Last week OIG released its semiannual report to Congress, which details the results of OIG’s operations for the first half of the 2017 federal fiscal year. Healthcare fraud recoveries by OIG totaled $2.04 billion during the period of October 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017, a decline of roughly $730 million from the $2.77 billion reported during the same period of the preceding year. The report also details certain priority areas where OIG has focused its enforcement efforts.
OIG highlighted the following priority areas:
-
Prescription Drug Abuse. OIG emphasized its commitment to pursuing providers who knowingly engage in drug diversion.
-
Home Health Services. OIG is increasing its enforcement efforts against alleged improper payments in non-institutional settings, including Medicare home health services and personal care services.
-
Grant Programs. OIG specifically highlighted its efforts with respect to program integrity for the Head Start program and the Child Care and Development Fund program.
-
State Medicaid Fraud Control Units. During the reporting period OIG partnered with State Medicaid Fraud Control Units on 714 criminal investigations.
Please click here for a copy of the OIG report.
