Home Care In Stamford, CT

The settlements stem from a larger investigation into fraudulent activity by health care providers, according to officials.

STAMFORD, CT — Two Connecticut dental providers have entered into a civil settlement agreement with the federal and state governments to resolve allegations of violations of the federal and state False Claims Acts, according to an announcement from the United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

The settlements stem from a larger investigation into fraudulent activity by health care providers who submit kickback-tainted claims to the Connecticut Medical Assistance Program (CTMAP) for services rendered to Connecticut Medicaid patients referred by third-party 'patient recruiting' companies, officials said.

State officials say two now-dissolved dental practices in Stamford and New Haven, and their owners, submitted claims to CTMAP, which includes the state’s Medicaid program, for services provided to Medicaid patients who were referred by a third-party patient recruiting company.

According to officials, Dent Plus Family Dentistry, PLLC of Stamford, L&M Family Dentistry, LLC of New Haven, and their owners, Ivan Makar, DDS, and Oleg Losin, DDS, paid a recruiter for each Medicaid patient referred to the practices.

With each submitted claim, officials said the practices and their owners "impliedly certified" that they met all conditions for payment, including that they did not pay kickbacks or violate provisions of the Connecticut Dental Health Partnership provider manual related to the claim.

The CTDHP provider manual, which is an addendum to both the CTMAP provider agreement and the CTMAP provider manual, expressly prohibits per-patient compensation for individuals referred to CMAP providers, officials said.

To resolve the allegations under the federal and state False Claims Acts, Makar and Losin paid $714,446.27 to reimburse the Medicaid program for conduct occurring from Jan. 1, 2019, through Sept. 6, 2020, officials said.

In entering into the civil settlement agreement, the providers and their practices did not admit liability.

People who suspect health care fraud are encouraged to report it by calling 1-800-HHS-TIPS.

Stamford’s transit history is rich and fruitful, yet the world continues to pass by without us looking back.

The first train arrived in Stamford almost two centuries ago and still today we ride these same trains that connect us deeper into New England and New York City. From wealthy businesspeople to blue collar workers, we all share one space in common: transit.

With the most expensive high school in New England history, we have another expensive infrastructure project under planning for our city. The Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan may improve our downtown transit center; but it is not the solution to the problem this city faces.

Like many cities in the U.S., our city has a car dependency problem and unlike many other U.S. cities, Connecticut cities have the potential for the most expansive transit networks in the United States. Our urban planning has been kept mostly intact below the Bulls Head intersection and there is massive potential for us to get back to our times of transit glory.

The Stamford streetcar network was one of the most expansive in all of New England when it started rolling back in 1894. It connected up and down Route 1 to Norwalk and Greenwich, throughout Glenbrook and Springdale, up the historic Bedford Street and past Washington Boulevard. It made our city accessible, not just for the few but for all. Everyone loves to talk about traffic on our streets, but no one wants to talk about the real solution: public transportation.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation and lawmakers in Hartford provide CT Transit with the money to do the bare minimum in our cities. Even with a recent federal grant providing brand new electric buses it hasn’t changed the fact that the frequencies are not often enough, the routes don’t cover every part of our city, there are not enough dedicated busways, there are no orbital connectors, they don’t run late enough, and have loop routes on weekends and evenings.

Hundreds if not thousands of commuters in our city drive right past a bus station every morning on their way to work or the train, perhaps even passing the exact bus that is already going where they are going. These buses are nice, but there has not been enough of a push to make people aware of our transit system and that is not the fault of the residents; it is the fault of our city government and CDOT.

While our city government has made a push to make biking in our city safer, they have forgotten about the one form of transportation that is truly accessible to all: the bus and rail. Since our former Mayor Dannel Malloy was making a push to be the Transportation Secretary during the 2016 Clinton Campaign not one lawmaker has brought up the subject of transportation in any serious capacity. The 2010 planning for streetcar network rebuilding in Stamford and New Haven has been all but forgotten and, in a period where the federal government has been hesitant in its transit spending and the state has been lacking true innovation and out-of-the-box thinking, it must be noted that a time for real change is needed.

While our governor has done an excellent job controlling many issues that our state faced eight years ago, such as the state pension debt, there must be a new push to address the problems we have now as well. Stamford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford will struggle with growth if we do not push for higher spending on transit projects and operations.

