Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler has called on House leadership to take action regarding changes to the New York Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Lawler, along with other New York congressional representatives, sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. They urged that federal Medicaid spending should be halted for any Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage payments related to CDPAP changes until the state submits a State Plan Amendment (SPA) to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and receives approval.

The letter, dated December 5th, was co-signed by Representatives Nick LaLota, Andrew Garbarino, Anthony D'Esposito, Nicole Malliotakis, Marc Molinaro, Nick Langworthy, and Claudia Tenney.

Governor Hochul's recent overhaul of the CDPAP program involved contracting with a single fiscal intermediary (FI), affecting many existing FIs in New York. Concerns have been raised due to the importance of FIs in providing care through CDPAP. The company awarded the FI contract, PPL, has faced criticism over financial management issues and lack of experience in New York. Additionally, questions about potential irregularities in the bidding process have emerged.

Stakeholders have largely opposed Governor Hochul’s policy changes and demanded a reversal. Congressman Lawler previously addressed these concerns in July but has seen no response from the governor. He emphasized that federal funding should only continue after CMS oversight confirms the effectiveness of these changes.

Lawler is recognized as one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District.