New CMS Administration Pledges Commitment to Eliminate Fraud, Waste, and Abuse
Key Points:
- Top priority identified is reducing fraud, waste, and abuse
- GAO reported $100 billion in 2023 in improper payments
- Awaiting confirmation of new DHHS Inspector General
Many in the healthcare sector are still trying to assess how their operations will be impacted by the new administration, which declared reducing fraud, waste, and abuse in federal funding a central policy. The Department of Justice has signaled increased enforcement. Now enters Dr. Mehmet Oz, the newly appointed Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This agency provides health coverage to roughly half of all Americans. During his confirmation hearings, Dr. Oz declared his commitment to improving the health care system and rooting out fraud, waste, and abuse. After assuming office, he reiterated his previous statements. One backdrop to this effort comes from the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which reported that $100 billion in “improper payments” were made across the Medicare and Medicaid programs in 2023. They described these payments as either incorrect in amount or should not have been made at all. As a result, it is likely that there will be a number of auditing initiatives. A lot will depend on the new Inspector General. Thomas March Bell has been nominated for the role and is currently awaiting confirmation. If confirmed, he will be responsible for overseeing audits and investigations.
