NY pols probe controversial $9B taxpayer-funded program for home-health-care aides: 'Significant concerns'
State lawmakers are launching a public hearing to probe New York's controversial $9 billion taxpayer-funded program that connects residents with home-health-care aides.
State Senate Health Committee Chair Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) and state Sen. James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) said they will be calling on people to testify about the troubled Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, or CDPAP.
4 State Senator James Skoufis announces that the Department of Motor Vehicles will remain in West Haverstraw.
Tania Savayan/The Journal News via Imagn Content Services, LLC
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4 New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera speaking at a podium.
Kevin C Downs forThe New York Post
The program initially came fire for its alleged rampant abuse and waste involving the under-regulated middlemen companies that were connecting residents with aides as part of the state-funded Medicare initiative.
Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration then did away with the private go-betweens — but its awarding of the massive job to one firm in a no-bid contract only created more questions and outcry.
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'We are going to lay out in clear terms how the transition worked, what didn't work, how it happened and what are the things to learn to make sure that individuals being served by the program continue to be served,' Rivera said.
4 Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration then did away with the private go-betweens
Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Post
Rivera said 'fallout is still being felt' from the governor's consolidation move – noting that some workers have not been paid or have left the program, while patients have not been getting the care they need and others have ended back in nursing homes 'or worse.'
The program has already come under scrutiny from the feds, who The Post reported earlier this month are probing the governor's selection of Public Partnerships, LLC, as the sole 'fiscal intermediary' for CDPAP.
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Skoufis said how that contact was awarded will be part of the state hearing's scope.
'We do have questions. We do have concerns,' he said. 'I have significant concerns about just how this company was awarded the contract and were they awarded the contract fairly.'
4 Rivera said 'fallout is still being felt' from the governor's consolidation move – noting that some workers have not been paid or have left the program.
zinkevych – stock.adobe.com
Hochul administration rep Sam Spokony said in a statement, 'New York State protected home care and prevented a fiscal crisis by putting an end to the waste, fraud and abuse of an old system.
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'The vast majority of consumers and workers have reported a positive experience with the new statewide fiscal intermediary.'
The state lawmakers' hearing on the issue will be held July 9.
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The exact history of Stonewall is complicated, and accounts from participants have varied over the years. Who exactly threw the first brick at Stonewall, for instance, has been debated, and there remains no clear consensus on the question. Still, Johnson and Rivera emerged from Stonewall as two of the most prominent leaders in New York's LGBTQ+ community who would shape the movement for decades to come. The uprising began early on June 28, 1969, when patrons at the bar fought back against police harassment during a raid. The riots continued for about six days and drew national attention to the LGBTQ+ rights cause. Johnson had said she was not at Stonewall when the uprising began and showed up a bit later. But she was among the most prominent participants in the days-long riots, resisting police after they raided the bar. In one well-reported account of the riots, Johnson climbed up a lamppost to drop a heavy object onto a police car. 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New York Post may receive revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and/or when you make a purchase. Accessing Testosterone Replacement Therapy shouldn't make you want to pull your hair out (especially if that's one of the reasons you're seeking TRT in the first place). But with so many new startups flooding the hormone health space, finding a safe, reliable, and affordable provider can feel impossible. It's not surprising that TRT has surged in popularity over the years. Back in 2023, a study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology revealed that testosterone levels in American men have dropped at a rate of roughly 1% per year. Such data has led more men's health experts to investigate the age-related decline in testosterone levels, sometimes called 'Andropause' by doctors or 'Manopause' across social media. 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In the U.S., telemedicine laws vary by state, and most men aren't aware of the FDA regulations around testosterone prescriptions and labeling requirements. Most TRT sites require men to take a blood test to examine their testosterone levels. The normal range is considered to be anywhere between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. Licensed physicians can prescribe testosterone after examining blood work and considering symptoms, as well as medical history. 