Oneida Times

New York State Senator Joseph Griffo has raised concerns about the transition from the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) to a new fiscal intermediary, Public Partnerships, LLC (PPL). In a letter addressed to the New York State Department of Health Commissioner, Dr. James McDonald, Sen. Griffo requested an update on the transition process, emphasizing the issues reported by constituents.

The CDPAP program, which provides care for nearly 2.5 million New Yorkers, underwent changes in last year's budget. One major change was the decision to use a single fiscal intermediary, PPL, an out-of-state contractor tasked with managing the $9 billion program. Sen. Griffo explained that many have experienced difficulties with the transition, raising concerns over the potential impact on thousands of elderly and disabled individuals who rely on CDPAP to remain at home and avoid institutional care.

"My office continues to hear from constituents about how poorly the state’s transition from the CDPAP program to PPL has gone and the issues that they have experienced during this process," Sen. Griffo said. "Things have not gone smoothly so far. CDPAP is a lifeline for some of our most vulnerable citizens, enabling them to remain at home and avoid institutional care. The governor and Department of Health must ensure that those most affected by this transition are not put in a perilous position."

In his letter, Sen. Griffo quoted Dr. McDonald as having previously assured that the plan would ensure a smooth transition for CDPAP users and caregivers. However, constituents report that the PPL program is, in reality, "inaccessible, unresponsive and problematic." Additionally, there are reports of patients dealing with technical issues, caregivers getting conflicting information, and a lack of transparency regarding enrollment figures. Some caregivers face potential loss of income and barriers in continuing to provide necessary care.

Sen. Griffo urged an inquiry into the Department of Health's steps to address the problems with the transition. While acknowledging the importance of fiscal responsibility, he stressed the necessity of shielding those who depend on these services from adverse effects.

The full text of Sen. Griffo's letter is included in the release. In it, he expressed gratitude for the commissioner's consideration in light of the pressing concerns raised.