The HHS OIG recently released its Semiannual Report to Congress, covering the period of October 1, 2022, through March 31, 2023. In the report, OIG provides highlights of reports issued, expected recoveries, criminal and civil actions, and other data points including audits, evaluations, and enforcement activities during the period, highlighting that OIG:
- Issued 62 audit reports, 19 evaluation reports and 213 new audit and evaluation recommendations. Additionally, OIG’s audits identified $200.1 million in expected recoveries and $277.2 million in questioned costs, i.e., costs scrutinized by OIG because of an alleged violation, inadequate documentation to support costs, or spending for purposes that were unnecessary or unreasonable.
- Continued collaborative efforts with law enforcement agencies at detecting, investigating, and prosecuting fraud, including $892.3 million in expected recovery as well as 345 criminal actions during the period.
- Remains focused on continued stewardship of Medicare and Medicaid funds as costs and enrollment continue to deplete current funds. The report referenced that assets in the Part A trust fund will be depleted by 2033 and that Medicaid had an enrollment of nearly 93 million individuals as of December 2022.
The report also covers OIG’s ongoing focus on prescription drug abuse and misuse, as well as departmental cost-saving initiatives. The report highlights the financial concerns of the Inspector General, who provides in her opening letter that currently the OIG has roughly 22 cents to oversee every $100 of HHS spending. The Inspector General indicates that funds allocated to OIG in the FY 2024 President’s Budget would “substantially help address this shortfall.”