#United States #New York #Albany #Home Care #PPL

New Yorkers Urge Governor Hochul to Protect Home Care Amid Controversy with PPL

In a powerful new campaign launched by The Alliance to Protect Home Care, the emotional testimonies of New Yorkers highlight the risks associated with Governor Hochul's deal with Public Partnerships LLC (PPL). This out-of-state company is poised to take control of New York's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP), a critical service that supports the elderly and disabled residents of the state.

The campaign features a seven-figure ad initiative airing across various digital platforms and television channels. It presents heartfelt pleas from several New Yorkers, each concerned about the impact that transitioning services to PPL will have on their lives. As Bryan O'Malley, the Executive Director of the Alliance, states, "These testimonies are vital to ensure that Governor Hochul and our elected officials recognize the human stakes involved. We cannot let New York descend into another disaster due to PPL's mismanagement."

The Stories that Matter

The ad includes poignant accounts from five individuals, representing the many who rely heavily on home care services:

- Natalia Mendez, a Bronx resident with a C-67 spinal cord injury, depends on round-the-clock care to manage her daily activities.
- Vivian Wu, living in New York City with her husband, shares how the CDPAP program has provided essential support in her older years.
- Gabrielle Broder, a former special education teacher who became paralyzed from a car accident, has been using home care services for eight years to help with daily living tasks.
- Athena Savides, who has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, has been a full-time user of CDPAP since 2012.
- Alex Rodriguez from Jamaica, Queens, has been utilizing the program since November 2017 and emphasizes the integral role caregivers play in his life.

Each account underscores the urgent need for stable and compassionate home care options. The messages conveyed in the ad not only express personal fears about losing care but also highlight the larger systemic issues at play as the state considers handing over such services to a company with a questionable track record.

Growing Opposition

Governor Hochul’s announcement of PPL’s selection prompted fierce opposition and legal challenges. Critics have alleged that there were irregularities in the bidding process, raising concerns about whether the decision was fair. Additionally, a group of Republican Congressional Representatives has urged a halt to federal funding for CDPAP until a thorough review is conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

The intensity of the opposition is notable, with leaders from both political allies and opponents finding common ground against the plan. This includes support from 15 New York City Council members, 31 Assembly members, and 49 State Senators.

What's at Stake for Home Care Services

The Consumer Directed Personal Assistance program significantly enhances the lives of New Yorkers needing assistance due to age, sickness, or disability. This program enables caregivers to help clients with important daily tasks, promoting independence and dignity. However, the looming transition to PPL threatens to eliminate numerous small, local businesses that currently provide such vital services.

In conclusion, the campaign by the Alliance to Protect Home Care serves as a critical reminder of the importance of local, personally-driven care solutions for New York's most vulnerable populations. The voices and experiences of those relying on CDPAP are now at the forefront, directly appealing to state officials to reconsider their approach before lives are adversely affected. The narrative of home care in New York is more than a policy debate; it’s about real people, their challenges, and the fundamental support they deserve.