16 Federal Agencies Made $162 Billion in Improper Payments in 2024: GAO

Multiple federal agencies wasted $162 billion in government funds by making improper payments during fiscal year 2024, with the Medicare program at the top, according to a recent report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). The money was spent by 16 agencies and across 68 programs, the agency said in the March 11 report. “Improper payments—those that shouldn’t have been made or were made in the incorrect amount—have been a government-wide issue for more than 20 years,” GAO said. Five government programs accounted for roughly 75 percent of the improper spending. Medicare topped the list with $54.3 billion. This was followed by Medicaid, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund....