GAO says recommendations for increased revenues or reduced spending ranges could amount to $106 billion - $208 billion. Image: Savvapanf Photo/Shutterstock.com
The GAO has said that federal agencies are missing out on potential savings of more than $200 billion as nearly 5,500 of its recommendations remain pending.
GAO noted that while many of its recommendations are geared toward improving national security, public health and safety, and efficiency of government programs, its estimate for those related to increased revenues or reduced spending ranges from $106 billion to $208 billion.
Those recommendations touch on both matters that would require a change in law and those that are within an agency’s own discretion, GAO said, adding that traditionally about three-fourths of the roughly 1,200 recommendations it makes annually ultimately are carried out. It estimated more than $800 billion in savings from recommendations implemented since 2001.
It highlighted pending recommendations including: having Congress direct HHS to equalize payment rates between settings for evaluation and management office visits and other services in the Medicare program; having the IRS address risks for COVID-19 employer tax credits and take action to recapture ineligible claims; having Education verify income information for borrowers reporting zero income on income driven repayment applications; and establishing a permanent analytics center of excellence for identifying improper payments and fraud.
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