Posted on 01/19/2014 12:27:13 PM PST by John Semmens
The Office of Management and Budget reported that in fiscal 2012 the federal government improperly spent over $100 billion. Without delving into the issue of whether given programs are wise or warranted, the fact remains that the government is cutting checks to individuals and organizations that are not entitled to the money even under the dubious provisions of poorly crafted legislation and idiotic regulations.
Spending by the Department of Health and Human Services accounted for nearly $60 billion of the improper payments. This included welfare payments to those not entitled to receive them and disbursements for medical treatments not performed.
Secretary Kathleen Sebelius insisted that “the attention being paid to this issue is disproportionate to its actual importance. In the context of a $3.5 trillion budget, the $60 billion we lost is less than 2%. On top of this, who is to say that a person not legally entitled to welfare benefits doesn’t really deserve these payments? Maybe our criteria are too strict. Maybe these ‘improper payments’ are saving people from destitution.”
“When you’re running an operation as big as the federal government you’ve got to expect some money to fall through the cracks,” Sebelius said. “I take encouragement from the fact that 98% of the money is going to where it is legally intended.”
if you missed any of this week's other semi-news/semi-satire posts you can find them at...
http://azconservative.org/2014/01/17/doj-refuses-to-press-charges-for-irs-abuses/
It’s obvious. Put ‘em in charge of health care.
well as long as the federales insist on sending out thousands of cheques to people who’ve not earned them, ... the feds can send all the cheques to ME.... I will only cash half of them! (I will return the other half to the US Treasury... the taxpayers will think they’re getting a great deal!!!)
problem solved.
next?
but Pelosi said the budgfet was “cut to the bone” thanks to sequester!
After all, they cut a whole 0.083% of the projected growth~!!!
The answer is so simple, let ryan make another intervertent mistake and get more money frim the vets. He’ll then promise to correct it later, and we all know how that will work out seeing that it was a lie from the beginning.
on top of this, who is to say that a person not legally entitled to welfare benefits doesn’t really deserve these payments? Maybe our criteria are too strict. Maybe these ‘improper payments’ are saving people from destitution.”
I have to file this bizarre statement if I am ever accused of MediCare fraud.
Can’t at least a part of this “waste” be attributed to deliberate earmark payback spending hidden in legislation?
obvious satire - if this were the truth the number would be much higher
this is not satire
MEDICARE and MEDICAID waste and fraud - over $50 Billion
in one year
http://www.forbes.com/sites/merrillmatthews/2012/05/31/medicare-and-medicaid-fraud-is-costing-taxpayers-billions/2/
I read a report about over $100 billion fraudulent SS payments in 2012 alone. Tried to go find it, but surprise- the web is scrubbed
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