NY’s $6 billion consumer home care Medicaid program in Gov. Hochul’s crosshairs after years of fraud and abuse
NY Post
A burgeoning $6 billion Medicaid program allowing New Yorkers to get paid to take care of elderly adults — which critics say has been vulnerable to fraud and abuse for years — is in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s crosshairs.
Hochul, as part of this year’s budget negotiations, is proposing making changes to the program, such as setting limits on the number of hours those employed can work.
The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) — which has exploded in popularity over recent years — has been criticized over lax eligibility requirements, lack of oversight, and abuse.
The governor’s amendment to this year’s proposed $233 billion state budget, submitted Thursday, would give the Department of Health expanded oversight and regulatory powers over the CDPAP.
The DOH would have broad regulatory authority to reign in fiscal middlemen trying to game the system, by setting a limit on the number of financial intermediaries that can operate in the state.
As part of the program, businesses and nonprofits can profit by essentially working as a payroll agent between Medicaid and the CDPAP caregivers.