People in power must begin to think about a new future for transit in Connecticut or it will be a dark future for our state’s biggest cities and suburbs. The glory days may be behind us although much of the work has already been done to show that it is possible to get more people on transit. Unless the urban planners in Hartford want to have a new push for streetcars or even just an orbital bus system that is not only hub and spoke they will not help enough people, not now, and not ever.

It is time the politicians come to realize that ridership does not indicate your budget like we have seen with the current trickle flow of funding towards Shore Line East , instead to quote a great movie about the American Pastime “If you build it, they will come.”

Isaac Theodore Reicin is a lifelong Stamford resident and undergraduate student at The University of Vermont.

To the Editor:

During the school year, Stamford’s Board of Education (BOE) will make a decision that will shape the lives of every student, teacher, and parent in our city: hiring a new superintendent. This is not just a simple personnel change, it is the single most important leadership decision in our school district. The right choice can help inspire academic growth and strengthen trust in our schools again. The wrong choice could set us back for a generation. As a candidate for Stamford’s Board of Education and a former student in Stamford schools, I want to explain why we must make the right decision and share the qualities I believe our next superintendent must have.

The urgency to fix our schools is clear. Recent data shows Stamford scored 54.3 in math and 57.9 in reading, both well below Connecticut’s averages of 60.2 and 63.9, and far short of the state target of 75. Additionally, 56% of Black and 60% of Hispanic K-3 students scored below literacy benchmarks showing large learning gaps. Also, the state reports that chronic absenteeism in Stamford was at 22.4%, more than four times the state target, along with persistent achievement gaps that continue to leave too many students behind. In recent months, families, teachers, and even some BOE members themselves have raised concerns about poor governance from the superintendent. Parents feel left out of major decisions. Teachers worry their voices aren’t heard. When controversial changes, like the 4×4 schedule in high schools, were rolled out without serious consideration from important stakeholders, it just pushed the trust that was already fragile even further. Too many students, especially those who need the most support, are falling through the cracks. The Stamford Public Schools (SPS) cannot afford to keep repeating the same mistakes that hinder our success for our students.

As we begin the search for our next superintendent, we have a responsibility to choose someone who can restore trust, raise achievement, and unite our school community. This role demands more than managing daily operations, but requires someone with a vision and a proven ability to deliver results for students. For me, I’d also like to see someone who is from the Stamford area so understand our school district, because when a leader has personal ties to their community, they care deeply about the outcomes. I believe the next superintendent must have specific qualities that will put SPS on a path to success that ensures every student has the chance to learn and lead with both integrity and accountability. Here’s what I believe the next superintendent must bring to the table:

The choice of a new superintendent should not be political, it is a practical one that focuses on putting our students at the center of every decision. I know the superintendent position is a challenging job, but we must set the standards high because our schools have been falling short of their potential for years. If elected to the Board of Education, I’ll make sure this search process is open, clear, and shaped by the voices of parents, teachers, and students. The superintendent we decide on will shape the future of Stamford’s schools for the next decade, so it’s important that we set the bar high and stick to it. Let’s choose wisely, our students are counting on us.

—Dennis LoDolce is a Stamford native and candidate for the Board of Education

Lewis Finkel shares with Patch why he should be elected to serve on the Stamford Board of Representatives in District 17.

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Candidate's Name:Lewis Finkel

What office are you seeking? Board of Representatives – District 17

What town do you live in? Stamford

Occupation: Construction Estimator

Family:Married – three grown children who went through the Stamford Public School System

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:I was co-chair of the communications subcommittee for the Stamford 2020 Census

