An audit shows the city of Buffalo has paid nearly $2 million for health insurance for 152 deceased employees.
The audit released Thursday also uncovered double payments for health insurance for as many as 250 employees, resulting in a $526,309 overpayment.
Comptroller Andrew SanFilippo says most of the workers died during the past three fiscal years, but at least one died 12 years ago.
He says the problem could have been avoided if the Human Resource Department had followed a January directive from Mayor Byron Brown to subscribe to the Social Security Death Index, which allows employers to identify deceased workers.
Brown told city officials again on Friday to subscribe to the service.
He says the city will try to recoup the improperly paid premiums, but isn't sure that will be possible.
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Information from The Buffalo News: www.buffalonews.com
