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OIG Says Anti-Fraud Efforts Saved the Government $17 Billion
WASHINGTON--The Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General estimates that it saved the government nearly $17 billion with its anti-fraud activities during the first half of FY 2005.
According to the OIG's Semiannual Report to Congress, from Oct. 1, 2004, through March 31, the savings and expected recoveries include $15.6 billion in implemented recommendations and other actions to put funds to better use, $266 million in audit receivables and $1.1 billion in investigative receivables.
During this period, 1,695 individuals and entities were excluded from participating in Medicare, Medicaid and other federally sponsored health programs. Additionally, 258 criminal actions and 105 civil actions were taken.
The June 13 report cited a number of DME-related examples in the government's efforts to combat fraud and abuse, including:
The OIG also noted that its recommendations to reduce Medicare payments for oxygen--as outlined in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997--saved the government $900 million, and its recommendation to reduce what it called "inherently unreasonable" payments for enteral and parenteral nutrition, equipment and supplies, saved $500 million.
Other suggestions by the OIG still in the works include educating beneficiaries on ways to reduce financial liability for DME and tightening required documentation for blood glucose test strips.
The report is posted on the OIG Web site, available by clicking here.
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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.
