Letter to Governor Hochul on Delaying CDPAP Transition

Dear Governor Hochul,

We write to request your consideration on an urgent matter - to delay the transition date of the turnover of the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) program to Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) until June 1, 2025, and require full transparency and accountability through strong data reporting to the Legislature. On February 11, at the Joint Legislative Budget Hearing on Health/Medicaid, the State revealed that only 22,000 New Yorkers, out of 280,000, have fully completed their enrollment with PPL. Unfortunately, it took significant questions at the hearing to gather what would otherwise be basic information, and it is clear the legislature is not going to be provided the necessary information to monitor this transition appropriately without legislation.

We believe that it is not possible to fully transition by April 1, 2025. PPL has demonstrated an overwhelming lack of coordination in the current timeline across all affected stakeholder groups for which they will be expected to provide services. Not only is there confusion amongst home care workers and care-recipients on new methods to receive adequate payment, care, and basic service requirements PPL will now provide, but there are also a host of statutory violations of state and federal law that PPL must address as they and the state Department of Health look to finalize the transition.

The loss of important healthcare services and jobs for tens of thousands of New Yorkers is a serious harm that can easily be avoided. Older adults and people with disabilities face a daunting maze of requirements to obtain home care from PPL. These vulnerable New Yorkers are at risk by the needless rush to transition 280,000 consumers and 400,000 aides in less than 6 weeks. It has become clear that these folks are putting forth a good faith effort to fully transition, and even those with excellent internet technology skills are experiencing major challenges.\

The size and complexity of the New York CDPAP programs are unique. In Queens, at least 800 languages are spoken daily. A transition of this magnitude and diversity cannot be rushed without risking harm to consumers and aides. Due to the looming risk to our constituents, we ask that the Governor’s office take up this matter as soon as possible. Waiting for the budget is not feasible given the current status of the law.

Governor Hochul, my colleagues and I thank you for your attention to this important matter.