MTA Financial Outlook Stable but Gaps Loom as Costs Rise
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) near-term financial outlook remains stable, but that could change in the coming years, according to Comptroller DiNapoli’s annual report on the authority’s finances. Outyear budget gaps fueled by rising costs require the MTA to find long-term strategies to further control non-discretionary costs while continuing to build ridership, hit its savings targets, and negotiate a new labor contract. New Yorkers need a strong MTA to keep our economy running well.
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Comptroller DiNapoli Partners with Law Enforcement to Fight Medicaid Fraud
Comptroller DiNapoli’s office partners with federal, state and local law enforcement to investigate suspected Medicaid fraud and protect funding for New Yorkers who depend on the program. This week, his office was part of the multi-agency operation focused on Medicaid fraud in social adult daycare centers as well as part of two arrests with the Richmond County District Attorney's office.
Over the last 18 months, his work with law enforcement partners has resulted in 58 arrests and nearly $50 million in restitution related to Medicaid fraud. The State Comptroller’s Medicaid audits identified approximately $35.4 billion in overpayments, questionable payments and other actual or potential savings since 2007.
A February audit, which the FBI credits for this week's law enforcement efforts, found weaknesses in the Department of Health’s oversight of social adult day care programs, including questionable Medicaid payments, claims without documentation showing services were provided and building issues that could put seniors’ safety at risk. Comptroller DiNapoli called for stronger monitoring, better recordkeeping and a review of questionable payments for possible recovery.
Comptroller DiNapoli’s office worked with law enforcement on a separate case involving an alleged $120 million Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme. Federal authorities announced the arrest of two Queens men in February on charges involving kickbacks, bribes and claims for services never provided.
This work demonstrates how the State Comptroller’s auditors and investigators help identify suspected fraud and support efforts to hold those responsible accountable.
Saratoga County Medicaid Transportation Provider Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Over $700,000
The owner of a Saratoga County Medicaid Transportation Company was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $700,000 from the state Medicaid program over a four-year period, Comptroller DiNapoli, Saratoga County District Attorney Brett R. Eby, Saratoga County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Brown, and Acting Medicaid Inspector General Frank T. Walsh Jr. announced. The defendant was charged with two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and one count of Prohibited Practices.
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SUNY Improves Oversight of Student Support Program
A follow-up report by Comptroller DiNapoli found that SUNY implemented both recommendations from an audit of its Educational Opportunity Program, which provides access, support and financial aid to disadvantaged students. SUNY strengthened its oversight to help ensure program funds were spent appropriately and campuses kept records showing students received counseling services.
More Work Needed on Dam Safety Oversight
A follow-up report by Comptroller DiNapoli found that the Department of Environmental Conservation made progress but has more work to do to strengthen oversight of approximately 6,500 dams statewide. The office’s February 2025 audit recommended stronger enforcement of dam safety requirements, completing condition ratings and improving the timeliness of inspections and inspection reports. DEC partially implemented that recommendation, which aims to help protect lives and property from flooding and dam failures.
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ALSO IN THE NEWS
- FBI Raids NYC Adult Day Cares in Medicaid Fraud Probe
- New York's MTA Must Curb Spending, Says State Comptroller
- State tax receipts significantly higher than projection through mid-year
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