Healthcare Charity Faces Indictment

In New York, Soundview Health Center (a chain of health clinics) is a nonprofit health care facility that was founded by former Democratic Senator, Pedro Espada Jr., in the 1970s. Currently, this nonprofit institution treats over 20,000 patients, who are underprivileged and resides in one of the most poorest county in the U.S. The health institution also employs over 200 medical staff workers.

Espada is a former New York senator

However, Espada is a former New York senator who has been indicted last December for allegedly using his network of nonprofit healthcare clinics to embezzle funds from the Medicaid program, as well as other government funds. This fall, the former senator will face a federal trial on charges that he stole millions from Medicaid. Last year, Cuomo, who was then-Attorney General, filed a civil lawsuit against Espada for using his nonprofit health clinics for exorbitant items and services, such as luxury cars and $20,000 of sushi.

Banned from receiving Medicaid funds

At the moment, Espada is now banned from receiving Medicaid funds, but he and his son, Pedro Espada, are still managing the health clinics even though they are officially excluded from Medicaid. Also, his nonprofit healthcare charity still receives approximately $10 million from the federal health care program. However, after a month-long investigation, the Medicaid inspector general have uncovered recurring violations of federal law.

Soundview’s medical patients

At the present time, Soundview Health Center facility is scheduled to lose its Medicaid permit, and according to sources, actions to shut down the nonprofit healthcare clinics will start as soon as this week. As for the underprivileged patients, the Department of Health and Human Services would provide other alternatives or healthcare clinics for Soundview’s medical patients.