The OIG has issued its Spring 2016 Semiannual Report to Congress, which describes significant enforcement and investigative activities relating to HHS programs during the first half of FY 2016 (October 1, 2015 – March 31, 2016). The OIG reports expected recoveries of more than $2.77 billion ($554.7 million in audit receivables and about $2.22 billion in investigative receivables) during this period, include about $336.6 million in non HHS investigative receivables (such as those related to states' shares of Medicaid restitution). The also OIG reported 428 criminal actions against individuals or entities that engaged in crimes against HHS programs and 383 civil actions, such as false claims and unjust-enrichment lawsuits filed in federal district court, civil monetary penalties (CMP) settlements, and administrative recoveries related to provider self-disclosure matters. Notably, OIG observes that its CMP recoveries have increased almost five-fold over the last three years. In addition, the OIG excluded 1,662 individuals and entities from participation in federal health care programs during this period. The report also provides examples of OIG enforcement actions, including Medicare Strike Force activities, settlement agreements, and audit reports issued during the period.
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