Investigation In Puerto Rico
From the
Wall Street Journal:
Federal investigators on Wednesday searched six facilities in Puerto
Rico as part of a broadening probe into potential widespread disability
fraud.
Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Social
Security inspector general’s office, among others, searched five
doctors’ offices and one other location as part of their sweep, a
spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney in Puerto Rico said. The spokeswoman
wouldn’t comment further, saying it was part of a continuing
investigation and that the six search warrants were sealed. ...
In 2006, just 36% of initial applicants in Puerto Rico were awarded
benefits. In December 2010, the award rate had jumped to 69%. By 2010,
nine of the top 10 U.S. ZIP Codes for workers receiving disability
benefits were on the island. ...
The characteristics of Puerto Rico’s beneficiaries differed from other
areas. In addition to the large clusters in certain zip codes, federal
data showed that 33.3% of Puerto Rican beneficiaries qualified because
of “mood disorders,” a rate that is at least 10 percentage points higher
than any U.S. state.
4 comments:
That's crazy!!! I refuse to believe anyone, including medical professionals, would try and collect disability benefits through fraudulent means. We all no there's no fraud in SSA's programs.
I am shocked, shocked, that anyone would find, yet alone suspect, that there is fraud in SSA programs!
Higher award rate could also be due to easier grid rule application - the whole "illiterate/unable to communicate in English" thing...
I'm not sure, but I don't think lack of English proficiency is huge deal IN Puerto Rico. If that is true though, then I give up!
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