OIG Semiannual Report to Congress Over $5 Billion Recovered

In its Semiannual Report to Congress, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) announced 2011 exclusions of 2,662 individuals and entities from participation in federal health care programs, and expected recoveries of approximately $5.2 billion in audit and investigative receivables. The OIG also reported 723 criminal actions against individuals or entities that engaged in crimes against U.S. Department of Health & Human Services programs and 382 civil actions, which included false claims and unjust-enrichment lawsuits filed in federal district court, civil monetary penalties settlements, and administrative recoveries related to provider self-disclosure matters. The Semiannual Report to Congress keeps the HHS secretary and Congress up-to-date about OIG’s most significant findings, recommendations, and activities for specific six-month periods. Historically, approximately 80 percent of OIG’s resources are directed toward Medicare and Medicaid.