HHS-OIG Semiannual Report Reveals $7B in Expected Medicare Recoveries

WASHINGTON—The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Office of Inspector General (OIG) released their fall 2024 semiannual report to congress (SAR), which found more than $7 billion in expected recoveries and receivables from misspent Medicare, Medicaid and other health and human services funds. The report findings were the result of HHS-OIG investigations and audits conducted during fiscal year (FY) 2024.

The report identified more than $4 billion in expected recoveries and receivables for American taxpayers, which resulted from the HHS-OIG investigations and audits that occurred between April 1 and Sept. 30. During the fall SAR reporting period, HHS-OIG made 239 new audit and evaluation recommendations, which aim to encourage positive change in HHS programs. Meanwhile, the report found HHS operating divisions implemented 187 prior recommendations, which led to positive impacts for HHS programs and beneficiaries.

In FY 2024, HHS-OIG reported 1,548 criminal and civil enforcement actions against individuals and entities that were suspected of engaging in crimes targeting HHS programs and the people they serve, including settlements resulting from using OIG’s civil monetary penalty authorities and criminal convictions. Additionally, HHS-OIG excluded 3,234 individuals and entities from participation in federal health care programs.

Additional highlights of the SAR can be found in the full report here.