COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Fraud

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
Healthcare took center stage during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the five years since, the industry has experienced change and innovation. Federal law enforcement's hands are tied now that the statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud in COVID-era unemployment programs has expired.

Key Points

  • As much as $135 billion in pandemic unemployment insurance programs lost to fraud
  • Only $5 billion, or less than 4%, recovered
  • Challenges in prosecuting due to loopholes in the system

Pros

  • Efforts to recover lost taxpayer dollars
  • Calls for extending statute of limitations for prosecuting fraud

Cons

  • Significant amount of taxpayer money lost to fraud
  • Challenges in prosecuting fraud due to expired statute of limitations