Capital District Times

Assemblyman Scott Bendett has voiced concerns regarding proposed changes to the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). The proposal suggests transitioning to a single statewide fiscal intermediary (FI), which Bendett argues could compromise consumer choice and control.

“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.

Bendett highlighted the uncertainty such a change could bring, particularly affecting disabled and elderly individuals who rely on CDPAP. He warned of possible disruptions in care, increased bureaucratic challenges, and delays in service delivery.

“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.

He emphasized that these reforms might threaten the quality of care provided through CDPAP. “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.