'A provider must be licensed in the patient's state to legally prescribe. Some clinics skirt this with loopholes or overseas compounding, both of which pose safety and legal risks,' warned Tomo Marjanovic, the owner of Aspire Rejuvenation Clinic, a wellness center specializing in personalized hormone therapy. Marjanovic has explained that patients should look for a clinic that prioritizes comprehensive lab testing, physician oversight, and ongoing follow-up, not just one that ships out testosterone after a short questionnaire. Considering experts' advice and safety parameters, we've rounded up the best online TRT clinics to serve your needs, from holistic telehealth providers to startups that take a personalized approach to treatment. Best TRT Clinic Overall: Ulo Ulo Pros: Personalized approach to treatment Only charged for the treatment once your prescription is approved by the provider Multiple treatment options are available (injections, gels, and oral medication) Cons: Availability of services may vary by state due to telehealth regulations Originally launched to offer solutions for men's hair loss and other common struggles that men face, Ulo recently expanded into the hormone space. The company now offers a completely personalized approach to TRT, with required lab testing, telehealth visits, and medication delivered right to your door. Getting started with a blood test costs just $50, which can be credited towards future treatment costs, and you're only charged for treatment once it's approved by the provider. A licensed physician will look at your labs and recommend the best treatment options, plus you'll receive options as to what type of treatment might work best. Ulo's TRT services are fast, streamlined, and supportive, with real people working with you along the way, monitoring your bloodwork, and ensuring that your TRT journey is customized to your needs and goals. Price: $50 per blood test. Starts at $159/month for testosterone injections, $169/month for testosterone topical gel, and $189/month for oral medication. Best Runner-Up TRT Clinic: Hims Hims Pros: Hims offers a full suite of healthcare services, so you can access more than testosterone treatment Competitive pricing, starting at just $39/month Dual-action treatments available Cons: No testosterone injections are available through the Hims site While some sites offer dedicated testosterone support, Hims has a range of different treatments to address health needs, from weight loss to anxiety to erectile dysfunction. After answering some basic questions about your health, a licensed provider reviews your information to make a plan designed around your body's needs. Hims does not offer testosterone injections, but the company has a lineup of different treatments with dual-action benefits. Competitive pricing makes Hims a popular choice for men seeking Doctor-trusted solutions. Price: The price of medications varies, with Sex Rx + Testosterone Support starting at $39/month. Best Holistic TRT Clinic: Hone Hone Health Pros: Hone provides comprehensive biomarker testing, looking beyond testosterone TRT protocols are customized based on individual hormone levels and symptoms Treatment options include natural supplements as well as injections, gels, and tablets Cons: Availability of services may vary by state due to telehealth regulations Hone does things a little bit differently. Rather than taking a testosterone test, patients can pay $60 for a Hone test, which includes in-depth, 50-biomarker blood testing, personal health history, and validated questionnaires. It's a bit more comprehensive than a simple blood test, providing patients with vital information that can help them optimize their healthspan beyond hormones. From there, Hone users can meet with a licensed physician and receive a prescription. Hone offers testosterone creams, injectables, and tablets, as well as some more natural supplements that can help balance hormone levels and support the thyroid. It's a great place to start for people seeking holistic solutions. Price: $60 per Biomarker Test. Starts at $25/month for discounted access to a limited number of medications that don't require lab testing, and $149/month for everything Hone offers: regular lab testing, physician consults, and full access to its medications. Best Quick Online TRT Clinic: PeterMD PeterMD Pros: The website is very easy to navigate and user-friendly PeterMD provides in-depth blood panels, looking beyond testosterone PeterMD makes it possible to use recent lab work to get a treatment plan faster Cons: PeterMD does not offer testosterone gels or creams PeterMD has served over 300,000 patients searching for health support across a variety of concerns, from weight gain to lethargy and low libido. The site has a few options for men interested in TRT. If you've had lab work done in the past six months, you can skip the testing and jump straight into choosing your optimized treatment plan. For those who still need testing, PeterMD offers trusted nationwide lab partners to get your bloodwork done quickly. The site gives patients panel choices, too: a testosterone assessment panel, an optimization panel, a comprehensive panel, and a diagnostics panel. More in-depth panels offer additional insights into brain health, heavy metals, inflammation, Omega-3 balance, and tumor markers, which can supplement any information relating to hormonal imbalances. Pricing: Testosterone Assessment Panel starts at $95, and testosterone treatment starts at $99/month Best TRT Prescription Alternative: Ro Testosterone Support Supplements Ro Pros: A hormone-free alternative to regular testosterone injections, topicals, and supplements Six carefully sourced, vetted, and researched active ingredients Ingredients are absorbed into the body within hours Cons: This is not for men diagnosed with low testosterone Must take four tablets daily While Ro's hormone-free testosterone support is not designed to treat men who have been diagnosed with low testosterone, these supplements are a great alternative for individuals who do not have a prescription or those seeking a more natural approach. The Doctor-formulated blend includes just six carefully selected and well-researched active ingredients that absorb quickly, including magnesium to support muscular health, maca for emotional stress, and ashwagandha for testosterone support. Pricing starts at just $35 a month, making it a more budget-friendly option as well. Pricing: $35/mo and save $72/year when you choose a quarterly plan MangoRX Pros: Tablets are a convenient solution for people who struggle with injections Kyzatrex is FDA-approved and has shown high