Senator Steve Rhoads & Senate Republicans Call for Federal Investigation into CDPAP Transition

ALBANY, NY - New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, along with members of the Senate Republican Conference, today penned a letter to Robert Kennedy, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, requesting the department open an investigation into the transition of New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to a new statewide fiscal intermediary. 

“Reports continue to surface of patients encountering technical issues, caregivers receiving conflicting information, and a lack of transparency regarding enrollment figures. Many caregivers also face the potential loss of income and the ability to continue providing care. Additionally, the reported 40,000 patients shifting from CDPAP to Licensed Home Care Services Agencies (LHCSAs) may find themselves without services simply due to bureaucratic delays and confusion. The transition from approximately 700 fiscal intermediaries (FIs) to a single, state-selected intermediary has been fraught with problems from the outset. To date, there is no clear evidence that the new system will improve care or efficiency. Instead, the risks far outweigh any potential benefits,” the letter reads. 

“This was a bad idea from the start. The CDPAP program is a lifeline for families and vulnerable New Yorkers. Democrats in New York cut these essential services, and now we are hearing from home care users and workers there is confusion and technical issues with the transition. By way of our letter, I ask Secretary Kennedy to investigate the implementation and transition to ensure our most vulnerable are protected,” said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

“I urge HHS Secretary Kennedy to investigate New York's slipshod CDPAP rollout to get to the bottom of what's happening, and to protect New Yorkers depending on it,” said Senate Deputy Republican Leader Andrew Lanza. 

“Kathy Hochul’s forced single FI CDPAP transition has created chaos for 280,000 of our most vulnerable New Yorkers. While the 30-day “grace period” is a necessary but still inadequate reprieve, it does not solve the overall problem with an ill-advised policy that threatens stability and access to care to those most in need. From the start, the lack of transparency and accountability in this process has been stunning and we owe it to those who rely on this program to investigate, demand answers and take corrective action.” said Senator Steven Rhoads, SD 5th.

Last year’s enacted budget included the controversial changes to the CDPAP program, which provides care to nearly 2500,000 New Yorkers. The changes include the switch to a single fiscal intermediary – Public Partnerships, LLC, an out of state contractor – which was selected to facilitate the $9 billion program.

“That the governor is blindly pushing ahead with this transition when the process is clearly not working for patients, providers or our healthcare workforce is simply wrong. It merits a federal investigation. While a regionalized approach remains a far better option, the least the governor can do is delay the implementation for 90 days so vulnerable New Yorkers can enroll in a program they rely on,” said Senator Jake Ashby, SD 43rd. 

“This rushed and flawed transition of the CDPAP program is causing confusion, distress, and disruption for the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who depend on it for essential care. With the deadline nearly upon us, nearly half of those served by the program still have not begun the transition process. It is critical that the federal government step in to investigate this process to ensure the well-being of our elderly and disabled citizens is not jeopardized. The risks are too great, and the system must be reevaluated before any further harm is done,” said Senator George Borrello, SD 57th. 

“Members of our conference, as well as advocates, have consistently warned that the misguided proposal to transition CDPAP to a single fiscal intermediary would have adverse impacts on New Yorkers in need of this critical care. I am confident that a thorough investigation of the implementation of this transition will determine the plan should be scrapped altogether,” said Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, SD 9th.

“The communities of South Brooklyn rely on home care networks, not a single large company that no one asked for. Home care users and workers alike are facing confusion and fear. At the very least, we need to delay implementation, if not reconsider the entire plan. Why are we handing a monopoly to a no-bid company?” said Senator Steve Chan, SD 17th.

“I have heard from constituents who have expressed concerns with the state’s transition to PPL as the sole fiscal intermediary for the CDPAP program. While I recognize the need for fiscal responsibility, it is critical that such measures do not come at the expense of those who depend on these important services for their daily care and well-being,” said Senator Joseph Griffo, SD 53rd.

