Unmasking Corruption in New York's Home Care System: A Deep Dive into the CDPAP Controversy

We speak with Julian Hagman, Chief Operating Officer of Caring Professionals. He sheds light on the intricacies and challenges of New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), revealing deep-rooted issues of corruption and mismanagement that have far-reaching implications for the elderly and disabled communities in the state.

Julian introduces CDPAP, a program designed to allow consumers to hire personal assistants of their choice, primarily serving elderly and disabled populations. With over 32 years of experience in the industry, Julian emphasizes the importance of continuity of care. He explains that the program should provide a seamless service experience, minimizing gaps that could disrupt care for vulnerable individuals.

The conversation takes a critical turn as Julian discusses the alarming growth of CDPAP and the state's legislative response. Despite the program's success, the state government, led by Governor Kathy Hochul, opted to move towards a Request for Proposal (RFP) process for selecting a statewide fiscal intermediary. This shift not only sidelined local providers but also opened the door for out-of-state companies, namely Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), to dominate the market.

Julian explains that the RFP process was flawed, as it required bidders to have operational experience in other states, while specifically excluding New York's own providers. This decision raised eyebrows, especially considering that the winning bid went to an out-of-state company, thereby diverting funds away from local communities. Julian's frustration is palpable as he notes the lack of transparency and communication from the state regarding these significant changes.

Julian goes on to reveal shocking details about the apparent collusion between PPL and state officials. With evidence of pre-bid meetings between the Medicaid director and PPL, and a draft budget naming PPL as the chosen intermediary, it becomes clear that the RFP process was compromised. Julian's ongoing lawsuit against PPL aims to uncover these truths, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in how taxpayer money is managed.

The fallout from these decisions has been severe. Julian notes that many consumers lost their caregivers due to the chaotic rollout of PPL’s services, forcing them into higher acuity care levels that were not their preference. This shift contradicts federal mandates for consumer choice, putting vulnerable populations at further risk.

Julian passionately advocates for the need for reform within the CDPAP system, urging the state to implement guardrails to prevent fraud and protect consumers. His commitment to exposing corruption reflects a broader call to action for stakeholders to demand better governance and transparency in the home care sector.

The conversation reveals a troubling narrative about the future of home care in New York. As local providers face exclusion and consumers experience diminished choices, the need for reform is more pressing than ever. Key takeaways from this episode include the importance of local provider engagement, the necessity for transparent governance, and the vital need for advocacy in protecting the rights of the elderly and disabled.

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