News Summary
New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), which supports the elderly and disabled, is encountering serious issues following its management transition to Public Partnerships LLC. Complaints have escalated, with reports of missed paychecks, data breaches, and inadequate care for patients. Lawmakers are set to investigate the situation, and scrutiny falls on Leading Edge Administrators for their questionable practices. Despite claims of improved operations, the increased dissatisfaction and potential legal violations raise significant concerns about the future of home care services in the state.
New York – New York’s state-funded home care program for the elderly and disabled, known as the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), is currently facing significant challenges following a transition in management. The program, which has a substantial budget of $9 billion and serves hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, has seen a surge in complaints since being handed over to the Georgia-based company Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) in April.
Following the transition, multiple issues have emerged, including missed paychecks for workers, reduced work hours, breaches of sensitive data, and a host of other serious problems impacting both patients and caregivers. In response, New York lawmakers have announced plans to hold a hearing aimed at investigating these transition-related issues affecting the CDPAP.
Leading Edge Administrators, the company contracted by PPL to manage health insurance and benefits for low-wage health aides, has also come under scrutiny. The founder of Leading Edge, Jerry Weissman, has a criminal history involving convictions for insurance-related felonies in the 1990s. Complaints against Leading Edge include refusal to pay for medical bills submitted by enrollees and attempts to cancel coverage while patients are hospitalized, raising alarms about the integrity of the services offered.
Former employees of Leading Edge have described the company’s business practices as exploitative, suggesting that there is a primary focus on profit rather than on the quality of care provided to patients. PPL has indicated that Leading Edge will address unpaid claims; however, details regarding enforcement and contract safeguards remain unclear.
Patients and caregivers are facing mounting difficulties in securing coverage for medical bills, with many forced to pay out-of-pocket for treatments. Several former employees have pointed out that Leading Edge frequently fails to respond promptly to appeals concerning denied medical claims, which may be a violation of federal regulations.
Moreover, the insurance plan mandated for New York workers through Leading Edge is limited, only covering basic preventative care, which has created additional financial burdens for employees. Home care workers are required to contribute a portion of their wages to fund this insurance plan, and estimations suggest it could yield up to $60 million annually in profits for Leading Edge and PPL due to the minimal usage of the basic plan.
There is also a contributory “Flex Card” program that has limited benefits and unclear functionality, potentially generating profits around $30 million annually. While employers are legally obligated to provide wage supplements to home care workers, allegations have emerged claiming that PPL and Leading Edge are managing benefits in a way that serves their financial interests rather than those of the employees.
A legal expert has suggested that the current business model may warrant investigation for possible violations of labor laws, specifically concerning employee compensation and benefits. At this time, PPL has not been accused of any wrongdoing by state authorities, and the office of the New York Attorney General has declined to comment on the unfolding situation.
Critics of the transition have pointed out the ongoing challenges faced by home care workers and the inefficiencies present in the current system. Despite some claims from proponents that there have been operational improvements under PPL’s management, continued reports of dissatisfaction and legal concerns cast doubt on the effectiveness of the changes made.
A recent survey has indicated high satisfaction rates among enrollees and personal assistants under PPL, contrasting sharply with reports of ongoing problems within the system. As lawmakers prepare for the upcoming hearing, the impact of these management shifts on the quality and consistency of care remains a point of scrutiny and concern for many stakeholders involved.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Press Connects: NY CDPAP Home Care Program
- Wikipedia: Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program
- New York Times: Medicaid Cuts and Home Care
- Google Search: Home Care Issues in New York
- MobiHealthNews: CareAcademy and CareConnect Partnership
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Home Care
- LoHud: NY CDPAP Transition Was Necessary
- Google News: New York Home Care Situation
- Spectrum Local News: State Aid Boost for Seniors
- Times Union: Private Equity Ownership and Health Care
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
