(NY Lawmakers claim Hochul is targeting them amid massive Medicaid Home Care probe)
by Husneara Choudhury
New York | October 21, 2025—Political turbulence is once again sweeping across New York.
Two state lawmakers have accused Governor Kathy Hochul of “politically targeting” them over their ongoing investigation into alleged corruption within a massive $11 billion Home Care Medicaid program.
Democratic Senators Jim Skoufis (Orange County) and Gustavo Rivera (Bronx) allege that Governor Hochul’s office is retaliating against them for pursuing transparency around a state-run contract they say may have been “rigged” from the start.
“This investigation is about accountability and taxpayers’ money,” said Senator Skoufis.
“But the Governor’s office has turned it into a personal vendetta.”
The Home Care Controversy
At the center of the storm is New York’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP) — a large-scale Medicaid Home Care initiative valued at approximately $11 billion.
The program allows seniors and disabled residents to receive in-home assistance from personal caregivers, managed by private companies contracted by the state.
That contract, critics claim, was unfairly awarded to Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) — the company now responsible for payroll and administrative services for thousands of home care workers.
Lawmakers allege that PPL had prior contact with the State Department of Health (DOH) before the contract was officially awarded — a potential violation of fair-bidding rules.
A PPL representative has reportedly admitted to providing false information about those communications.
Claims of Political Retaliation
Following the launch of the legislative probe, tensions have escalated between the lawmakers and the Governor’s office.
Senator Skoufis claims Governor Hochul vetoed one of his unrelated bills — which would have reimbursed pharmacies for providing post-abortion counseling — as an act of retaliation.
“This isn’t about policy anymore,” Skoufis said. “It’s about punishing those who dare to ask questions.”
Rivera echoed the sentiment, adding that the Governor’s staff has been “defensive and dismissive” of every attempt to obtain transparency.
Lawmakers Demand Documents
The two lawmakers have now formally requested all emails, communications, and financial records between the Department of Health and PPL.
They warned that if the administration fails to comply, they are prepared to issue subpoenas to compel testimony and evidence.
Recent hearings have also revealed complaints from home care workers about delayed payments, payroll errors, and administrative confusion since the new contract took effect.
Governor’s Response
Governor Hochul’s spokesperson dismissed the allegations as “completely false,” insisting that the contract was “conducted legally and transparently.”
“The Governor’s office has not targeted anyone. This was an open process, fully compliant with state law,” the statement read.
However, political observers say the controversy has created visible fractures within the Democratic ranks in Albany — and could have long-term political consequences for Hochul’s administration.
Public Accountability and Political Fallout
The CDPAP program represents one of the largest home care initiatives in New York’s Medicaid system.
If the alleged irregularities are proven true, the scandal could have sweeping effects on state healthcare policy, labor administration, and Governor Hochul’s political standing.
Lawmakers insist that their probe is not politically motivated:
“This isn’t about one person — it’s about protecting taxpayer money and ensuring fairness for workers and patients alike,” said Rivera.
Analysts warn that the controversy could become a defining issue in the upcoming state elections, reshaping the political landscape in New York.
