A disturbing investigation has unveiled a shocking reality in the heart of New York City: the vibrant immigrant hub of Flushing may very well be the nation's medical fraud capital. An egregious waste of taxpayer dollars, a concentrated cluster of 77 Social Adult Daycares (SADCs) within just a one-mile radius is reportedly siphoning over $100 million annually from Medicaid. This alarming figure represents a staggering 14 percent of all SADC spending across the entire state, raising serious questions about oversight and accountability.
The Post's recent probe into these private businesses, which collectively claimed between $20 million and $40 million from Medicaid over the past six years, paints a stark picture of dereliction. Many storefronts were found shuttered, while those few that were open revealed rows of empty rooms, devoid of a single patient – a damning contrast to the millions they billed.
At Livingwell Day Care on Northern Boulevard, for instance, dim lights illuminated a mess hall filled with unoccupied tables. No seniors were present, yet federal data indicates Livingwell billed Medicaid $27 million from 2018-2024, ostensibly serving over 26,500 patients. When confronted, a man at the front desk aggressively refused to answer questions, chasing reporters and cameramen out and threatening to call the police. This facility, like others mentioned, has not been officially implicated in crimes, but the behavior is certainly telling.
A similar scene unfolded at Bao Kang Adult Day Care on Blossom Avenue. A care worker, identifying herself only as Wendy, claimed to serve 'one or two hundred patients a day.' However, she feigned ignorance when asked about the $32 million billed to Medicaid for 43,900 unique patients during the same period. Wendy quickly denied a tour, and a security monitor at her desk confirmed what was suspected: every common area displayed on the screen was empty.
This isn't an isolated incident but part of a pattern of abuse. Following The Post's initial exposé on SADC fraud in January and a subsequent federal bust in February that saw two men charged with defrauding Medicaid of $120 million through their own SADCs, these facilities are now on high alert. Entrances are locked during business hours, and windows are suspiciously covered with perforated vinyl wrap, as if to obscure the truth from public view.
Other facilities show similar red flags. Merry Adult Day Care on 35th Avenue billed $25 million from 31,500 patients. Kang Hua on Main Street claimed $22 million for 25,800 patients. Greater New York Social and Health on Maple Avenue sought $28 million for 32,500 patients. Evergreen Adult Day Care on Roosevelt Avenue took in $32 million for 57,500 patients, and Sunrise Senior Service billed an astounding $45 million for 56,800 patients. While none of these specific facilities have been formally charged with fraudulent behavior, the sheer scale of the billing contrasted with the observed emptiness begs for a thorough investigation.
Insiders who work in the area confirm the grim reality: corruption and kickbacks are disturbingly considered the norm. This alleged widespread exploitation of a crucial healthcare program for the elderly represents a betrayal of public trust and a scandalous abuse of taxpayer funds. It's a stark reminder that while hardworking Americans struggle, shadowy schemes continue to flourish, often under the noses of those tasked with oversight. The people deserve accountability, and this systematic draining of Medicaid must be brought to an immediate halt.
