Medicaid-funded home health workers reach $162 million wage theft settlement against New York program administrator
New York's Medicaid program settles $162M wage theft case with home health workers, awarding average $680 per worker.Summary
A $162 million settlement was approved by a New York magistrate judge for Medicaid-funded home health workers who alleged wage theft by PPL, the state's new program administrator. The settlement includes $157.5 million in monetary payments and $4.5 million in a reserve fund, with $40.5 million for general wage-and-hour claims, $92 million for unpaid paid time off (PTO), and $25 million to replace a preventative care program with a retirement account. Workers reported issues like delayed payments, overtime violations, and flawed timekeeping systems under PPL's management. While the settlement resolves past claims, PPL's proposed mandatory arbitration for future disputes raised concerns among plaintiffs' attorneys, who warned it could lead to further legal complications. The agreement benefits 200,000 home aides across New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, with payments averaging $680 per worker. Valerie Joseph, a beneficiary, emphasized the critical role of home aides in her daily life.
(Source：AM New York)