A key component of OIG’s mission is to detect and root out fraud in
Federal health care programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. Fraud
diverts scarce resources meant to pay for the care of patients and other
beneficiaries into the pockets of fraudsters. Not only does fraud
increase costs for vital health and human services, but it also can
potentially harm beneficiaries, including Medicare and Medicaid
patients.
This section details OIG’s efforts to curb fraud, which include:
- Conducting criminal, civil, and administrative investigations of
fraud and misconduct related to HHS programs, operations, and
beneficiaries. - Using state-of-the-art tools and technology in investigations and audits around the country.
- Imposing program exclusions and civil monetary penalties on health
care providers because of criminal conduct such as fraud or other
wrongdoing; - Negotiating global settlements in cases arising under the civil
False Claims Act, developing and monitoring corporate integrity
agreements, and developing compliance program guidance.