Family caregivers
CDPAP in Florida? Here is what Florida has instead
Many people search for CDPAP after moving from New York or hearing about it from family. Florida has no program by that name, but it has its own versions.
The short answer
CDPAP, the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, is a New York State Medicaid program. Florida's closest matches are the Participant Direction Option under Medicaid Long-Term Care for adults, CDC+ under the iBudget waiver for people with developmental disabilities, and the Family Home Health Aide program for medically fragile children.
The closest match by situation
| If your family member | Look at | How it resembles CDPAP |
|---|---|---|
| Is an older adult or adult with a disability needing nursing home level care | Participant Direction Option | The person hires and supervises their own worker, including family |
| Has a developmental disability and is on iBudget | CDC+ | The person manages a budget and hires workers, with a fiscal agent handling payroll |
| Is a medically fragile child eligible for nursing | Family Home Health Aide | A trained relative is paid, but employed through an agency |
Moved from New York?
Medicaid does not transfer between states. You must apply for Florida Medicaid through DCF at 1-866-762-2237, and then go through Florida's process. For long-term care that begins with the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). Expect a screening and possibly a waiting period, so start as soon as you can, ideally before the move if possible.
A word of caution
Some websites advertise "CDPAP in Florida" sign-ups. Check that any organization you work with names the actual Florida program, and verify any licensed agency on FloridaHealthFinder.
About this page. Aster Care LLC is a private home care agency, not a government agency. Eligibility decisions are made by the state offices named here. This is general information, not legal or benefits advice, and program rules change, so please confirm details with those offices.
Questions families ask
Does Florida pay family caregivers at all?
Yes, through the specific programs above, once the person needing care qualifies. There is no general payment just for being a caregiver.