Assemblyman Joe DeStefano (R,C-Medford) commended his fellow lawmakers at a press conference to push for a delay in the overhaul of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), a lifeline for 280,000 elderly and disabled New Yorkers who depend on in-home care. CDPAP is a medicaid funded home care service that allows people to hire the caregiver of their choice.

The state’s transition plan, set to take effect on April 1, requires all program participants to register with a single fiscal intermediary, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL). However, with over 100,000 individuals still unregistered and the transition process beginning on January 6, lawmakers warned the rushed timeline could create major care disruptions.

“This process is being rushed, and it’s putting vulnerable individuals in danger,” said DeStefano. “Extending the deadline to July 1 is the only responsible way to ensure nobody loses access to critical care.”

DeStefano, alongside Assemblyman Josh Jensen (R,C-Greece), the ranking Minority member of the Assembly Health Committee, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead), and his other colleagues, is advocating for the delay. In response to these concerns, Jensen and Sen. Patrick Gallivan have introduced legislation (S.6689) to extend the transition deadline.

“Our seniors and disabled residents deserve stability, not confusion and chaos,” DeStefano added. “We must act now to prevent unnecessary hardship and make sure caregivers and consumers have a smooth transition.”