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By: Hal C Clarke
In a sharp escalation of his public feud with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Bronx Rep. Ritchie Torres has called for an independent investigation into allegations that her administration manipulated the bidding process for a $9 billion Medicaid home care program.
As first reported by the New York Post, Torres sent letters to state and federal oversight bodies requesting probes into claims that Hochul’s office unfairly favored an out-of-state vendor for the lucrative contract.
Torres’ letter was addressed to state Department of Health Inspector General Lucy Lang and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Inspector General Christi Grimm. In it, he urged an inquiry into the selection of Public Partnerships LLC (PPL) as the sole fiscal intermediary for the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). The program allows Medicaid recipients to hire family members or loved ones as paid caregivers.
“Governor Hochul’s multi-billion-dollar boondoggle merits an independent investigation,” Torres wrote, pointing to allegations of preselection and lack of transparency.
The New York Post detailed claims from Carlos Martinez, CEO of BRIDGES, a home care provider. Martinez’s sworn affidavit alleges that a state disability official revealed during an April Zoom meeting that PPL had been chosen for the contract well before the formal bidding process began. Torres referenced this testimony in his letter, calling the process a “dog-and-pony show with a predetermined outcome.”
“The preselection of PPL was the worst-kept secret in Albany,” Torres charged. He further claimed that the Hochul administration exempted the contract from Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s review, suggesting an effort to conceal details of the deal.
The CDPAP program has been criticized for ballooning costs and alleged fraud, with over 700 businesses and nonprofits acting as intermediaries between caregivers and Medicaid. To streamline the system, the state Department of Health awarded PPL the contract, replacing the many smaller operators.
However, the move has sparked opposition within the industry. Martinez and other providers argue that the selection process lacked fairness and transparency. Torres echoed these concerns, stating that investigations by the state and federal inspectors general are “the only hope” for ensuring accountability in what he called a “high-stakes process.”
Hochul’s office dismissed Torres’ accusations as politically motivated. A spokesperson for the governor accused Torres of opposing reforms designed to curb fraud and reduce runaway costs in the Medicaid program.
“It looks like Ritchie Torres is trying to derail much-needed reforms and protect the status quo,” the spokesperson told the New York Post. “His letter is full of false claims anyway — so we’ll stay focused on delivering a stronger and more effective CDPAP.”
Hochul defended the bidding process, asserting that it was independent and competitive, with 100 vendors submitting proposals. “Public Partnerships was awarded the contract fair and square, with the highest score,” she said during a press conference on Monday.
The governor also stressed her commitment to improving the program for those in need. “My number one priority is ensuring that individuals with disabilities or long-term needs receive care at home with their families,” she said.
The state inspector general’s office confirmed receipt of Torres’ request and stated it investigates all complaints within its jurisdiction. The federal HHS inspector general’s office has not yet commented.
Torres, widely seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party, is reportedly weighing a potential challenge to Hochul in the 2026 gubernatorial primary.