“The anxiety and fear felt by the people who depend upon CDPAP is very real. Individuals continue to express difficulty transitioning to PPL – citing everything from the inability to reach a knowledgeable staff person to the inaccessibility of basic information.  First and foremost, the deadline for the transition needs to be extended so those relying on this program can ensure that there is not a disruption in services. The State's decision to transition to a single provider and the process to select a single provider must also be investigated to ensure the integrity of this program that the most vulnerable New Yorkers depend upon,” said Senator Pam Helming, Chair of the Republican Conference, SD 54th.

“With a stark and unfair deadline looming over their heads, New Yorkers who rely on CDPAP are deeply concerned.  This change was hurried and confusing and that is causing undue stress on our most vulnerable residents and their loved ones.  That is why I am proud to join my colleagues, led by Leader Ortt, to request that Secretary Kennedy thoroughly examine the changes made to provide every New Yorker – especially impacted families - with the transparency they deserve,” said Senator Mario R. Mattera, SD 2nd.

“The disastrous rollout of the CDPAP changes threatens to disrupt care for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers who rely on this vital program. The Governor's proposal lacks clarity, is poorly planned, and the rushed implementation has created chaos and uncertainty for consumers and caregivers alike. We should reach out to our federal partners for guidance and support to ensure these changes do not cause unnecessary harm. For now, the best course of action is to hit the pause button, reassess the situation, and find a responsible path forward that protects those who depend on this program the most,” said Senator Dean Murray, SD 3rd.

“The transition to a single fiscal intermediary for CDPAP has been a disaster from the start. Now, with the April 1st deadline looming, Governor Hochul is playing politics with the lives of over 100,000 vulnerable New Yorkers. Enough is enough. I'm respectfully calling on HHS Secretary Kennedy to immediately investigate this nightmare transition,” said Senator Peter Oberacker, SD 51st.

“The CDPAP transition to a single, statewide provider has become yet another state action surrounded by more questions than answers, and more confusion than clarity.  Across this state, including within my own legislative district in the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, patients are alarmed and not getting the answers and assistance they need. The same goes for caregivers. There remains an overall lack of transparency from the state. At the very least, this transition needs to be delayed and reexamined,” said Senator Tom O’Mara, SD 58th.

“This deeply flawed transition threatens the care of over 250,000 seniors and disabled New Yorkers who rely on CDPAP to remain in their homes. With reports of delays, confusion, and a lack of transparency, the risks are simply too great to ignore. I join my colleagues in calling for an immediate investigation to ensure accountability and protect those who depend on this vital program,” said Senator Rob Rolison, SD 39th.

“The shift away from CDPAP has been rife with confusion, delays and possible lapses in coverage. I’m glad to join my Senate Republican colleagues in calling on Health and Human Services Secretary Kennedy Jr. to investigate these many problems and prevent further chaos for caregivers and patients,” said Senator Dan Stec, SD 45th. 

“The transition from New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to a new statewide fiscal intermediary has become another taxpayer-funded boondoggle by the governor and majorities.  If unchecked, this is going to have a serious and negative impact on the health and well-being of thousands of our most vulnerable citizens and their families. Hopefully, Secretary Kennedy can launch an investigation into this and restore common sense,” said Senator Jim Tedisco, SD 44th.

“Patients and caregivers deserve a system that is transparent, efficient, and supportive, not one riddled with technical issues and bureaucratic confusion. The recent changes to the CDPAP program have raised serious concerns about access to care and the stability of those providing it. With over 40,000 patients potentially left in the lurch and caregivers facing financial uncertainty, it is imperative that we address these issues head-on. The promise of improved care cannot overshadow the risks that threaten the well-being of so many New Yorkers,” said Senator Mark Walczyk, SD 49th. 

“CDPAP is a lifeline for thousands of New Yorkers, including seniors and those living with disabilities. The decision to consolidate nearly 700 fiscal intermediaries (FIs) into a single, state-selected entity was misguided and turned chaotic as expected. Therefore, my colleagues and I urge the federal government to oversee a fair and transparent transition,” said Senator Bill Weber, SD 38th.

In addition to calls for an investigation into the CDPAP program transition, members of the Senate Republican Conference also announced the introduction of legislation that would delay the implementation for 90 days. 

A full copy of the letter is attached.