The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) has released their Fiscal Year 2017 HHS OIG Work Plan. The OIG seeks to identify opportunities to improve various HHS programs and also holds those who do not meet requirements or violate federal laws accountable. Their work encompasses numerous programs administered by a variety of agencies within HHS, including the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug Administration, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This Work Plan describes both ongoing and new reviews and activities that the office intends to pursue.
This Work Plan outlines a variety of topics that the OIG will consider in the coming year. All parts of Medicare have elements that will be reviewed by the OIG. Through the selected areas, the OIG aims to provide data and information on the cost, quality, and delivery of Medicare systems. The Work Plan notes that future planning efforts will include additional oversight of hospice care, oversight of skilled nursing facilities’ (SNF) compliance with patient admission requirements, and evaluation of CMS’ Fraud Prevention System. Selected reviews relating to Medicare are entitled:
- “Medicare Part D Rebates Related to Drugs Dispensed by 340B Pharmacies,”
- “Skilled Nursing Facility Reimbursement,”
- “Access to Durable Medical Equipment in Competitive Bidding Areas,” and
- “Potential Savings from Inflation-Based Rebates in Medicare Part B.”
In addition, OIG has identified areas relating to the Health Insurance Marketplaces for review. Programs from other HHS agencies will also be reviewed. These agencies include the FDA, Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and others. Topics vary and include opioid treatment programs, hospital reliance on drug compounding facilities, and community health centers’ compliance with grant requirements from the Affordable Care Act.
The plan is updated throughout the year and notes canceled or new items that have been started or planned since April 2016. If you have any questions about the Office of the Inspector General or any other areas of health policy, we are happy to help. Please contact us at 202-558-5272 or jscott@appliedpolicy.com.