Buffalo doles out for 170 dead employees

BUFFALO, NY - The city of Buffalo has been paying insurance and health premiums for 170 dead employees - more than originally reported.

The Buffalo News reports that a review using a Social Security database revealed 170 dead workers have been receiving health insurance. The original figure identified in an audit last week was 152.

The cash-strapped city paid out more than $2 million for unnecessary premiums.

All but a handful of the deceased individuals have died within the past two years, a time period when the city has had only one insurance provider, Blue Cross Blue Shield.