Starting Medicaid home care in New York takes a few steps: you need active Medicaid, an assessment from the New York Independent Assessor Program (NYIAP), and then a plan of care through your local Department of Social Services or a Medicaid managed care plan. This guide walks adults and their families through each step so you know what to prepare.
Step 1: Make sure you have Medicaid
Home care such as personal care services and the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) is a Medicaid benefit. If you do not have Medicaid yet, apply through NY State of Health or your Local Department of Social Services (LDSS). In New York City, the LDSS is the Human Resources Administration (HRA). Keep your Medicaid ID number handy for the next steps.
Step 2: Call the New York Independent Assessor
For adults who are not yet receiving personal care or CDPAP, the first assessment is done by the NYIAP, not by the home care agency. To request it, call the NYIAP helpline at 855-222-8350 (TTY: 1-888-329-1541). A family member or other authorized representative can call for you if they are on file with NYIAP.
Step 3: Complete the Community Health Assessment
A registered nurse from the NYIAP completes a Community Health Assessment to understand your health, daily activities and support at home. You can choose an in-person visit or a video visit. Most assessments take 2 to 3 hours.
To prepare, have ready:
- Your Medicaid ID and a list of your doctors.
- Your medications and diagnoses.
- A list of daily tasks you need help with, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, meals or moving around the home.
- Family members or caregivers who already help you, and when they are available.
Step 4: Clinical appointment and practitioner order
Next, you have a clinical appointment with an NYIAP practitioner, in person or by video, which takes up to 1 hour. The practitioner order is completed as part of all initial NYIAP assessments. It confirms that you have a medical need for home care.
Step 5: Plan of care and choosing how you receive services
After the assessment, your LDSS or Medicaid managed care plan decides how many hours you need and builds your plan of care. They look at what services are medically necessary, whether you can be safe at home, the support you already have, and your preferences.
Depending on your Medicaid coverage, you may receive services through your LDSS or through a Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) plan. If you are required to join an MLTC plan, New York Medicaid Choice will contact you about enrollment.
Step 6: Choose your home care provider
Once services are authorized, a licensed home care agency arranges your aide and schedule. You can tell your plan or LDSS which agency you would like to use.
What about children?
Children ages 0 to 17 do not go through the NYIAP at this time. Their assessments are done by the LDSS or the Medicaid managed care plan after a physician order form is completed. See our guide to pediatric home care for more.
If your needs change suddenly
If you are not receiving home care yet and your condition changes quickly, for example after a hospital stay, contact your LDSS or Medicaid managed care plan and ask for help scheduling an assessment right away.
Get help starting home care
HumanCare NY provides personal care, CDPAP and Medicaid waiver services across New York. If you have questions about getting started, visit our getting started page or contact our team.
Sources
- New York Independent Assessor Program FAQ (October 2025), New York State Department of Health
- New York Independent Assessor Program (NYIAP), New York State Department of Health
