Navigating the landscape of home care services can be complex, especially when you or a loved one requires assistance to maintain independence at home. For individuals eligible for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid in New Jersey, the Personal Preference Program (PPP) offers a unique pathway to self-directed care. Often referred to when people inquire about “What Is The Cares Ppp Program,” this initiative empowers individuals to take control of their care services, ensuring their specific needs are met in a way that best suits their lifestyle and preferences. This article will delve into the details of the New Jersey PPP, clarifying what it is and how it can be beneficial.
Decoding the CARES PPP Program: An Overview of NJ’s Personal Preference Program
The New Jersey Personal Preference Program (PPP) is a state-sponsored initiative designed to provide self-directed home and community-based services to NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid members who qualify for Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services. It’s important to note that while people search for “what is the cares ppp program,” the program is officially known as the Personal Preference Program (PPP) in New Jersey. The term “cares” likely stems from the program’s focus on providing care services and may be a slight misunderstanding of the official name.
The core principle of the PPP is to enable individuals needing personal care to remain in their homes and actively participate in their communities, without mandating the use of a traditional home health care agency. PCA services under PPP encompass non-emergency, health-related tasks vital for an individual’s well-being and comfort. These tasks include Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping.
Compared to conventional care models, the PPP model requires participants to take on greater responsibility in managing their care. However, this responsibility comes with significant advantages, including greater control, flexibility, and choice over the services received and how they are delivered.
Benefits of Choosing the Personal Preference Program
The Personal Preference Program offers several key advantages designed to enhance the quality of care and the individual’s experience:
- Tailored Services: PPP empowers you to select the specific home care services that directly address your unique needs and preferences.
- Direct Worker Selection: You have the autonomy to hire your own care workers. This can include individuals you already know and trust, such as friends, relatives, or neighbors, fostering a more comfortable and personalized care environment.
- Personalized Scheduling: The program allows you to plan and schedule services in alignment with your individual routines and needs, offering greater convenience and flexibility.
- Enhanced Independence and Control: By self-directing your care, PPP provides you with increased independence and control over your life and the support you receive.
Who is Eligible for the PPP?
To be eligible for the Personal Preference Program, applicants must meet specific criteria:
- NJ FamilyCare Eligibility: Applicants must be eligible for NJ FamilyCare, New Jersey’s publicly funded health insurance program. You can verify your eligibility and apply through your local County Social Service Agency or online.
- PCA Services Approval: Applicants must be approved for Personal Care Assistant (PCA) services, demonstrating a medical necessity for such care. Furthermore, the need for PCA services should be expected to last for at least six months.
- Self-Direction Capability: Participants must be capable of self-directing their care. If an individual is unable to self-direct, they can designate an Authorized Representative (AR) to manage the services on their behalf.
How to Apply for the Personal Preference Program
The application process for the Personal Preference Program varies slightly depending on your enrollment in NJ FamilyCare.
If you are enrolled in a NJ FamilyCare Managed Care Organization (MCO), also known as an HMO or health plan, you should contact your specific MCO to request a PCA assessment for enrollment into the PPP. Here are contact details for various MCOs in New Jersey:
| Managed Care Organization (MCO) | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Aetna Better Health of New Jersey | 1-855-232-3596 |
| Aetna Assure Premier Plus (D-SNP) | 1-844-362-0934 |
| Fidelis Care (formerly known as WellCare) | 1-855-642-6185 |
| Horizon NJ Health | 1-855-465-4777 |
| UnitedHealthcare Community Plan | 1-800-645-9409 |
| Wellpoint (formerly known as Amerigroup) | 1-855-661-1996 |
Contact the relevant number and inquire about initiating a PCA assessment to begin your enrollment in the Personal Preference Program.
The Role of the Fiscal Intermediary (FI)
A crucial component of the PPP is the Fiscal Intermediary (FI). The FI plays a vital role in assisting participants with the financial and administrative responsibilities associated with being an employer in a self-directed care model. Currently, Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) serves as the Fiscal Intermediary for the New Jersey PPP.
The FI provides essential supports for both the participant (as the employer) and the hired care worker:
Supports for the Employer (PPP Participant):
- Manages employer-related fees and taxes.
- Processes payments for employer taxes and fees.
- Arranges for mandatory Workers’ Compensation insurance.
- Assists in creating a backup plan for care services.
- Processes payments for approved goods and services within program guidelines.
Supports for the Worker (Caregiver):
- Manages payroll processing for care workers.
- Offers guidance and resources on finding and hiring suitable care workers.
PPL Customer Service Contact Information:
- Phone (English): 1-844-880-8702
- Phone (Spanish): 1-844-880-8703
- Fax: 1-844-627-6834
- Email: [email protected]
- PPL Program Website
Resources and Support for PPP Participants
The New Jersey Department of Human Services and Public Partnerships LLC offer a range of resources to support individuals participating in the Personal Preference Program. These resources include:
- PPP Contact Information: For specific inquiries, you can access PPP Contact Information for direct assistance.
- PPP Fact Sheet: Download the PPP Fact Sheet for a concise overview of the program.
- PPL Program Documents: Access comprehensive program documents and guides on the PPL Program Website.
- Training and Workshops: Participate in An Overview of the Personal Preference Program training sessions to deepen your understanding of the program.
- Community Workgroup: Engage with the PPP Community Workgroup to contribute to program development and best practices.
- General PPP FAQs: Find answers to common questions in the General PPP FAQ document.
Conclusion
The New Jersey Personal Preference Program (PPP), often inquired about as “what is the cares ppp program,” stands as a valuable resource for NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid members needing personal care assistance. By offering self-direction, it empowers individuals to customize their care, choose their caregivers, and maintain greater control over their lives while remaining comfortably at home and engaged within their communities. If you believe you or your loved one may be eligible for the PPP, exploring the resources and contacting your MCO is the first step towards accessing this empowering care model.
