Personal Care Services and CDPAS

Personal care services

Personal care services are services covered by Medicaid that assist individuals who have disabilities or illnesses and require assistance with activities of daily living. Medicaid Managed Care organizations and local departments of social services contract with home-care agencies that employ aides to provide personal care services. 

Consumer directed personal assistance services

Consumer directed personal assistance services (CDPAS) assists chronically ill or physically disabled individuals who have a medical need for help with activities of daily living, or require skilled nursing services, that are directed entirely by or through a representative of the individual receiving the services. The individual or their representative directs the hiring, training, and supervising of the caregivers they have selected for the services covered by Medicaid. The CDPAS services provided by a personal assistant can include any of the services normally provided by a personal care aide (home attendant), home health aide, or nurse.

Activities of daily living

Activities of daily living are basic tasks related to self-care. These tasks can include:

• Bathing and showering.
• Personal hygiene such as care of hair, teeth, and nails.
• Getting dressed.
• Eating meals.
• Getting in and out of bed or getting up from a chair.
• Walking and getting around at home.
• Using the bathroom.

Eligibility for personal care services and/or consumer directed personal assistance services

Medicaid recipients may receive personal care services and/or consumer directed personal assistance services.  

There are eligibility requirements to receive personal care services and/or consumer directed personal assistance services. Individuals must have an assessment to find out if they qualify.