NAACP Statement re: CDPAP Transition

"The NAACP New York State Conference is calling for an extension to the transition deadline for participants in the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). 

The ongoing CDPAP transition is a racial justice crisis unfolding in real time. Black and brown New Yorkers comprise the majority of both home care consumers and caregivers and stand to lose the most at this moment should the deadline not be extended.

Despite the education and outreach efforts by the Department of Health - and the offering of a grace period for caregivers, a significant number of existing consumers and caregivers have not yet completed the process to transition to the new state system. These caregivers are essential workers who may now face mass job losses and the family members that they care for may also suffer needlessly if more time is not given to ensure that New York's most vulnerable are not left behind. 

For communities of color, CDPAP has been a crucial lifeline, providing a flexible and affordable alternative to nursing homes. As the older Black population in New York has surged – growing by 68% since 2000, compared to just 2% among white seniors – CDPAP has allowed these rapidly growing communities to age with dignity in their homes rather than being forced into institutions.

In the face of federal attacks targeting Medicaid and other safety net programs that have historically lifted Black and brown Americans out of poverty, this transition could leave our state’s most vulnerable residents behind. The NAACP New York State Conference is calling for an extension to the transition deadline and for the State Department of Health to engage with stakeholders to devise a plan that will improve CDPAP and incorporate concerns currently being raised by those who are most impacted by this program.”