Why are you seeking this office?I am seeking the office to serve my community. With my 60 years of experience in construction, associations, not for profits, etc. I will bring a lot to the table. I have been a volunteer my entire adult life and my skillset will allow me to be a positive force on the Board of Representatives.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:There are a number of issues, but one that can be addressed as a member of the Board of Representatives is the city’s infrastructure. As a construction professional I am uniquely qualified to determine what needs to be done to “fix” the roads and sidewalks in the city. Some of these areas are accidents waiting to happen an example being the sidewalks on Hope Street – all the tripping hazards by the tree wells that do not have trees. With the assistance of the people in my district, I would compile a survey of the most flagrant areas and with the cooperation of the Operations Department address those areas.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?What differentiates me is:• Life Experience• As a senior citizen I have had the honor of holding a number of leadership positions, both in construction and as a volunteer. • While on the National Board of Directors of Alpha Phi Omega, the National Service Fraternity one statement has stayed with me all these years –“Service is the price you pay for the space you occupy”• As president of my condominium for the past 19 years I have guided the finances from near bankruptcy with a lot of deferred maintenance to no deferred maintenance and a very healthy reserve account for capital projects and emergencies. The condominium has a long-range capital plan that will keep the reserve account healthy for at least twenty years.• I have been Chairman of Disaster services for the American Red cross Westchester County Chapter where I assisted residents who had been affected by a fire to being dispatched to national disaster sites in New Jersey and upstate New York.• I have been National President of two professional associations – The American Society of Professional Estimators and the Consulting Estimators Roundtable.• I have had my own business since 1989 providing construction estimates for municipalities, architects, engineers and facility departments in Connecticut and around the country.• I am on the Board of Directors of the Construction Institute and The Stamford League of Women Voters.• I am an educator – I taught construction estimating at Norwalk Community College and Hartford State Technical College for over 10 years and at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) for 11 years.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?Some of the other issues I am concerned about • The city and the Board of Education Budget – They need to be right sized for both the community and the education of the children.• Development – there needs to be reasonable development – not over development and not no development. The development must fit the neighborhood.• Housing – We are short on work force housing that Stamford teachers, police officers, firemen, service workers can afford.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?Some of my past accomplishments are:• I have been in positions of leadership in both my professional and volunteer capacities, which has taught me to be a good listener and to follow up on the issues.• I am detail oriented as a professional construction estimator.• The American Society of Professional Estimators has awarded me Estimator of the Year.• As an educator I was a runner up for Teacher of the year at CCSU.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?Be true to yourself. Do not be a phony.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?• I listen to people’s concerns and respond to them. I communicate.• I have been in charge of national professional organizations. • I have been an educator. • I have been in construction for over 50 years and have run projects, been in charge of purchasing and estimated construction projects that range from thousands of dollars through hundreds of millions of dollars. • I am detail oriented and very focused on results.• As President of my condominium for many years I am keenly aware of the needs of condominium owners and homeowners.

Michael McKeown shares with Patch why he should be elected to serve on the Stamford Board of Representatives in District 7.

STAMFORD, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the city.

Candidate's Name:

Michael McKeown

What office are you seeking? Board of Representatives - District 7

What town do you live in? Stamford

Party Affiliation:Democrat

Occupation: Corporate Attorney

Family:I have a wife and two lovely dogs.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?None.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:I have not held public office though I have served in a representative capacity handling policy issues in my service as Student Body President of my Law School and a member of a subcommittee of the Cambridge, MA Coordinating Council for Children, Youth and Families.

Why are you seeking this office?I am seeking a seat on the Board of Representatives because I feel compelled to be part of the effort to improve Stamford. Specifically, I believe I have a skill set in breaking down complex issues, elevating the voices, and creatively tackling challenges that would be valuable to the Board and the people of Stamford.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:The biggest issue facing Stamford and ALL of its constituents is not ensuring development is done in a responsible way. Development in a city is a positive thing, when it's paired with equal if not greater economic and conscientious investments in our infrastructure. Additionally, this must be also in parallel with establishing protections for our most vulnerable community members. If elected, I pledge to bring the Board and the Mayor's administration together to study the impact of recent development, where our current infrastructure investments and community protections have been focused, and where the same has failed. With that insight, we will have a clear path on what we need to do to address this issue and strengthen Stamford as a whole.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?I'm not sure what our differences are because I haven't met Mr. Battinelli nor heard of any of his platform. All I can share is what my focus is, and how I am best equipped to advocate for a better Stamford for all.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?In addition to what I shared, I plan to (i) prioritize strategic investment in small, locally owned business, and (ii) drastically improve civic engagement with the Board of Reps by improving transparency, de-mystifying its processes, and establish substantially better operating procedures so its members have the training and tools to do their job more efficiently.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?My experience opening a small business in Stamford, being elected Student Body President of my Law School (representing over 1,000 students), working as a corporate attorney, and having participated in advocacy positions before all together have prepared me for being a strong member of the Board of Representatives.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?Never go to bed angry. Great advice in marriage and applicable in all areas of life! It is always possible to take time and approach things from a more objective perspective and in government, in advocacy, that's how we build something great together.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?I'd love for voters to know that no matter who they elect, it's critically important they question their elected representatives. Make them work for you, and most importantly, keep them honest. I'm running because I hope to be that for the people of my district and for all of Stamford. I'm passionate this city has a wealth of untapped potential.