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Ritchie Torres Calls for Investigation into $9 Billion Home Care Contract
As he eyes a future gubernatorial run, U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres has renewed his request for an investigation into the state’s controversial $9 billion home care contract. The contract, awarded by Gov. Kathy Hochul’s administration to Public Partnerships LLC, has been criticized for allegations of bid-rigging.
Torres has raised concerns about the awarding of the contract to oversee the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, which provides self-directed home care to approximately 280,000 elderly and disabled individuals. He emphasized the importance of allowing individuals to choose their caregivers and ensuring a fair bidding process.
In a letter to state Inspector General Lucy Lang and the inspector general of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Torres highlighted issues surrounding the contract. He pointed out that the administration may have favored PPL by providing them with a de facto sole-source contract disguised as a Medicaid reform initiative.
Legal Action and Political Motivations
The concerns raised by Torres are not isolated, as a home care provider recently filed a lawsuit alleging that the bidding process for the contract was rigged. This legal action adds to the growing scrutiny surrounding the contract and the administration’s handling of it.
Torres, a vocal critic of Hochul, has been considering a gubernatorial run in 2026. His renewed push for an investigation into the contract came shortly after Hochul’s State of the State address, indicating the political dimensions of the issue.
Continued Advocacy and Response
This is not the first time Torres has called for an investigation into the contract. He initially contacted state and federal authorities last month to raise concerns about the bidding process. While both offices acknowledged his request, there has been no further response.
Hochul’s press secretary, Avi Small, defended the administration’s actions and criticized Torres for his previous stance on police funding. Small emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting home care users and caregivers despite the ongoing controversy.
Overall, the push for an investigation into the $9 billion home care contract reflects the complexities of healthcare contracting and political motivations. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how state and federal authorities will respond to Torres’ calls for transparency and accountability.
