State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli’s auditors prevented more than $3.4 million in workers’ compensation overpayments during calendar year 2010 according to a report released today. DiNapoli’s auditors serve onsite at the Workers Compensation Board and audit payments made out of the five funds used to pay certain workers’ wage compensation and medical claims. During the last four years, the Comptroller’s staff saved the state more than $65 million by preventing board overpayments.
“These payments impact the workers’ compensation rates paid by every business in the state,” DiNapoli said. “The board has made progress over the years to reduce payment errors. But in this economic climate, businesses can’t afford any government mistakes.”
DiNapoli’s office also identified nearly $500,000 in underpayments. The report’s findings are part of DiNapoli’s continuous examination of payment requests processed by the board. During 2010, the Comptroller’s Office approved more than 655,000 payment requests totaling approximately $820 million from the funds.
Board officials agreed with the auditors’ findings and will work to improve the payment process.
The complete report can be found here.