310, Binghamton, NY 13902.
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TIP: Keep a copy of the form for your records and note down the date of submission. If you are mailing the Exception Form to PPL’s PO Box, use certified mail or another tracking service and keep proof of receipt for your records. If you fax the Exception Form, please keep a copy of the fax confirmation for your records.
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If Exception is approved to use Paper timesheets -- Use this PPL paper timesheet (fill-in-able version here). See these PPL instructions. Fax to 1-844-244-4384 or by email to NYCDPAP_TS@pplfirst.com. (There is also a physical mailing address listed on the form.)
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In Service Type box in the upper-right corner of the paper timesheet --
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On top row, check either one consumer or two consumers (as applicable);
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On second row, check either live-in or not live-in (as applicable), and
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Don’t check anything else in that box.
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No need to write anything in the blank next to Service Type
NEWS MAY 2026 - PPL added an additional health assessment provider, The IMA Group, starting May 27, 2026, in addition to Mobile Health. Some new PAs joining the program will be assigned to the IMA Group for their pre-employment health assessment during the PPL registration process. PAs already active in the program prior to this date will continue services with Mobile Health. For more information on CDPAP health assessments, visit pplfirst.com/cdpap-health-assessments.
Health assessments are required at the time the PA first signs up for PPL, and then annually.
As reported in the Buffalo News on Sept. 18, 2025, "the State Department of Health announced that it would no longer require caregivers in the state’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to complete their annual health assessment by Oct. 1, 2025. Now, they only need to have scheduled an appointment in the future as of Oct. 1." NY Department of Health to allow Caregivers More Time to Complete Compliance for Home Care Program (Buffalo News, 9/18/2025). The state's announcement followed a rally demanding an extension of time, organized by disability advocates and the Caring Majority. See also Syracuse.com article Sept. 23rd.
The following instructions are from PPL and its contractor MobileHealth:
You can find more information and schedule an appointment on the Mobile Health website: https://www.mobilehealth.com/ny-cdpap-ppl-medical-screenings/
For questions regarding your PPL medical screening with Mobile Health, you can also call Mobile Health at 646-680-0450 or email PPL@mobilehealth.com.
You have 4 Options to complete your Medical Screening:
Option 1 – Schedule an In-Person Appointment
Go to the above website, or call Mobile Health, and select a Mobile Health clinic near you to schedule an appointment.
Option 2 – Schedule a Telehealth Appointment
Go to the above website, or call Mobile Health, and select this option. A separate lab appointment is required.
Option 3 – See Your Own Medical Provider
Go to the above website, or call Mobile Health, and select this option. This will be at your own expense. Print the Mobile Health Pre-Employment Physical Examination Form and have your Medical Provider complete it. You will also need to complete the Drug Attestation Form and then upload the documents using a button in the above Mobile Health website. Guide: How to Upload Documents
Option 4 – Go to a Mobile Health Pop-Up Clinic
Mobile Health is bringing medical screenings to select areas in the state. Please go to the above website for locations and more information. (Dates and times are here -- scroll down.)
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PPL at 1-833-247-5346 (English). See numbers for other languages here. Make sure to keep a log of dates of calls, who you talked to, hold time, what was said., any language barriers. Always call or email them first. Other contacts at PPL:
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NYS DOH CDPAP hotline StatewideFI@health.ny.gov
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ORGANIZATIONs THAT BROUGHT LAWSUITs:
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LEGAL AID SOCIETY CDPAP Calderon lawsuit: PA's with payment problems should complete this survey to report payment problems. Only for PAs for consumers in NYC, Long Island and Westchester. (but ALSO contact DOH
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PA's in other counties with payment problems can contact Poricani Law firm at emina@poricaninlaw.com re the Flanagan lawsuit.
