OIG released its Semiannual Report to Congress (the Report) which summarizes the agency’s activities from October 1, 2022, through March 31, 2023 (the Reporting Period). Among other accomplishments, the Report highlights $892.3 million in expected recoveries as a result of HHS-OIG audits and investigations. In the Report, OIG also explains its continued focus on significant and high-risk issues in healthcare, including the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing homes, Medicare and Medicaid integrity, cybersecurity, and prescription drug issues.

In the six-month Reporting Period, OIG reported 345 criminal enforcement actions against individuals and/or entities that engaged in crimes impacting HHS programs. As part of this work, in partnership with federal and state law enforcement partners, OIG pursued individuals exploiting the COVID-19 public health emergency, individuals perpetrating Medicare fraud, and individuals involved with improper prescriptions and distributions, among other areas.

In addition, OIG also reported 324 civil actions, including false claims matters, civil monetary penalty settlements, as well as recoveries in connection with provider self-disclosures. OIG also excluded 1,356 individuals and entities from participation in federal healthcare programs during the Reporting Period.

OIG further noted that it issued 62 new audit reports, made 213 new audit and evaluation recommendations, and HHS operating divisions implemented 253 prior OIG recommendations during the Reporting Period.

The agency explained that it continues to focus on significant and high-risk issues in healthcare. The Report summarized key OIG focus areas including responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies, oversight of nursing homes (where OIG has 26 ongoing audits), promoting integrity in traditional Medicare and managed care, preventing prescription drug misuse and strengthening substance abuse care, ensuring HHS programs are administered efficiently, safeguarding Medicaid program integrity, reducing prescription drug spending, ensuring health and safety of vulnerable populations, and cybersecurity protection. OIG also highlighted its coordination with other agency partners, including highlighting a multi-State, coordinated law enforcement action to apprehend individuals engaged in a scheme to sell more than 7,600 false and fraudulent nursing degree diplomas and transcripts.

In a letter included with the Report, Inspector General Christi Grimm also noted that OIG turns down 300 to 400 viable criminal and civil health care fraud cases each year due to lack of resources, and states that additional resources would help OIG keep pace with threats to HHS programs.

The Report is available here, and the OIG website is available here.