Ending Improper Payments to the Deceased: Immediate Savings Through Proven Solutions
The Challenge: Outdated Systems Result in Costly Errors
Each year, outdated government systems and fragmented data-sharing processes result in approximately $2–3 billion in improper payments to deceased individuals, totaling up to $20–30 billion over the next decade. Payments currently processed independently by SSA, IRS, CMS, VA, and OPM rely heavily on outdated technologies and manual verification, causing significant delays and inefficiencies.
This fragmented approach:
Leads to extended delays in stopping improper payments.
Increases vulnerability to fraud and identity theft.
Burdens families with unnecessary bureaucratic processes following the loss of a loved one.
Proven Solution: An Automated, Unified Death Notification System
Implementing an automated, nationwide death notification system will ensure real-time updates across all federal and state benefit programs whenever a death is recorded. Leveraging proven, real-time operational methodologies and extensive federal and state integration experience, this solution is immediately achievable.
Operational Readiness and Proven Results:
Extensive State Integration Experience: Federal contractors with a proven record in seamlessly integrating Medicaid agencies, unemployment offices, and entitlement programs nationwide.
Federal Expertise: Contractors already managing eligibility and payment operations for Medicaid, Medicare, VA, and SSA—demonstrating comprehensive capability to manage the death-reporting processes.
Successful Implementation: States like Illinois have successfully implemented automated verification and fraud prevention systems, saving taxpayers over $200 million annually with a 10-to-1 return on investment.
Immediate Impact: Tangible and Measurable
Adopting an automated death notification system will deliver immediate and measurable taxpayer savings, increase governmental accountability, and prevent identity theft and fraud.
Steps for Immediate Implementation
Rapid implementation can be accomplished through:
Reconciliation Funding: Utilizing the 2025 budget package to enhance interagency data-sharing capabilities.
Executive Action: Directing SSA, IRS, and HHS to prioritize immediate implementation of real-time death notification.
Regulatory Clarifications: Ensuring existing regulatory frameworks explicitly support real-time data exchanges among federal agencies.
Conclusion: Immediate Action Delivers Lasting Savings
Implementing this practical, proven solution aligns directly with fiscal responsibility and governmental efficiency priorities, immediately reducing waste, protecting citizen identities, and ensuring efficient use of taxpayer resources.