- If PPL has not received your "authorization" for CDPAP from your plan or local DSS:- or for other problems caused by your plan or DSS/HRA -
- If you are in a MLTC plan - E-mail a Complaint to the NYS Dept. of Health Managed Long Term Care Technical Assistance Center (TAC) MLTCComplaints@health.ny.gov
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If you are in a Mainstream managed care or HARP Plan - email the NYS DOH managed care complaint unit - managedcarecomplaint@health.ny.gov
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File a formal grievance with your MLTC or mainstream managed care plan
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ICAN - the Independent Consumer Advocacy Network TEL 844-614-8800 (For members of MLTC plans or Managed care or HARP plans)
TTY Relay Service: 711 Website: icannys.org ican@cssny.org
- NYS Department of Labor Wage Theft Hotline 833-910-4378 or visit https://dol.ny.gov/labor-standards-complaint-process.. Failure to pay wages in full on a timely basis is a serious crime in New York, one that the Legislature has made even more serious in recent years. It is a Class E felony to commit wage theft.
- Fle a wage theft complaint with the Attorney General’s office. Submit an online complaint or contact the Attorney General’s Office Helpline at 800-771-7755.
- Contact your NYS elected official and the Governor's office
Many consumers and PA's are being told they should switch to traditional Personal Care agencies (called Licensed Home Care Services Agencies or "LHCSA"). Many FI's are operated by companies that also operate LHCSAs - so if the consumer and PA switch to the LHCSA this is a way for that company to keep the business. Consumers are NOT required to switch in order to maintain services. Consumers should keep several factors in mind before making this switch:
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Personal Care is considered a different "service" - requiring a new "authorization" to be issued by the MLTC plan, managed care plan or local DSS for Personal Care.. See DOH Chart "Understanding the Differences between CDPAP and Personal Care," and FACT SHEET -- both posted around Feb. 20, 2025. This may cause delay. The plan or DSS, not the LHCSA must approve the switch.
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Does the consumer have "skilled needs?"
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Only informal supports (family) or a CDPAPs can perform skilled tasks - not traditional personal care aides ("PCA"). If the consumer has a skilled need, they may only switch to personal care if arrangements are made for family or other informal caregivers to perform the skilled tasks. See info about the Personal Care Scope of Tasks here.
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Some common “skilled” tasks are:
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a. Administration of medications -- a PCA may not directly put a pill in the consumer's mouth, or put in eyedrops, or inject insulin. She may bring these medications to the consumer to self-administer. Family -- not the PCA - must pre-pour the weekly medication box for a consumer who is not self-directing. However, even if the consumer is not self-directing, the personal care aide may remind the consumer that it's time to take a medication, and bring the medication that was pre-poured in a medication box with water to the consumer, put it in her hand, and remind or cue her to take it.
b. Suctioning a tracheostomy or administering tube feeding are skilled tasks.
c. Using a hoyer lift is NOT a skilled task and can be done by a personal care aide. same for incontinent care, assistance with walkers and wheelchairs, turning & positioning, transfer and other daily tasks.
d. See "Q-Tips" (also in Spanish) chart comparing the scope of tasks of Personal Care Aides (PCAs) to that of CHHA Home Health Aides (HHA) at pages - see pp. 5-7.
3. Is the LHCSA (personal care vendor agency) in the plan's or DSS network?
For MLTC and mainstream managed care plans, the LHCSA must be in the plan's network. If the consumer is receiving CDPAP services through their local county Medicaid agency (HRA in NYC), then the LHCSA must be under contract with that DSS.
4. Some family members will be prohibited from becoming PCAs under state regulation. 18 NYCRR 505.14(h)(2)(posted at this link).
While the consumer's son or daughter, son-in-law or daughter-in-law, or parent (if the consumer is an adult) may be a CDPAP PA, these relatives may NOT be a PCA. Other relatives may become the PCA for a family member if she
- is residing in the patient's home because the amount of care required by the patient makes his presence necessary.”
- is not residing in the patient's home;
5. All PCA’s must go through a 2-week training to get certification. Some LHCSA’s offer this training.
6. The PA will now be an employee of the LHCSA personal care agency - and will not only work for the consumer. They might be reassigned to another case.
SEE RELATED ARTICLES ON THIS WEBSITE
This article was authored by the Evelyn Frank Legal Resources Program of New York Legal Assistance Group.
