Mistakes can add up. Improper payments by the federal government amounted to $115 billion in 2011. That’s down slightly from 2010, but up nearly threefold from the $45 billion lost in 2004.
The increase also comes despite several legislative attempts to clamp down on payments made in error and even get them returned.
Two of the programs most prone to payment error are Medicare and unemployment insurance.
Check out our infographic for more on federal overpayments. See “What Do Others Say?” for more perspective, then add to the discussion below. What is the answer to so much federal waste?
