Assemblyman Scott Bendett (R,C-Sand Lake) expressed his concerns over the proposed reforms to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Moving to a single statewide fiscal intermediary (FI) undermines the core principle of consumer choice and control that CDPAP is designed to protect.

“A potential move to a single fiscal intermediary is deeply concerning and warrants strict scrutiny. A decision like this risks forcing small and medium-sized FIs—many of which have been providing essential, personalized services to New Yorkers for years—out of business. These entities have built trust within their communities by offering competent, locally tailored care that a single state-selected FI may not replicate,” said Bendett.

The lack of a guaranteed seamless transition for consumers and caregivers introduces significant uncertainty. People who rely on CDPAP, including those in disabled and elderly communities, could face disruptions in care, increased bureaucratic obstacles and delays in receiving services—all of which are vital to their daily lives.

“This abrupt shift fails to involve stakeholders who are closest to the program, including the consumers, personal assistants and small businesses that have successfully operated within the program for years. This move merely centralizes power and reduces transparency, with decisions negotiated without meaningful input from those directly impacted,” Bendett continued.

“The proposed reforms threaten the quality of care provided and the continued services for thousands of New Yorkers who depend on CDPAP. The state should instead pursue reforms that are transparent, inclusive and focused on enhancing, not eroding, consumer choice and care quality,” Bendett concluded.