Brady wants Social Security fraud investigated
US Rep. Kevin Brady
SOCIAL SECURITY COMMISSIONER PROMISES TO INVESTIGATE DISABILITY FRAUD
Rep. Kevin Brady elicits commitment at Congressional Hearing
March 25, 2009
Washington, D.C. – During a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee today, Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX)urged Social Security Commissioner Michael Astrue to detail actions to increase investigations of fraud by those applying for and receiving federal disability funds. In response, Astrue committed to Rep. Brady that he would report back to the Committee with a plan to tackle this growing problem within a month.
“There is far too much fraud in the disability system. It steals from taxpayers and it harms those who are truly disabled", said Brady. "Congress should send a clear signal that we will investigate and prosecute those who are fraudulently applying for disability as well as individuals on disability who are working or whose medical conditions have changed."
Experts estimate as much as $11 billion of fraud exists within the disability system. More than 1.4 million scheduled investigations have been put on hold due to inadequate resources at the federal level, and the backlog is growing. "We need a clear plan of action and I welcome Commissioner Astrue’s commitment to providing us one," Brady added.
By law, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is required to conduct periodic continuing disability reviews (CDR) to evaluate the medical status of individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These reviews are extremely effective, resulting in $10 in savings for every $1 invested. However, the frequency of these reviews has fallen over the last six years and it is estimated that billions of dollars in benefits are now being paid to individuals who are no longer disabled. The severity of this situation was recently detailed in an article in The Oregonian entitled, “Cheaters cost Social Security billions,” which indicated that as much as $11 billion is potentially being paid to individuals who are no longer eligible for SSDI.
“It is simply unacceptable that tens of thousands may be receiving benefits they no longer deserve, costing the taxpayers countless billions,” stated Brady.
During the mid-1990s, the Republican-led Congress appropriated special funds exclusively for CDRs leading to the elimination of the backlog by 2002. However, a lack of funding over the last six years has led to a current backlog of 1.4 million reviews.
Brady, the Senior House Republican on the Joint Economic Commission, serves on the House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Social Security and as the lead Republican on the Trade Subcommittee.
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