efficacy MangoRX offers a 60-day supply (fewer refills required) Cons: Only one prescription treatment (tablets) is available through MangoRX's testosterone services More expensive than some competitors Take charge of your hormone health with MangoRx, an innovative online men's health clinic that offers a streamlined TRT protocol with access to telehealth appointments with board-certified physicians, blood kits shipped to your home for simple testing, and an easy-to-take, FDA-approved daily pill. MangoRX may not provide as wide a selection of testosterone treatments, but Kyzatrex has shown high efficacy in restoring testosterone levels to normal ranges and is a great option for people who struggle with testosterone injections. It's also available in both 30-day and 60-day supplies, so you won't need to rush to the site to get your next refill. Pricing: An initial visit and 60-day supply start at $249/month (first month free) Best Online TRT Clinics FAQs The Post consulted three men's health experts to answer some frequently asked questions about finding the best online TRT clinics. How do you find TRT online? Deep Patel is the co-founder of the telehealth company Ulo, a startup that has recently expanded into the TRT space, offering personalized programs for men looking to optimize their health. 'Search for a company that emphasizes medical care rather than product. TRT usage requires lab testing, the involvement of a physician, and thorough follow-up based on data,' Patel said. He explained that if these three main elements are not prominently indicated on the company's website, it's best to step away and search for another option. How can you tell if an online TRT clinic is legitimate? What should you look for? Transparency is key, according to Patel. He believes that if the site is legitimate, it will clearly indicate that doctors are involved, lab testing is required, and follow-up care is part of the process. 'If you see no mention of medical oversight on the site, that's a red flag,' said Patel. 'To ensure the process is safe and effective, structure, accountability, and support should be built in.' What should patients consider when choosing an online TRT clinic? 'Patients should look for a clinic that prioritizes comprehensive lab testing, physician oversight, and ongoing follow-up, not just one that ships out testosterone after a short questionnaire,' explained Tomo Marjanovic, the owner of Aspire Rejuvenation Clinic, a wellness center specializing in personalized hormone therapy and other holistic wellness solutions. 'I always say that a provider should offer more than a one-size-fits-all protocol, because a real TRT program begins with understanding a patient's full health profile: hormone levels, lifestyle, goals, and medical history,' he shared. How important is the clinic's approach to diagnosis and ongoing hormone monitoring? Marjanovic explained that ongoing hormone monitoring is absolutely essential during Testosterone Replacement Therapy. 'TRT isn't a one-and-done therapy, because hormones are dynamic, and treatment should evolve based on regular lab monitoring and patient feedback,' he said. Marjanovic said that underdosing and overdosing can occur if proper diagnosis and ongoing tracking do not happen through the process. He also warned that physicians may risk ignoring other hormonal imbalances, like estrogen dominance or thyroid dysfunction, that can derail progress. Is testosterone treatment that is ordered online safe? What red flags indicate a potentially unsafe online TRT provider? 'TRT can be safe and life-changing when done right, but that's a big 'when,' Marjanovic warned. There are a few red flags he always tells his clients to look out for. Clinics that don't require bloodwork before prescribing Clinics that don't include physician consultations Clinics that offer cookie-cutter protocols (like weekly injections for everyone) Clinics that don't monitor estradiol, hematocrit, or other relevant markers Clinics that focus more on marketing than medicine Bottom line: If it feels more like ordering supplements than receiving medical treatment, it's a problem. Are there any regulatory or legal considerations patients should be aware of when choosing an online TRT clinic? Dr. Michael Aziz is a regenerative physician specialist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and the author of 'The Ageless Revolution'. He's outlined a few legal considerations to make when starting a TRT program. 'The patient should be aware that some states do not honor controlled substances from a different state. It is honored where the provider is located,' he explained. 'The patient should ask if their script will be honored before paying for the consultation.' Azis added that any person starting a TRT program should have a letter from the provider stating that he was prescribed testosterone so that it is not confiscated by authorities when they travel. In your experience, which types of TRT delivery methods (injections, gels, pellets) tend to offer the best outcomes? According to Aziz, the delivery method of TRT is best chosen by both the doctor and the patient based on the patient's lifestyle and symptoms. Currently, testosterone injections are the most popular form of treatment for low testosterone. 'Gels are used daily but can be transferred to sexual partners and children,' Azis warned. 'Injections can be self-injected once to two times a week, or administered by the doctor every ten weeks.' What types of Doctors should oversee online TRT clinics? 'There are plenty of clinics that advertise TRT online,' Aziz noted. 'But, patients should only consider clinics which have physicians that are board-certified and are specialized in endocrinology, urology, and internal medicine with anti-aging training.' This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson's Blueprint Longevity Mix to home gym elliptical machines to Jennifer Aniston's favorite workout platform – often with her adorable one-year old daughter by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette. Looking for a headline-worthy haul? Keep shopping Post Wanted.
