CA SDP – Independent Facilitator Resources

For Regional Centers & Independent Facilitators:

We’re here to be a good partner

What makes us a good partner?
Experience is key. In 1999 we worked with the Robert Wood Johnson foundation to design the earliest self-determination models. Today, a quarter century later, our credentials are unmatched. We’re currently a trusted partner to SDPs in 21 states, including California through the CA self-determination program (SDP).

Managing a self-determination program is more than bill payment and accounting. Much, much more. It’s experience and knowledge; it’s empathy and respect; it’s looking out for the participant as well as the program. It’s helping when help is needed.

One of the biggest challenges in running a successful self-determination program is communication. It’s crucial that information is shared between all stakeholder—participants, regional center, independent facilitator, and agency personnel. We have a reliable, secure, and user-friendly web-based system that ensures everyone’s on the same page at all times.

When you enroll in a self-determination program (SDP), you choose who provides your support, and control other aspects of your care. You can hire a family member, friend, or another care worker of your choosing. If a family member is already helping you, they can probably get paid. You become the employer of your caregiver, and also decide how to spend the money you receive from the program. We think it’s a better option for almost everyone over traditional home care agencies.

Technology Built for You
Our mobile and web apps are built for you from the ground up for self-determination. When our EVV app, Time4Care, had some less than stellar reviews in the app stores, we asked real users what wasn’t working and what features they’d like to be included. We implemented their ideas and requests, and today we have an average of 4.5 stars across Apple’s App Store and Google Play. That kind of collaboration is how we operate in all areas of our business. To be a great partner, you have to listen, and be open to change.

Staff who care
The people who work here are passionate about what they do. They understand that our mission goes beyond enrollment and cutting checks. All of us here truly believe that self-determination is the best choice for individuals and health care payers. will become the standard for home-based care.

We’re excited to work with you, if you have any questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do you have a waitlist?

No, PPL does not currently have a waitlist. Participants can begin onboarding as soon as they select PPL.

Are there any budget caps?

No, PPL does not impose any budget caps. We support all plan sizes. We kindly request notification for budgets over $250,000 to ensure internal and external funding readiness.

What are your employer burden rates?

For the Sole Employer model, the employer burden rate is 17.54%. Employer burden may vary depending on the relationship between the employer and employee. We encourage booking a consultation for case-specific guidance.

The Bill Payer model does not include any burden costs.

Which models of support do you offer?

PPL offers:

  • Sole Employer (Fiscal/Employer Agent model) – for participants who wish to have maximum control of their services, and be the employer of record
  • Bill Payer / Vendor Model – for services billed directly by vendors or providers

Do you offer prepayments?

Yes, prepayments are available for qualified services and eligible providers.

Do you provide support during the enrollment process?

Yes!  Every participant is assigned a dedicated Support Broker to assist during onboarding and for ongoing program support.

Are bilingual services offered?

Yes, we are a multi-lingual provider! We provide full support in English, Spanish, Korean, as well as support for other languages, including Support Brokers and customer service teams.

Do you accept participant transfers? How often?

Yes, PPL accepts transfers.

  • Transfers from Bill Payer or Co-Employer to PPL’s models: Monthly
  • Transfers from Sole Employer to Sole Employer models: Quarterly

Do you provide training?

Yes! We offer monthly webinars and daily consultation sessions for participants, families, IFs, and RC staff. Topics include onboarding, spending plans, payroll, invoice submission, and navigation of our system, MyAccount.