News: $3.44 billion expected to be recovered thanks to HHS OIG audits in FY 2024
In fiscal year (FY) 2024, United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits and investigations conducted are expected to recover $3.44 billion, as reported in the fall 2023 Semiannual Report to Congress. The report says more than $283 million is expected to be returned based on program audit findings, and $3.16 billion is expected to be returned based on investigative work that occurred between October 1, 2022 and September 30, 2023.
The HHS-OIG reported 707 criminal enforcement actions against individuals and entities suspected of engaging in crimes targeting HHS programs and the people they serve, and 746 civil actions. The agency also excluded 2,112 individuals and entities from participation in federal healthcare programs.
Other highlights from the report include:
- Medicare improperly paid providers for some psychotherapy services, including those provided via telehealth, during the first year of the COVID-19 public health emergency
- CMS did not accurately report on Care Compare one or more deficiencies related to health, fire safety, and emergency preparedness for an estimated two-thirds of nursing homes
- FDA could take stronger enforcement action against tobacco retailers with histories of sales to youth and other violations and supplemental data on tobacco retailer inspections
- Many Medicaid enrollees with opioid use disorder were treated with medication, but disparities present concerns
- The Office of Refugee Resettlement needs to improve its oversight related to the placement and transfer of unaccompanied children
- The OIG created a toolkit providing information on methods to analyze telehealth claims to assess program integrity risks
Editor’s note: To read the OIG announcement on this topic, click here. To access the Semiannual Report to Congress, click here.