Improper Payments: Information on Agencies’ Fiscal Year 2024 Estimates

Improper payments remain a critical challenge for federal agencies, with an estimated $162 billion in improper payments reported for fiscal year 2024. While this marks a $74 billion decrease from the previous year, largely due to the phase-out of COVID-19 relief programs, these estimates still represent only a fraction of the total issue. Overpayments made up the bulk of these improper payments, highlighting weaknesses in payment integrity across various programs, including Medicare, Medicaid, and tax credits. Addressing these issues requires stronger compliance, improved risk assessments, and enhanced oversight to safeguard public funds effectively.