The least we can do is prevent further waste of taxpayer dollars. Because Obamacare thwarts Uncle Sam’s ability to recover all identified overpayments, HHS should at least be required to check individuals’ eligibility before sending the checks.

We’ve introduced bicameral legislation in Congress that would fix this problem. Our plan would require the independent inspector general to certify that HHS has a system in place to verify eligibility for Obamacare subsidies before the money starts to flow.

The House of Representatives has already passed this bill, the No Subsidies Without Verification Act, with bipartisan support. The Democratic-controlled Senate Appropriations Committee has already unanimously passed legislation affirming its belief that the Obama administration should verify eligibility before giving out taxpayer-funded subsidies.